It was suppose to be this big momentous day. We got up with the sun, dressed our very best, sat in a hall and waited for my name to be called. Then my name was called, I walked across the stage, received my piece of paper and it was over. Five years of work was reflected in thirty seconds of acknowledgement. That was it. Why did I have such big expectations for this one day? Was it because I learned everything I was suppose to learn? Not at all.
I could tell you a bit about Kellers brand equity model, consumer dissonance and something about flying geese, it's a economics model I swear. But the truth of the matter is I didn't learn anything. At least what was expected.
Instead, in the five years I learned how far I could push my mind and body, how little I could eat and how little i could sleep. I learned perseverance and not giving up. I learned not everything in life is easy, not everything in life you're going to like doing but to push through is the essence of being. To challenge ourselves and to overcome challenges despite preconceived thoughts of the outcome is what got humanity here today. We would probably cease to exist otherwise. Too often do we give up because we think know what is going to happen, we think continuing would be a waste of time. But the thing is you never know what possibilities could exist if you just pushed that little bit further. I learned to always to put everything that I have into something and I learned the value of time. Whilst time is limitless 'our' time is not, bounded by our biological clocks. I never want to waste time or live life with any regret.
So I guess to say I didn't learn anything during my time at university would be a lie. I learned a lot of things. Unexpected things, good things that have changed the person I am today. And for the better I think. People always ask why did you do your degree if I didn't like it or why did I do it if I wasn't passionate about it? I did it because it helped me grow, it helped be learn things about myself I didn't know. I met amazing people and did things I know I wouldn't have had the chance to do or just wouldn't have been motivated to do. Could I have met amazing people and done things I wouldn't have done if I didn't attended university? Yes. But life is about choices. University is not a choice I regret and I couldn't be happier that I've finished it.
Nikon D610.
All photos by me except where featured photo credit to my little sister.