Letters from the dorm: Woo-hoo! I’ve graduated! Now what?

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Candace Kwan |
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Candace Kwan went on a trip to California with friends to celebrate her graduation from University of Washington.

After four years of writing this column, I can’t believe that I can finally write those two magical words: I’ve graduated – and with both college and departmental honours, I might add. Yes, your girl is finally done with university ... for now at least.

To celebrate, I went on a trip to California with my boyfriend and a couple of friends. We spent a full day hiking at Yosemite National Park (where I finally got to see the sights associated with new Mac OS in person!), and then we drove down the coast and proceeded to eat our way through Los Angeles.

Seriously. When my parents asked me early in my final year what I would do to celebrate when I finished university, I told them I would go to LA to eat my weight in short rib tacos. While I was not able to accomplish that goal, I did eat at the Kogi BBQ truck three times, and try out two other restaurants owned by Roy Choi, the chef of the aforementioned food truck. I’m also very proud that the food truck follows me on Instagram, and that Choi liked my photo.

Since I graduated a quarter early, and my graduation ceremony is not until June, this photo will have to do for now. Let’s pretend that the short rib tacos are my diploma, and my taco shirt is my graduation robe.

I’m only half kidding; I’m probably as happy holding a plate of Kogi BBQ tacos as I will be at my graduation, if not more.

My college experience was a total roller-coaster ride, filled with the highest of highs: meeting an amazing group of friends, being able to study subjects I love, and eating short rib tacos with my boyfriend.

But I also went through the lowest of lows: my dog Nacho’s passing, being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, going through rounds of testing and feeling bad a lot of the time.

I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had and for the support of my loved ones! I wouldn’t have been able to make it without the support of my family, friends, and of course, the YP team.

I remember stressing about adapting to university-level writing during the last few days of my internship at YP, and having deputy editor Karly Cox assure me that I would be fine.

Thanks for being a part of my journey. For all those going to university this autumn, I wish you all the best, and I can’t wait to read about your college experience on YP.

PS: Follow my Instagram, @candacesk to stay up to date with my post-college adventures!

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