FASHION OF THE MIND

Why grads with a doctorate are more likely to be unemployed than master’s degree holders.

Fear not: demand remains high for engineering. I’m curious about the situation in Europe though. 

Interesting to realize that many non-expatriates I’ve met have never heard of the word expatriate before. The expatriate upbringing and lifestyle may have it’s problems with over-sheltered pampered kids and living-in-a-bubble-syndrome but as I look back now from a more matured and grateful perspective…

Well, honestly, it was a damn good time.

Surpassing what my parents have provided for me and my little sister will be a monumental task. I will strive to provide my children with the same opportunities (shove them into international schools and become open-minded world citizens and shit). Hard work, humility, connections, language skills, and tapping into China’s environmental job market? I am still unfamiliar with extreme adversity and hardship. We shall see. 

With me wherever I go for life. 

(Source: divster)

Let’s see who recognizes the Iron Ring in Guangzhou, China. I’ll make it easy and frequent the expat pubs whenever I can. 

Five long years at the University of Waterloo have finally come to a close. Convocation for us freshly graduated engineers was held on a cool but sunny Saturday morning in June. I shall cherish all the unforgettable once in a lifetime milestone moments with my friends, and especially with my family.

I awoke that day at 7:00 AM a little hungover from last evening’s mini reunion. I was out the door eventually, force fed myself a few bites of typical diner breakfast, downed a black coffee, and proceeded to the Physical Activity Centre (PAC) on the iXpress to pick up my gown. That was also the last time I used my WatCard to get on a GRT bus.

Short on time, I quickly changed into my formal clothes in the locker room and rushed over to join my eager peers in line backstage. We exchanged nervous handshakes and hugs and talked about our future plans with terrific optimism. Before long, the sliding doors opened at 10 AM revealing the ceremony stage as well as our seats flanked by rows and rows of proud parents. We filed out neatly, and we were all ready to be conferred with our hard-earned degrees.

Halfway through the ceremony, our row was finally called up to prepare ourselves next to the stage where we were asked to hold on to our bright red gown hoods. As the Environmental Engineering Class of 2012 was announced, we replied with an emphatic cheer and walked with pride in threes across the stage. Despite our small class size, I’m certain everyone in PAC heard our voices.

When my name was called the first thing I thought to myself was, “Good, my name was pronounced correctly.” And then I thought, “Don’t fucking trip now, Justin.” I walked purposefully towards the president of our university to shake his hand and to have my hood adorned over my shoulders. I remember thanking him non-stop, we engaged in small talk about my graduate school plans, and then he sent me off with well wishes and an inspiring smile. 

I exhaled with relief and felt a starry-eyed sense of accomplishment once I stepped off stage. I was presented with my diploma around the corner, posed for pictures, and swiftly strode back to my seat among my fellow graduates. Hands still trembling I flipped open the cover which revealed my diploma to me for the first time. That moment has been firmly ingrained into my memory. 

A few speeches later convocation was adjourned, the live band started up again, and we filed out of PAC as the University of Waterloo’s newest alumni. I was pretty giddy with excitement and dashed out to look for my dad, mom, sister, uncle, and aunt. Out in glowing sunshine we met each other’s families, and smiled for more pictures of course! It was a beautiful day for a beautiful occasion. 

Countless pints and shots later at uptown’s Huether Hotel, all the bittersweetness ended at three in the morning. With only nostalgia for company, I walked back to campus and roamed UW for a final time. Yes, including the CIVE lab. 

With distinction? They must have made a mistake because my cumulative average is 79.41, not 80.  It’s not even 79.50, so rounding up is impossible. What’s going on? 

It’ll all be over soon. 

(Source: heavensmirror)

Source

Priority number one: Learn how to open a beer bottle with the ring. 

Priority number two: Avoid gloating and excessive flaunting of the ring. 

My iron ring. 

In 1925, six engineers at a university in Montreal performed the first Ritual Calling of an Engineer. Herbert Haultain, a engineering professor at the University of Toronto, conceived of the idea of a ceremony because he “felt that an organization was needed to bind all members of the engineering profession in Canada more closely together. He also felt that an obligation or statement of ethics to which a young graduate in engineering could subscribe should be developed.” 

Haultain recruited Rudyard Kipling, then living in Canada and already known for his respect of engineers, to design the ceremony and oath, the details of which remain shrouded in secrecy. 

Since then, new engineering graduates have performed this ceremony in schools all over Canada, and Canadian engineers all over the world have been spotted by the iron rings on our pinkies. The importance of this ceremony, I recently realized, is not in the oath as much as it is in the community that is forged through this unchanging ritual.

About the image: a new iron ring is displayed on an engineering text book (photo: Elisa Prajogo).

I’m going to throw mine in hot flames for a few seconds and check for markings… don’t want the Nazgûl chasing after me… 

Guess who just found a full-time job! 

Dedicated to Kyle H. 

Interestingly, the letter of motivation template I just wrote for my graduate school applications carries the same sentiment as my University of Waterloo Admission Information Form that was written over four years ago. 

Maybe I’m in the right program after all. Or this is another case of confirmation bias?

ACCURATE.