The Astounding Batch of '19 UGM

The Astounding Batch of '19 UGM

(Had to write something for all my batchmates for yearbook, so thought to include it in one single poem)

Baggage of dreams and aspirations,

With tickets to a world of unwitnessed wisdom.

Not just the valuables that landed on Jogja’s airport that day,

Hopes followed and awaited the kinship underway.

 

First time, our eyes met not the visions, hearts were unknown,

Timid numerous handshakes, still the walks alone.

Strangers we were, yet aware of those future bonds in-making,

Certain that the very first group selfie wouldn’t be the only one staying.

 

“Number 15”, a symbol of harmony, that’s what the numerology claims,

Not being superstitious, but fifteen of us did prevail upon the same.

Seven different flags, different colours, different pasts, we still hailed as one fam,

With one path, one bond, one goal and one name, “The Mahasiswa of UGM”.

 

One, we remained, but the individualism still cherished,

Unique and valued, each personality co-existed.

Arduous it is to comprehend each of fifteen,

Still with the time we shared, the following was what could be enlisted.

 

“Brain and labour can defeat any hardship” they say, the smart Indian guy with great cooking skills, Abhishek, lives by it every day,

From the streets of Dhaka to Jogja, climates altered, what didn’t was Aynul’s humility and politeness in any way.

How to best live, laugh and enjoy life to fullest? Ask Anup, an interesting Nepalis guy driven by his rich long experiences,

Tides make cliffs stronger, motherhood does so with aspirations, intelligent young Nepalis mom, Amrita, works hard, outpours confidences.

 

Her voice represents the class, a walking stick to her needy foreign mates, diligent Indonesian, Candora always bestows with her substantial assistance,

A Watson to every Sherlocks out there, a true gentleman to look upon, humble Helder from Timor-Leste, is everyone’s favourite acquaintance.

Epitome of grace and kindness, this another multi-tasker young Indonesian mom, Hilma, never stops to amaze with her supports for her batchmates,

Dashing Timorese, Marcelo, a fitness freak and a hilarious yet determined professional is what every falling health system needs.

 

Most entertaining amongst all, adorable asset of Timor-Leste, Marcos, fills the entire class with his strange and funny vibes,

The youngest of all, innocent Vietnamese biostatistics enthusiast, Giang, is an apple to everyone’s eyes.

A master of quick chopping and cooking, this soft-spoken pretty Nepalis girl, Prabina, helps others and always complies,

Unapologetically outspoken smart guy from Nepal, Shiva, energizes lectures with his intriguing debates and never shies.

 

A warm companion to chat with, laugh with, share secrets with, another Nepalis beauty, Uma, is an amiable and talented soul.

Elegance at best, an avid travel planner, this Burmese lad, Zar Ni, is full of clarity and perfectionism as a whole.

There with everyone described, I, Shraddha, might not be able to fully comprehend myself and exclaim,

But my admiration for my friends knows no boundary, and Bingo! with the last phrase, I have indeed cleverly slide-in my name.

 

Very distinct and different from each other in every form,

There is still a strong bond that we cannot detach.

Though one day shall bid a heavy-heart farewell to UGM,

But we shall always remain “The Astounding '19's Batch”. 

                                                                                                                            - Shraddha Acharya

P.S. This poem was written for the yearbook of our batch.