Finally, after 5 long years, I made it. :)

Dear Pei Lian, 15 July 2010

Congratulations on your graduation!
I truly wish I could be there to celebrate with you, but nevertheless I wish you an awesome graduation. May the day be filled with so much joy and precious memories to last you a lifetime.

It has not been an easy journey for you, I know. The many days of frustration, the many times of despair and the countless moments of hopelessness – have finally come to pass though they never seemed that they would.

So remember this – no matter how dark things seem or how daunting a task may appear, never tell yourself that the goal is out of reach. You’ve achieved for yourself an amazing feat coming this far in a dental course. You’ve proven to yourself that you’ve got what it takes. There is no reason to limit yourself in the future.

As the days in Manchester come to a close, as study years come to a pause,
count not the things you may lose. Instead spend more time cherishing and making every moment count.

When you come back to Malaysia, I hope we can meet again. Regardless, take everything at stride and embrace your new chapter in life.

I, however seem to be contradicting myself here- telling you to worry not of tomorrow yet am speaking so lengthily on future undertakings.

( Full spin now )
For your graduation, celebrate the hard work which has paid off. Dance for you’ve come out stronger from the storm. Shout for you’ve made your parents proud. Sing of the love our God has poured.

Go on, get yourself a new dress! New hair! Get a photographer! Bring your parents to the best places! (Out of lack of creativity I am simply recollecting my own checklist from two years past)

Time sure flies. I am so glad to have you coming back to Malaysia. So happy for you, that you are now Dr. Ee.


Lots of love and tight hugs,


MEI LIN



Thank you, Mei Lin. Thank you for reminding me, that indeed I have reached the finish point of this part of my life, and that I should celebrate and rejoice for making it through.

and thank you, Ian. For always believing in my abilities as your dentist, much more than I could ever believe in myself. For trusting me and constantly encouraging me, to carry on whenever the going gets tough. For being ever so cheerful and positive, even when you could sense that I was going to burst into tears whilst struggling on the other side of the chair.

A battle that I thought I would never have won or completed, I have. But this battle I would not have won if not because of the constant support and encouragement of my patients, who have to sit through long hours of treatment on the chair, putting up with much discomfort without complaint, and turning up dilligently for their appointments.

''You need to believe that you will be a good dentist, Pei.''

Yes, I need to. :)