Tabi basa & greetings everyone. In this post, I’d like to share some of the pictures captured during my sister’s convocation at UiTM Sarawak, Samarahan.
Prologue
Convocation is a special day for these graduates because it is the day where they receive their scroll, the one that they have been working hard, day and night to get. If you are doing your study full-time, then you won’t really feel alone. You and your coursemates are there, celebrating the same thing with you.
But it is different with those who are taking long distance learning. It a different feeling. But such is life. We don’t get what we want all the time. We just have to make full use of what we have.
Convocation when you are having PJJ can be lonely, but that is expected. The only person that joins your celebration are those who matters, in this case, children and sibling.
The loneliest place in the world is when we are surrounded by a sea of people that we didn’t know. That’s why, being alone is better than that. At least we get to enjoy the silence.
Journey To UiTM
We began our journey early in the morning. It was a sunny day at Serian (we pronounced it Srian). Some guy criticised my pronunciation at TikTok, but he didn’t know, that’s how some Bidayuh pronounced Serian.
We passed some beautiful mountain range nearby Tarat. What a sight.
Arrival At UiTM
Upon our arrival, we were stuggling to find a parking spot. However, we are lucky to be able to find one. Parked and ready, we make out way to the main building, which is not far from parking spot.
UiTM is a nice campus, and I am sure the students will have a good time studying there.
When we arrived, we saw the 3rd session’s students already outside and were taking pictures with their family & friends. Some even took picture with their boyfriend / girlfriend. How do I know? They look unusually close.
Convocation Picture’s Rule of Thumb
Do not take picture with someone with the person that you are not sure you will be with them in the future. For example, if you are not sure whether that person is going to be with you in the future / becoming your husband or wife, do not take pictures with them.
I know it feels difficult, but you will thank yourself in the future.
However, if you are 100% sure, then feel free to take picture with them.
Before Convocation
Whilst waiting, we took this opportunity to take pictures outside. Claudia also took picture with her coursemate from Kpg Bunga.
There was a lot of people there, so we just take picture outside, wherever we see fit.
And It Rains
The sunny day just now, that I thought will last until evening, actually rains heavily. That is good actually, as it helps to provide cooling for our who is waiting outside for the convocation.
Though it makes it difficult for us to walk around.
Entrance Into The Hall
Finally, it is time for these graduates to enter the hall. As usual, the parents / guardians / special 2 person will enter the hall. The ticket was available, but because I have to babysit the two, I opt to stay outside.
There was a long queue of the graduates outside, each anxiously waiting for the chance to enter the hall. Happiness can be seen in their face.
Some of them can be seen looking for someone outside, as if they are expecting someone, loved ones etc.
Upon their entrance, the camera operator were having field day, aiming his / her camera to those graduates that were grinning from ears to ears when their face were displayed on the big screen.
I noticed the camera operator has tendency to point his camera to a certain lady.
Convocation Begins
The convocation begins with the Bachelors Degree graduates, followed by Diploma graduates. They mixed between the Vice Chancellor’s recipient and the other graduates. I know some university let the award recipient to go first.
Initially I took some, but after my sister’s turn, I stopped capturing it.
Special Event
There were a couple of songs being performed that day, but the one that caught my attention was Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis, which is a bit sanitised.
I am so used to the raw version, where we have oooo haaa & Indi, Duweh, Taruh (one, two, three in Bidayuh) such that the original version feels different. Nevertheless, it is still a catchy song with dark meaning.
My nephew was a sleep, probably because he was bored.
Then, there was a special presentation to the mother of the late Emiliany Lavinia, who passed away early this year.
The End of Convocation
The convocation was ended with another round of Negaraku. I find it different because it is usually sung once, in the beginning. But maybe it is their style.
Photoshoot Outside
After the convocation, we were struggling to do a photoshoot, and we are in a bit of rush. Therefore, I just shoot where I can. What’s more important is that we are able to capture some of the photo with robe and the folder, before it is to be returned to the university.
Back to Reality
The photoshoot was fun, but a brief event. Upon our departure, there were still a lot of graduates lining up outside, taking their photos with their family and friends.
Some even get ask their parents to wear their robe, as a sign of respect to their parents who has been raising them.
Anyway, for us, that is all. It is time to go back.
Epilogue
Congratulations to the UiTM graduates. I wish you all the best in your new chapter in life. The journey ahead is not going to be easy, but with persistence, hard work and faith, you will be able to make it in life. God bless.
Photographer’s Note:
Being a photographer, it is important to take the picture that is meaningful for you. I know that there is a lot of pressure to shoot only the thing that generates money. That is why a lot of my professional photographer friends only shoot those that client wants: portrait, event, weddings etc although deep inside, they actually want to do some street photography or going from place to another, shooting landscape.
Same goes to singer. Although you want to sing songs that you love, but you are only stuck to a certain genre because of your image.
Nevertheless, we should make full use of our time doing what we love most.
https://www.instagram.com/claudiusweson
