Where did the year go?
Honestly it’s very hard for me to believe that I have been in MUWCI for a year! Time has flown by so fast and I’m not sure where it all went. However, when I look back to the year, it is filled with so many wonderful moments and milestones overcome. A year ago, I would not have imagined I would be the person I am now. MUWCI has changed me so much and made me have a different perspective on so many things, that I was ignorant to and less informed on before I joined MUWCI.
Now, the time has come to say goodbye to my beloved second years. It’s so hard to believe that you could get so attached to a group of people after only knowing them for less than a year. These people have become more like family than friends. They shared my UWC experience with me and were guiding me through most of the way. The fact that I may not see them again terrifies me. They are the people that bring out the best in you, as well as the worst. All the little moments spent with them start rushing to you and you are left there in a permanent state of nostalgia, wondering when you will recover from it.
Graduation was a smooth sailing ceremony. The second years, all painted with different looks on their faces, from excitement to nervousness to joy and sadness. Some of the girls wore beautiful sarees while others wore their traditional costumes. The boys were handsomely dressed in suits, and some wore kurtas. Their parents joined them, looking very proud of their children’s achievements. You could hear the laughter in the air as we all gathered on the lawn to have refreshments before the ceremony began. I was filled with mixed emotions on that day. For one, I was very happy to see my second years filled with joy and utter the phrase “We made it!” However, on the other hand, I was sad that they would be leaving soon. I couldn’t imagine MUWCI without them. How was I going to be a second year next year? Could I live up to the example that my second years showed me?
The graduation ceremony went well and after, we all gathered on the lawn once more, teary eyed to take photos one more time. People were busy taking final room pictures as well as pictures with close friends, with the second years holding their MUWCI graduation certificates. For the evening, the first years planned a surprise party for the second years in the cage and we got to enjoy desert and good music and celebrate the achievements of our second years one more time. Many of the second years were very emotional as this was their last night in MUWCI. They too were wondering where all the time went.
The following day was a blur. Everyone gathered in the parking lot with their suitcases ready to go home for the summer. Even though we were all excited to leave MUWCI and go home for the summer, our faces said otherwise. This was the last time many of us would see our second years. There were lots of tears shed that morning and afternoon. I for one, felt very empty inside when my second years left. I kept thinking to myself, ‘Where did all the time go?’ I blinked once, and the entire year was over. I now had to be the guiding figure for my first years joining MUWCI in August. But, I am ready for this. My second years have set up a very good example for me that I am ready to live up to. This year has been a very good year. I am proud of the person I have become and I am looking forward to making more memories in my second year.
For pictures, please have a look at the photo gallery section!