USCChE2k4...

It has been a decade to this very day. One decade since the culmination of the five-years we spent towards achieving that goal of becoming Chemical Engineers. Our toils, the hardwork, the sleepless nights, the group studies, laboratory work, reports are all a thing of our past. The laughter, tears, the petty fights, the moments we sulked at each other or balk at the thought of the eventuality of failing an exam or a subject are moments worth revisiting. Enshrined in our memories are the roller coaster of emotions that we continue to feel transcending beyond the gap that has separated us: TIME…

These feelings power us to persevere and make something of ourselves in a competitive and cruel world with which we must strive to ride on. To take on the roles in a play we call LIFE… 

As we started to set sail on our own ships, almost half of us congregated in one company. It might have been because of the opportunity, or perhaps because we still did not want to let go of each other or might have it been because of the fear to venture out into the world by ourselves alone. But, the stark realities of life soon set in and with one last glance, we eventually let go. Now, it has been almost a decade too, since majority of us saw each other’s faces. More than half of us decided to leave the country and settle down elsewhere. Most of us have started to become big honchos in the respective companies we are working for. We have a Doctor of Chemical Engineering, two more to become as such and a fourth one to embark the endeavor soon. In a span of ten years, we have lost people close to our hearts. But we have also gained because we have started to build families of our own. All the experiences we’ve had brought us one thing, MATURITY… 

The world is an unforgiving place. Looking back, the pressure we’ve felt from our mentors seemed too much at the time but now seems insignificant when compared to the responsibility we hold now in our respective jobs. In our occasional conversations, we always talk about our fond memories of the ChE Faculty. Back then we would squirm at the thought of their intense demands, their stern faces, the bloody corrections of our thesis, design projects which brought us great anxiety. Now, we just laugh and smile. There is no more adverse reaction. The memories definitely put spice and warmth in the reminiscing. To the USC- ChE Faculty, THANK YOU… 

We are nearing the climaxes of our journey. We still have a long way to go. The bonds we have shall never diminish. We will continue on missing each other’s company. Keep going strong USCChE2k4! 

- USCChE2k4