A little gratitude note upon my graduation!

I graduated from Queen's University's Master of Finance program last Friday (June 23rd), and it has indeed been a remarkable and overwhelming experience, both the program and the Convocation ceremony. It was held in Leon's centre stadium in downtown Kingston, which stood colossal. The graduates, the grand dias further decorated by some well-educated and dignified people, and the bagpipe welcome, with serenely organized and cheering audiences, made the ceremony an unforgettable event of my lifetime! This is my first convocation since I couldn't attend my Engineering under-grad ceremony in India. With my being an extremely present-in-the-moment habit, I managed to absorb every minute of the event, so I was a bit emotional during the ceremony.

  I am writing this post to give a little gratitude to a few people who played a major role in making this lofty goal a reality in my life. This post might resonate with a few or many of you.

1. My dad:

My father enforced and reinforced the importance of education even before I was able to recite my A B C's. Every chance he got, he made sure his children were aware of the value of knowledge, how much he wanted to study, and the family situations which pulled him away. He had nothing but dreams of obtaining a degree which died with him. Somehow his words registered in the deepest sub-conscience, so for me, studying, studying well, has been a non-negotiable and out of 'Why' question. So, thank you appa for being the propellant within me. This one, this degree, is dedicated to him, and I believe that he is living his dreams through me, and I am here at this very moment swearing that there's no stopping me from making him proud.

2. My mom:

Apart from the fact that my mom made sure both her kids studied in the best institutions possible and somehow at the top ranks, she NEVER said no to any of my requests and desires to enhance my knowledge, even if it came at the cost of touching her itty bitty savings. She never hesitated to join me in classes for learning Hindi, and Sanskrit languages, yoga classes (Twice in fact, shame on me I don't follow even one of the gurus now), Chemistry private tutoring, training for the Indian Air Force examination, and my Banking certification training. It didn't stop there, she encouraged me to join Masters in spite of her having to care for less than a year old all on her own in an unfamiliar situation and place for two months. So thank you Mii for always believing in me.

3. My uncle and aunt:

Sathyanarayanan is not a word, but an emotion. I am nothing and nobody without him. I could write an essay about the reasons for my gratitude towards him and aunt and it continues to increase. My respect for him is greater than anything I have for anyone and he is one person I consider to be truly selfless. They used to spend an entire day, just discussing and visualizing the brightest future I could have and the endless possibilities that this life could provide. He is a philosopher himself and without a formal education, he's the smartest person I ever know. They always wanted to see me succeed and his dream is to see the number of letters beside my name longer than my name and to add a Dr. before my name. I am hopeful mama and Aunty, with your incessant blessings, I will surely reach great heights and fulfill your dreams and more. Thank you for being my Godfather and Godmother and I pray for your health.

4. My in-laws:

My mother-in-law had a muscle tear during her first week in Canada when I was studying for the CFA level II while working full-time, and pursuing MFin. Akshara who was 1 year old by then was fully taken care of by her, without uttering even a word of complaint about my not 'being there' for her given her health condition, let alone my child. For the next 10 months, until April 2023, my in-laws made sure that we were fed and had a cleaner and spiritual space. I sometimes didn't get to see my daughter for a few days straight, I was still unbothered because I was doubtless about their utmost care for her. My daughter, so did my husband and I had the most pampered time throughout their stay. So, thank you athai and mama for being there for us during crucial times.

5. Easyfinancial, Professors, and the team:

Kunal Chopra- my regional manager at EFS, Farhad Alishov, my FSR, had been a consistent support throughout my Master's program. My boss was really understanding and I am forever grateful for the immense aid I got from Farhad and Kunal that made my life easier.

I have always been a teachers' fan, and I believe I continued that streak at Queen's. I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of being seated in the lecture halls, listening to the most wonderful and smartest brains- my professors. I am deeply glad to have had the opportunity to be around such great minds.

My team members: Jackie, Victor, Eason, Jonathan, Arni! Without them, I couldn't imagine getting through the toughest of assignments with the shortest deadlines. I thank each of them for being such an understanding individual, and sharing burdens like a real team player! Sumedha, thank you for being my lunch, first bench, campus, questions, and frustration partner. I learned and there's much more to learn from you!

6. Nandan and Sravani:

Nandan and Sravani, I want to thank them for being the definition of a true friend. Nandan, thank you for the philosophical conversations, creative expressions, and occasional proofreading that eased my overloaded times and gave me some perspective on life. Thank you both for accompanying us to Kingston and for cheering during my convocation. One heck of a photographer- Nandan and an egoless soul- Sravani were a pleasure to be on the trip with. On the next stay, I will ensure your bags are away from Akshara's crib to avoid any Gnocchi Alfredo accidents :P

7. Sruthi:

My friend with my name, was one of the first people to discuss pursuing higher education during my mat leave. Thank you, Papa, for your encouragement, your business formal dresses, and the time spent perfecting my statement of purpose to the University. Your presence around us during weekends definitely helped alleviate my anxiety-ridden weeks and your naturally cheerful and amiable personality was a pleasure to have around, which I now miss very much! My movie experiences and kitchen experiments are incomplete without you.

8. Arun:

Arun IS the reason I got this lofty dream in my head in the first place. His inspirations are consistent, and his goals are sharply aimed and all I have to do is to follow his words to soar higher! Our ceaseless discussions about various areas of life and beyond are something I can have at any time of the day. Thank you Arunnn for perfecting my Statement of Purpose by taking your time day and night; providing an impeccable reference letter both of which aided me in obtaining a University Scholarship. Thank you for being the go-to person for sound advice, and for logical and realistic encouragement. You are another person who wants to see Dr. before my name and I hope to make your dreams come true. I am hoping to resume our discussions on religion and philosophies soon!

9. Raghav:

In every way, he is the ideal husband that every girl dreams of, and I am glad to have manifested you in my life. I never said this, but you babe, are my lifeline. He is my dad when he picks me up when the bus breaks down, my mom, when he brings me breakfast, my friend, when he comments about my ignorance of Avengers, my child, when he demands dosa for dinner, my king, when he treats me like a fricking queen, my husband when he puts me in my place, and my Universe when I lay my head on his chest! He made this lifestyle possible for me, and he is a major reason I look forward to every minute of my life. He is a burst of liveliness and like blood, oxygen, and organs, he's become a vitality for my functioning. Thank you Raghava for being that husband who lets me be my true self, and for co-signing my student loan :P.

Sru🔥