It was some 22 months ago ... A nervous young girl all of 21 stepped into the impressive reception of International Management Institute. She had dreams in her eyes - eyes wide with anticipation of what the two years that lay ahead would bring for her. She wanted to make it big. She wanted to be known. She wanted to be acknowledged and accepted. She wanted to rise as an individual. Need I say, she has more than made her mark.

With nostalgia tugging at my heartstrings, I take a stroll down the memory lane of this place I have called home for almost two years now. And time has flew. As I come back home (well, not the hostel room, but home) after having attended the 22nd Annual Convocation - my convocation - a thousand thoughts flit across my mind. Not that I've been through tearful goodbyes or weepy sentimental talks, but the mere fact I spent some of my most cherished moments at IMI.

I have seen it all - promises and heartbreaks, triumphs and fiascos, laughter and tears, glee and pain, love and hatred, camaraderie and envy, passion and avarice, harmony and discord. There is so much I savour. There is so much I revere. There is so much I take pride in. No regrets and no misgivings, however. There is nothing I have lost. There is nothing I have renounced.

Thank you, IMI, for all that you taught me, for all that you gave me, for all that you showed me. I can now proudly proclaim to be an Achiever - the befitting name given to every individual who walks this journey to and through IMI. As a proud alumna (unbelieveable as it may sound to me) of IMI, I vow to give back to my people more than what I acquired here. I shall prove myself worthy of being called a part of IMI, and I shall do so with all my heart.

To my alma mater: Adieu ....