SFS Contest Picture of the Day Week 49
There are days in life that one will never forget, not only because of what occurred during the day but because of what it symbolises. To me one of such days was a day I graduated as a civil engineer after 5 years of sweat, sacrifice, and determination in Kwara State University. The photo I captured that day does not only reflect an image, it reflects on my adventures, my development, and my vision that awaits the future.
I stand in a black suit with a blue tie, resting my hand catastrophically on a white construction helmet, resting on a stool in the picture. On the surface, this photo seems to be one of those standard, graduation photos but to me, there is another underlying significance. The helmet represents my career choice and the struggle to get there, civil engineering. It brings me back to the days of long lectures, site work, sleepless nights reading and some times one had to go beyond their comfort zones. The suit on the other hand is a symbol of celebration, dignity, and success- which is the payoff of hard work after years in the making.
I did not have an easy experience in the university. There were also times of confusion when I did not think that I could cope with the load. There have also been several times when I felt uncertain whether I can cross the finish line due to financial reasons, academic reasons, and personal reasons. However, in those hard times, I drew strength in prayer, support of family, and self-conviction. I also had to remind myself that, the reason behind going into the world of engineering was not only a degree but rather a foundation of the future and societal difference.
Graduation day was a conglomeration of happiness, relief and contemplations. When I was standing in that picture, I was not only rejoicing the certificate I had received but myself, a new person that I am. I had developed in a young inquisitive student into a professional ready to take on the world. The easy gesture of posing in the helmet served as a remind of the fact that the dreams that I used to have as a teenager had now become a reality. And it was the ending of one term and the beginning of another.
Today when I look at the photo, I see not only myself being dolled up after high school. I can see the tale of endurance and strength of never giving up. I notice the sacrifices of my own parents, the support of my friends and the advice of my lecturers. I also envision the future since, to me, civil engineering is not only a profession but also a calling to design and construct and that I will want to contribute towards the society in a significant way.
This is a special picture as it does not only represent a day but something I will remember the rest of my life. It makes me realize that nothing comes without its reward and that with patience and hard work and faith everything is bound to have a payoff. This is a photo that I will remember forever not only because it is a reminder of my graduation but due to its symbolism about being on a journey and the future prospects.
I invite @sahmie @pea07 @alexanderpeace, @dequeen @shahidalinaz and @ashkhan @yahnel and @m-fdo to drop a very constructive comments on this post and also to participate in this contest.