The day had finally dawned upon us, the day we were no longer undergraduates but graduates. We had taken an oath before we accepted our white coats and reiterated it the day we dressed in our black gowns. Staring in the mirror I reflected on the past years here, at Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine, and then I placed the graduation cap on my head to acknowledge a great accomplishment.

Our campuses united to hold a worthy ceremony for us international MBBS graduates which instilled a great sense of pride within us - pride of our achievement as medical doctors and a pride of belonging to this university. The leaders of our university empathized with our plight and their examples served as a great testament to what we can achieve. We were reminded of the beauties to this art of medicine and the responsibility we now have to society.

Arthi Bahadoor (right) poses for a photo at her graduation ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It was a glorious moment to be presented with my degree from an inspiring and innovative academic and medical professional- Chen Zijiang- vice president of SDU and president of CCOM. I must thank the leaders and secretaries of SDU and CCOM for making our graduation an extremely personalized event. Many of our parents were in attendance and SDU CCOM warmed their hearts with this gesture.

I was honored with the privilege to speak at the commencement gala later that evening. This day, the 24th of June 2018, was a very sentimental day for me as I graduated on my birthday. It was the perfect symbol for a new chapter on this medical pathway. I had the opportunity to address many accomplished and aspiring health care professionals and so I shared the story that inspired me.

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The life of Professor Dr Syed Mohsin Ali is an inspiration for any humanitarian and all medical professionals. I have never met a man so willing to help the world. In my years at SDU, I have seen him help both the office and students alike. I have witnessed the self-sacrifice and devout dedication to his medical profession and patients as well as his commitment to this university, affiliated hospitals, this country and all citizens of the world. When I think of philanthropy, I think of him and I hope to aspire to a caliber close to that. So I thank you, Dr SM Ali, for being the epitome of an enlightened human being.

In retrospect, I marvel at the intricacies of time. The beginning seems so distant but is still fresh in my mind. I remember the moments I shared with my classmates on the sports field; during cultural activities and in the lab. I treasure the moments that defined me and forced me to grow. I have had the opportunity to be a proactive member of my campus. I have cofounded a Student Representative Council on campus and I have assisted in the establishment of the SDU Alumni Alliance in South Africa. The aim is to reach new heights in publicity, academics, alumni, interaction and student life- creating a joyous environment for all. It has been a privilege meeting and working alongside leaders of SDU, CCOM and the Chinese embassy- what greater way is there to expand ones limits?! The platform of the Belt and Road has encouraged me to break barriers and I am excited by the promise of tomorrow.

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

I hold dear the memories of laughter, love and light. It has been a beautiful journey here at SDU CCOM - I bid thee a most sincere farewell. Wherever the road should lead me, I shall carry you with me.

Arthi Bahadoor is a MBBS graduate of Shandong University Cheeloo College of Medicine.