UC Graduation Ceremony at NIE

Let’s exclaim—I have completed a bachelor degree!

Leng's receiving the crendential from Samdech.

I finished the exit exams at UC in February with a normal feeling as if I had finished an ordinary mid-term or final exam, but nine months later, I find myself on the stage receiving the credential from Samdech Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, at NIE. It was amazing! What a wonderful feeling pouring to me when I was told by Bong Ratana, the UC admin staff, that I would be one of those who would receive the credential directly from Samdech!

I got the graduation gown on Dec 4 at UC new campus. It was my first time to step in that new building. It is a big building, and of course more spacious than the old one. There were still not many facilities to make it a fully-equipped standard university campus yet. However, I love to see how it has been developed. I got the gown at the Registrar Room from Bong Phea. Deposit of $30 was for the gown and the hat.

On Dec 13 morning from 8:30 to 11:00 UC held a rehearsal at NIE for the ceremony on the following day. Surprisingly, I was told to be the first one going onto the stage! I felt extremely delighted but at the same time I also started to feel a bit worried too because thousands pairs of eyes would target on the first receiver on Dec 14. The rehearsal was going well, and I had learned to correctly and politely receive the credential from Samdech Hun Sen.



Samdech Hun Sen's giving speech in the event.



On Dec 14, the day finally came. I arrived at NIE at exactly 6:30am with my elder brother. Several students had already arrived too, however, many still hadn’t presented yet. I put on my gown and sat at the seat directed by the admin staff. My brother was seated at the area for accompanying parents and friends. By that time, I just realized that I would be the second one to receive the credential. A student of Master Degree would be the first one to receive it. I felt relieved after that.

Leng's on the stage.

After listening to Samdech’s meaningful speech, the time finally arrived. The twenty representational students—ten graduates and ten scholars who won the new 100 Vision Scholarship—came up to the stage to receive the credentials and certificates consecutively. After sending off Samdech, the conferring ceremony still continued for the remaining graduates and scholars. What a long, boring morning when we had to wait for all students until all of them received their certificate. Totally, 214 students graduated in Year 2010-2011, and 100 students received the scholarship.

Time for picture taking finally came at 11:00am!

I’m glad to see old faces from UC. I really wished to capture all of their faces in my camera, but I only got some. After taking pics in NIE, we also went to the park of Independent Monument. The views were great and meaningful.

Leng's at Independent Monument. Become indepent!

I am not going to forget that moment.