Reaching the end of a major milestone like completing your undergraduate journey can be simultaneously daunting and exciting. The world keeps turning and there is an acknowledgement that everyone who embarked on this journey with you is moving on to travel different paths. Before I look forward, I would like to look back to gain perspective on today.
My name is Yammunna, and I recently graduated from the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program at the University of Waterloo. Glancing around the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) gymnasium at convocation, diploma clutched in hand, I see my joy mirrored in the faces of my friends, family, and professors. In this moment, I recognize that the relationships I have built over the past 4.5 years are just as precious to me as the knowledge and experience I gained.
Going in as a first-year student and being assigned to Crews (SAF student support groups), I was skeptical about how things would play out. Lo and behold, the people I met through my Crew are my closest friends who were with me every step of the way. Believe it or not, our friend group chat name even pays homage to our Crews. The best part about becoming friends with people in the same program is that they truly understand what it feels like to be in your shoes.
The growth I experienced in AFM was not solely a product of my individual efforts, but rather a testament to the incredible support system that surrounded me. To the friends who always had my back, the dedicated SAF staff members who ensured I was well-positioned to thrive, and the loving family that I have been blessed with – I share this unforgettable milestone with you. Your belief in me fueled my journey, and I am eternally grateful for your unwavering support.
