One event that has happened in my life that I can't forget is my sign-out day. This day is my sweetest day ever, even though it came with mix feeling.
We all know that sign-out day is more than just the end of final exams, it is a symbol of triumph, freedom, and transition. It is the moment when final-year students officially close the chapter of academic life and step into the uncertainty and excitement of the real world. And this is where my other feeling that wasn't joyful came in.
For years, I had watched others celebrate this milestone, dreaming of the day it would finally be my turn. And when that day finally came, it was even more unforgettable than I had imagined. I prepared very well for it. You know something you have been waiting for all your life, and it eventually comes through? That feelings of sheer Joy and good preparation, is what happened.
One of the most striking traditions is the T-shirt signing. I didn't stand back to watch this happen. I bought a crisp white top and a Jean trousers with a pay of canvas. I wore it to school, carrying my permanent markers, ready to have people sign on me. I roamed the campus as friends, classmates, and even strangers scribbled heartfelt messages, inside jokes, and prayers and nicknames across my clothes. By the end of the day, my shirt was no longer just a piece of clothing—it had become a cherished souvenir, proof that despite all odds, I had made it to the finish line.
That day, the campus buzzed with full energy. Laughter echoed from every corner as students danced, sang, and posed for countless photos. Videos were shot from every angle, capturing the raw emotion of the day. My own family surprised me, my mother showed up with a beautifully decorated balloon,
I could see other people's siblings brought drinks and gifts. Overwhelmed with joy, I hugged her tightly, feeling an indescribable mix of gratitude and accomplishment.
Nearby, I watched as another student kissed her mother in sheer excitement after receiving a surprise gift. That small moment melted my heart. It wasn’t just about the presents, it was the love, the recognition, and the unspoken "Well done" that made the day so special.
Later, my classmates and I gathered in one spot, arms around each other, smiling as cameras clicked non-stop. We had spent years together, through late-night study sessions, stressful exams, and endless group projects. Now, we were standing at the end of it all, trying to soak in every last moment. Departments hosted mini-parties, celebrating our resilience and hard-earned success.
But behind the loud cheers and laughter, there was a quiet sadness. My hearts wrestled with the weight of goodbye, uncertain future, and the closing of a beautiful chapter. I looked around at the faces I had grown so familiar with and wondered when or if we would all be together again.
Despite the emotions, that sign-out day remained a celebration. A joyful farewell to sleepless nights, rushed assignments, and tough lectures. A triumphant declaration that we had survived. As I walked across campus one last time as a student, I felt a deep sense of pride not just for myself, but for everyone who had made it to this day.
It was truly the sweetest day, for me. And as I stepped out of the university gates, I carried not just signed T-shirts and photographs, but memories, lessons, and friendships that would last a lifetime.
I invite @tigrace , @nsigo1 to share their experiences with us.
Thanks for reading
@ritaetim