"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela
On the day I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology, I got dressed and rode with my family to campus to take photos. I was excited to have completed this phase of my life, but I was slightly more upset by the people that I wanted to see me walk across the stage being unable to attend. Despite being a very sentimental person, I told myself I wouldn't cry.
Inevitably, I did.
As the ceremony began, the American flag was marched in by young men and women who have pledged to serve our country after completing their education. Once the national anthem began to play, tears sprung to my eyes. My first thought was that Pakistani's don't show their emotions, so I should wipe the tears away and smile, but I let that pass.
Listening to the national anthem, I was reminded of all the sacrifices that had been made in order to get me to this moment. Specifically, my parents moved halfway across the world--away from their families and comfort of home--in order to raise me in a country that would allow me the opportunities to get an education and become a professional in whatever field I chose. Yes, I worked hard in school and strove to move forward in life, but my path was really set long before I was born.
On the day I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology, I got dressed and rode with my family to campus to take photos. I was excited to have completed this phase of my life, but I was slightly more upset by the people that I wanted to see me walk across the stage being unable to attend. Despite being a very sentimental person, I told myself I wouldn't cry.
Inevitably, I did.
As the ceremony began, the American flag was marched in by young men and women who have pledged to serve our country after completing their education. Once the national anthem began to play, tears sprung to my eyes. My first thought was that Pakistani's don't show their emotions, so I should wipe the tears away and smile, but I let that pass.
Listening to the national anthem, I was reminded of all the sacrifices that had been made in order to get me to this moment. Specifically, my parents moved halfway across the world--away from their families and comfort of home--in order to raise me in a country that would allow me the opportunities to get an education and become a professional in whatever field I chose. Yes, I worked hard in school and strove to move forward in life, but my path was really set long before I was born.
