BY SEOW HUI SHAN, SHERRYL AND CHERYL TAN CAI HUI
As the night of 28th May 2022 drew closer, the graduating batch of 2021 eagerly awaited their time to gather for the CNYSP Convocation Dinner 2021. After delaying plans for a year in hopes of a physical event, the planning committee eventually decided to have an online event given the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions (at the time of planning). Even with the limitations of an online setting, the team pulled off a successful event with the help of mailing and delivery services that helped get gifts and food to the house of every senior.
One of the dinner menus given to the seniors
The theme for Convocation Dinner 2021 is Lūna. Lūna refers to the moon, which is often used to describe the turning of a new page in life, which is what our Year 4 seniors will be embarking on as they graduate from NTU. Coming full circle, this theme is tied to the theme of their first event in CNYSP, the Freshmen Orientation Programme (FOP) – Solis Oculus, with ‘Solis’ meaning ‘sun’. With the sun symbolising their beginning in NTU and the moon representing the conclusion of this chapter of their life, we want our seniors to look back on the beautiful sunsets and sunrises in their four years in CNYSP and NTU. We wish that they can conclude this cycle of their life together, as one CNYSP family.
Delicious bento boxes were delivered to the house of the seniors, whether they might be gathering at someone’s house or they were enjoying their food in the comfort of their own home. It was also heartwarming to see seniors, who now reside overseas, still making time to join the event from their homes away from home. There was chatter and laughter as some requested a house tour as they caught up with each other’s lives. Before the event started officially at 6.30 pm, seniors could dedicate songs to each other and a message to go along with it. Some of these songs were full of meaning and nostalgia.
We are grateful that Professor Fan Hongjin, Director of CNYSP, agreed to grace our event. He had a friendly demeanour and even blessed us with a fantastic karaoke session. Before heading off, he gave an encouraging welcome speech to congratulate the seniors on their achievements and reminded them that they will always be part of the CNYSP family.
Professor Fan’s amazing live performance
Other professors who have taught the graduating batch showed their support through interviews that we carried out in 2021. The interview included Professor Fan, Dr Koh Teck Seng, Professor Jason Xu, Professor Tan Choon Hong, Associate Professor Timothy Tan, Dr Geraldine Song and Dr Melvin Chen. We sincerely thank the professors for their participation in our event. With the bounds of congratulations and well wishes, the seniors were allowed some time to recollect their thoughts with another round of song dedications.
After the break, the seniors were treated to a wonderful performance by the Year 2 batch, Lun-Hsin, Khai Ken and Chester, who performed ‘Don’t Look Back with Anger’ by Oasis. Filled with meaning and encouraging motifs, this song encourages the seniors to keep looking ahead despite setbacks that they might face in their journey.
First performance of the night by Lun-Hsin, Khai Ken and Chester
Further words of encouragement were shared by the 11th Executive Committee President, Koh Jean Wen, Vanessa. It was a casual and fun-filled speech that showed appreciation for all the times shared together. More moments of nostalgia were shared when the seniors’ interview and photo montage videos were played. The seniors’ interview was filled with memorable stories of their time in CNYSP in the common modules and events before ending of with some well-wishes for their peers in their future endeavours, while the photo montage included pictures taken at CNYSC events and during their overseas trips.
After the lovely videos compiled by the Publicity Committee, it was time for the Programmes Committee team to shine with our first game – Star Wars – a tribute to the memorable course registration frenzy at the start of every semester. Resembling the actual course registration process, only the fastest fingers would emerge victorious in this trivia quiz. Seniors also got to learn more about their batchmates and professors. This game certainly put everyone in a competitive spirit, before ending with a dance performance by another Year 2 group, consisting of Albert, Wan Ting, Jia Qi, Sean and Yi Song, to the song ‘Money’, wishing the seniors a prosperous career ahead.
Top three winners of Star Wars
Second performance of the night by Albert, Wan Ting, Jia Qi, Sean and Yi Song
Our second game of the night was Yang’s List. While the Dean’s list rewards those academically inclined, the Yang’s List embraces talent and traits of all sorts. From the sportiest to the best meme creator, seniors get to vote for one of their batchmates who has won their hearts in five categories.
Presenting Meme-ist of the Year Award
When all awards were presented, it was time for the star event that many have been waiting for – the Lucky Draw. There were 18 prizes to be given out, ranging from food vouchers and wireless earbuds to a Nintendo Switch console. Anticipation filled the virtual space as a Luna-themed name wheel was spun. As the wheel came to a stop, the seniors cheered for the winner, whether it be to congratulate them or thank them for increasing their chances of winning a higher-tiered prize.
Chung Chuan winning the top prize of the lucky draw – A Nintendo Switch
Our time together ended with a speech from the 14th Management Committee President, Cheryl Chua, who wished the seniors all the best with their future endeavours.
There is a day after every night – Luna too must come to an end. With every good wish, we bid the seniors goodbye and allowed them to continue chatting in the virtual space. We hope that the seniors enjoyed the night as much as we did and we hope that Luna was a memorable time for them.
Final Photograph of all participants