Farewell Reception - You will be missed!
Dear Student,
I cannot call you by your name, because this letter is for all graduates – but you know I know it, since our third or fourth meeting. I only have problems with pronunciation :)
It is always difficult to let people or things go. (At least) two years do not just pass. Happy moments, scars and memories will stay forever with us. As it is said, our decisions form us and life is made of changes. By deciding upon studying in a foreign country, you really had to pluck up your courage.
The time you have spent in Miskolc was a nice but tough period as well, as I heard from you. From your speeches you held at the Farewell Ceremony we know, that you like Miskolc and the University, too. Then the whole staff, the employees of the University succeeded to fulfil their jobs. You and the University had some pre-conditions, expectations towards each other: the University expected you to be talented, a real little expert on your own scientific field; enthusiastic and hard-working, not to give up when having to resit an exam; reliable, because we had to count on your cooperation regarding official processes and so on.
What did you expect from the University? I am sure, that you awaited lectures of talented and friendly professors. To get some guidance in a foreign country – you could always ask for your mentor’s help, and in the International Office, we also tried to help you. You expected an international, multicultural atmosphere in Miskolc – and you have hit the nail on the head, since you had the opportunity to befriend with students from all around the world. I hope, that now, in the end you find your decision to be a right one because your expectations have met the reality.
Last week, at the Farewell Ceremony, we had a lot of fun and we came together again, to celebrate your great achievements and to recall what happened since the Orientation Meeting, when we saw each other for the very first time.
Ms. Krisztina Sándor, the International Coordinator of our University referred to the beginning and congratulated to all of you for your efforts and success. Following Ms. Sándor, Dr. László Czap, Vice-Rector Responsible for Institutional Development and Business Relations drew a parallel between getting your degree and your driving license. From the moment you receive them, you have the right to excercise alone, to continue studying without supervision, however, just owning them does not mean that you know everything and that there is no need to improve yourself.
Then the Faculty Coordinators levelled their remarks and wished the best to the freshly graduated international students. The next programme point was the video made by Alina Girnet – sometimes funny, sometimes moving. Everyone loved watching the best moments of their international adventure.
As for me, I think I will never forget the nice words of Stephen, it was really touching when he said thank you for us. All I can say that you are really-really welcome! Thank you for being so kind and respectful, thank you for bringing your culture to us!
The song Rauan sang after the speech of Stephen, was very nice and I started contemplating why I was so nervous because of the short presentation about the ALUMNI webpage I held although others dared even to sing in front of a lot of people.
At the time Zaher started to teach us how to dance Dabke, we were over the formal part of the ceremony and soon we got to the phase where it was time to say the last-but-one goodbye. The Graduation Ceremony offered the last chance to look in each other’s eyes and tell ’challenge accomplished’, then in a glance you were somewhere else, in a new environment or at home, with your family, starting to tell your story about Miskolc.
The introduction of the brand new ALUMNI page was not mentioned before Zaher’s dance performance, so it is time to tell a few words about it.
This page is like a tiny Facebook or LinkedIn: smaller, but better, because it is only for you! International students of the University of Miskolc, it is time to get together online. The staff of the International Relations Office is already there, so if you have not registered yet, do so and start a topic about anything related to your studies and/or the University. See you on the ALUMNI portal!
… and last but not least, have a look at the photos and videos taken at the Farewell Ceremony HERE .
Nikolett Tóth