I Graduated? I Graduated.
i walked across a stage today. someone handed me a piece of paper (well, a holder - the actual diploma comes in the mail). people clapped.
i have a degree now? i think?
the ceremony
graduation at unsw sydney is very formal. robes, caps, latin words i don't understand.
my parents came. my lola flew in from the philippines. she kept crying and taking photos. when they called my name, i walked across the stage, shook some hands, smiled for a photo, and didn't trip. success.
my mom whispered "finally, a professional!" which is both supportive and shady.
the feelings
mostly: surreal.
four years of assignments, exams, group projects, all-nighters, breakdowns, breakthroughs, friendships, failures - all of it leading to this one moment.
officially: i have a bachelor of science in computer science with honours.
practically: i proved i can learn things, finish things, and survive an education system.
spiritually: i have no idea what anything means anymore.
the next chapter
most of my classmates are starting grad school or local tech jobs. normal paths.
i'm moving to san francisco in a few weeks to work at anthropic. this still doesn't feel real.
everyone keeps saying "you must be so excited" and i am, but also: i'm leaving everything i know. my city, my friends, my family.
it's bittersweet. heavy.
what i'll miss
- sydney beaches (san francisco try to compete, i dare you)
- my friends who are staying here
- walking to familiar places
- the timezone (america is confusing)
- being a student (no expectations, low stakes)
what i'm gaining
- dream job
- new city
- growth opportunities
- the chance to work on things that matter
worth the trade? i think so. ask me in a year.
to past me
the kid who started uni four years ago didn't know what she wanted. she just liked coding and was figuring out what it meant to be filipino-australian.
now i know what i want. i want to build AI systems that are safe and beneficial. and i'm about to actually do that.
four years well spent.
packed my cap and gown away. probably won't wear them again. but i'll keep them forever.