I never thought that convocation would arrive this early. It was a day like no other. It must have been an important day for others too; I see that my friends have already begun uploading their new photos to their friendster profile. Some have even blogged their side of story regarding this one-in-a-life-time event. I too, have my own account of the day. My story follows, but first, I would like to pay tribute to the people who have shared their portion of life with mine, especially to the people whom I have gained perpetual inspiration when times were rough and hard ….

To my parents, Wasilah Sabron and Mohd Ezani Mat Hassan …

… To whom no words can describe their deeds. Thank you for everything – your love, your support, and your admirable words are all worthwhile mentioning. I love you so much!

To my grandparents, Sabron Taib & Rehanah Nordin, and Mat Hassan Mat Awang & Badariah Mat Isa, and my great grandfather, Mat Awang Mat Senik …

… Old-aged but wise. I am lucky to have you around. Thank you Tok, Opah, Tok Ayah, nd I see. I always pray to follow your footsteps.

To the SRC Highlights newsletter crew, Amrah Abdul Majid, Siti Asma’ Abdul Ghani, Mohd Fadli Zakaria (Bawang), Nik Khairul Nik Rasdee, Shakirah Ismail, Siti Ezrina Alias, Humaira Raslie, Amira Hariyati Ruzaidi, Nor Azian (Mentor Ulung), Khadijah Azman, Siti Hasnah Hamzah, Siti Maizatul Salamin, Zainatul Iknal Mohd Fadhli, and Aizudin …

… I am very fortunate to have you all as part of the team. You have shown great loyalty and commitment. Thank you in return and I pray that the best will unfold for you guys in this world and in the hereafter.

To the guys who initiated SRC Highlights and its design, Nazreen Abdullasim, Herman Abd Samat, Mohd Azril Jamaluddin, Mohd Fadhil Firdzaus, and Zul Azeze Sahri …

… And I thought I was alone. Thank you all for the tremendous effort you’ve put during those days. I am very grateful.

To Muhamad Hanif Maidin and Mohd Nur Iman Ruslan …

… Just when I thought all hope was lost in getting help for SRC, you both turned up. Of all the numbers I SMSed, the least people I had expected to turn up came. I can’t tell you both how much relieved I felt. Only Allah can repay you … thank you!

To Muhammad Safwan Abd Rahim …

… Your unique style of ‘teaching’ others is one that I will always remember. Thank you for helping me and the others out during those difficult times. You always do have something up your sleeves … somehow … hehe, thanks again.

To Mohd Sidek abdul Karim and Najma @ Thinzar Oo …

… Yes, you’re both right … hardwork is the true essence of success. You’ve proven that to me. And though I have accepted this truth, I cannot deny the fact that I still lack such attribute. Thank you for your piece of mind and advice; they were always useful. You both remind me of Ravenclaw’s slogan in Harry Potter: “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure”. Keep on the good work, guys!

To the BCS flower gurls, Ainen Salwa Ahmad Faizul, Farhana Mohd Fadzil, Intan Suhana Hasan, Nooruldiyanah Yusof, Nor Filzah Che Rahim, Nor Khafifah Jalany, Nurul Husna Mahadzir, Salmiza Saul Hamid, and Yusnida Ismail …. (no, I didn’t miss out Wan. She’s in the next few lines) …

… Thanks for showing an outstanding amount of courage to withstand every hurdle while you were pursuing BCS. It is certainly something you should be proud of as a Muslimah! Take care and be a good girl!

To the guys whom we have left behind, Mohd Zaidi Sulaiman and Ahmad Zulhilmi Assanah …

… Zaidi, I’m sorry to hear about your mum, but I hope that it will not deter you from building up another wave of momentum to keep going. As for you Zul, you’d have to learn to control that laughing habit of yours …. I’d want answers next time, not a laugh … hehe.

To Muhammad Zukhairi Salehuddin …

… Well, well, well … kecil-kecil cili padi rupanya! I knew you’d be up some day as a student leader; and now, you’re the president of SRC! I thank you in return for allowing me to seek refuge in your room every now and then. If there’s one thing that I like to learn from you is your way of being agile and prompt in thinking plus speaking!

To my FYP partner, Ahmad Naufal Jamri …

… Long live Coda!! There were times when I felt guilty to leave you alone with the project. And though I have contributed, I would not have been able to accomplish it on my own. You’ve also been a wonderful room mate; perhaps the most entertaining part is when I see you and Zaidi chasing each other like cats and dogs! Thank you for sharing your jokes … I’ll remember ‘akula & akila’ very well …

To my fiancée, Wan Zuriati Wan Sulaiman …

… There’ll be plenty for me to thank for when we are finally one as husband and wife. For the time being, only time will tell … hopefully, very fast

Finally, to my close companion, Mohd Aizat Yaacob …

… You are not and never a ‘back-bencher’. I’ve admired your nerve and the extent that you’re willing to go through. I’m both proud and honoured to have you as a friend. You say that I am kind, but I feel that I have burdened you too much. Thank you, Aizat, for accompanying me and giving me the guts to move forward. I still remember the time you brought me diving into the most shallow part of Saiyidina Hamzah swimming pool … kehehe … and I was afraid wasn’t I? I guess words are too scarce to describe how much I appreciate your presence and company. We’ve spared a delightful moment of friendship! And they say that the best of friends will always depart … I guess that that the time has come to justify this. I am very sad. Well then, Aizat d’ Temmon, there is no stopping it, right friend? … Until we meet again, my friend

To the people whom I have not addressed explicitly …

… I have not forgotten you. I’ve learnt that this life is not life without you. Throughout my days, there were others who co-existed along my life line; the bus and van drivers, friends, the cleaners, the admin staff, the Pak guard, and many more. Thank you … for whatever it is that you have done. It might seem injustice not to address you, but you are always addressed as ‘others’ in many speeches of appreciation … almost every time. Your role may seem less vital but it is not, and you are always remembered. Therefore, you should be proud of yourselves, you have been addressed by many people around the world, past and present!

Early Morning (Before Subh) – 26th August 2007

At around 3 o’clock in the morning, I woke up. Having had an exhausting day yesterday, I had gone to sleep right after ‘isya. Now that I was awake, I couldn’t sleep anymore. With every minute ticking its way to the convocation ceremony, my heart rate increased. I couldn’t tell whether it was just the excitement or my nerve going out of control. Somehow I felt very nervous … ‘why?’, I asked myself. The speech! Of course! I had barely given it some practice; all this week, I’ve been too busy with training and now is my last chance. I clumsily searched for the parchment of paper that contained my speech and started right away … being very quite so as to avoid the whole house hearing me.

I gave the speech just one or two tries. Then, I heard some noise; my mum must be up already. I went to open my bedroom door and got hold of this sight:

… an envelope suspended mid-way! On the envelope was written in bold blue pen: “MUHAMMAD FAHEEM – WE LUV U!”. Inside, I read:

Faheem,
Continue your struggle to better yourselves mentally and spiritually. And also continue showing a good example to your brother and sisters. We are proud of you.
-Ummi-

Semoga terus berjaya di dunia dan mendapat kebahagiaan di akhirat.
-Ayah-

Semoga bagi Aqeelah gula banyak2 (gula-gula) dengan ais krim selepas kahwin ….. he ….. he ….. he ….. lagi … McDonald … sebab mahim dapat gaji akhir bulan … Always keep smiling!!
-Aqeelah and Nad Nad-

[Ceh! Memang dasar 'prawn behind stone' la budak-budak nih ...]

Congratulations ….
-Farhan-

Anyway, thank you Ummi, Ayah, Farhan, Nadiah and Aqeelah. You guys always light up my days …

Soon after, I had my shower and got dressed up in my new baju melayu. Then, at 5.40am, the whole family departed to IIUM.

6:15am

By the time we had arrived, the Subh prayer at SHAS Mosque was already half way through the first raka’at. We prayed first then had some breakfast at HS cafe (the place where BENL and HS students usually linger around).

Breakfast with my family at HS Cafe.

After breakfast, we waited in the car for a while since it was still early. When it was time, we went straight to CAC.

Well, then, let’s get to the point shall we? Prior to the ceremony, everyone had to line up outside the hall. It was quite a while before they permitted us to enter. The flow of the ceremony started with the procession entering the hall. This was followed by the national anthem Negaraku. The President of IIUM, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sanusi Junid then declared the 3rd session of the 23rd IIUM Convocation to be opened. The hall then listened to the recitation of Surah Al-Alaq. Next, speeches were given by the Honourable Rector and President. Once their speeches ended, the presentation of Degrees followed. KICT graduands were the first to go before those of AIKOL … Since I was second in line, I could think of nothing else but figure out when to bow and take the scroll; it felt awkward when I did it. The following video presents recipients of Degrees from KICT … congratulations guys!!

Presentation of Degrees for Graduands of KICT

 

When I got my scroll, only then did I realise that one lecturer was not able to be there for us … Mdm.Norsaremah Salleh. I felt really bad because I could have told her to watch us via webcast. I’m really sorry madam, but I hope this video can compensate that. Well, madam, at least you can rest now that we have graduated Thank you for the support and hardwork that you’ve done for us. We appreciate that very much.

The announcement of academic award winners followed, which was then proceeded with the valedictory speech by me. I must admit that I had a wee bit of stage-fright at first. Hehe, anyway, here goes:

Presentation of Academic Award Winners &
Valedictorian Speech

 

That was the end