The call from university

Hey, last night I got a call from my university. First sentence by a man was this, “Hello, Ms Yasinta? Wait a minute, someone will take in charge”. Huhh… I thought I had problems with the administration. He then directed me to the other line, and then a Madam said that I changed the “ordinary” graduation package I’d got few days later because I was among the “Cum Laude” students. Lol..

Firstly I was happy to hear that. You know, I call it positive thinking. Maybe there was exception for me? Lol… Or maybe the requirements for Cum Laude graduates had been altered? And so I listened to her well for the instructions. After she was done, I asked, “But Mam, I have “C’ in my report…..” !!!

And so the happiness ended, she was surprised to hear that and replied, “Ohya?? Wait, I will recheck your report. Thank you for the information.” Huh…. Apparently she didn’t check my grades carefully. I should have been among one of the Cum Laude graduates, but only If I had graduated before January 2009. That is due to the change in requirements for Cum Laude.

Formerly, everyone who got GPA above 3.5 and studied not extend than the period of four years were categorized as “Cum Laude”. But since January 2009, there was some changes as followed.

1. The current graduates shouldn’t have any “C’ in the report. I got two “C’, for the Business Statistic and Indonesian Economy. They were inevitable.

2. The current graduates can study for as long as five years, provided that he/she fulfills the first requirement. This one is damned easy! But why would I (and other people) waste an additional year time just for the temporary predicate? My priority is to graduate ASAP, get the GPA of at least 3.3, and earn my own money. That is all.

3. There is no stated requirement for GPA, so those who get 3.01 can be “Cum Laude” provided that the lowest grade in his/her report should be “B”.

Well, I know grades is not everything at all. I never studied hard too to get the grades during my university life. They are meaningful, but not that much. And being a “Cum Laude” graduate is even less important. It would be excellent (and someone would deserve a Cum Laude title) if :

1. You’re there but you didn’t try hard to get it.

2. You have had and built good experience and network during studying at the university.

3. You have the rational and comprehensive understanding of the courses.

4. You have got the other “soft” and tacit knowledge outside the courses’ materials.

5. You have played hard to enjoy the moments.

So? I would like to be a Cum Laude graduate after all I’ve been through. But only if I don’t have to change anything. My university life has been wonderful. I meet and know many new people and friends. I have learned many things outside the textbooks, listened to great lecturers, got motivation and sharing, and so many others. I feel so lucky for all of these. They make me stand here now. So any additional title is not that important. It is just a piece of pride in the graduation room, I’m nothing once I get out of the room.

I am incredibly proud to graduate from Atma Jaya University of Yogyakarta (UAJY)….!!!

Good luck for all the graduates on 8th August!