Graduated

Finally graduated.

My undergraduate life, four years of youth, just like that… over.

Got my diploma and degree certificate. It was really nothing special — just two pieces of paper. Two years ago I never thought I’d say this, but two years later, reality convinced me: university is just a piece of paper. No matter how high your GPA, how active you were in student council, or how many awards you won, in the end it’s nothing but a ticket.

As I look back on my four years at university, there are many regrets, but more gains. I can’t help but think back to my first day at Tongji. That day in 2000, my father accompanied me from my hometown to Shanghai, bringing 12,000 RMB in tuition. I walked into the software institute for the first time. In the evening, I walked on the lawn on Siping Road campus and accidentally stepped on a couple… I got cussed out in Shanghainese, didn’t understand a word. It was the first time I realized this place was foreign…

Now, I’ve even learned to say a few phrases in Shanghainese. Sigh. There’s so much, and I can’t write it all.

Finally graduating, time to pack up and head home to see Mom and Dad.

Bachelor’s — check.