A cycle has come to an end. Well, almost. The Portuguese Universities have the tradition of 'Benção das Pastas' every May. It symbolizes the end of our studies, whether it is a Bachelor's or a Master's. Because, my course is of five years, here I am at my own 'benção'. It is a catholic celebration because 'benção' means blessing, and thus the Bishop of Setúbal performs that blessing on our folders, which represent our studies and all the wishes we have for the future.
The ribbons are given to those we choose, and these include family, friends, and teachers... Of course I had ribbons from my friends back home, but also from the new ones met in Erasmus :)
Those that sign-up, get the privilege of having their name called out :) And of getting a diploma of participation. This because in reality we're not really done with university. There is still the thesis to be finished, turned in, and presented. As the 20 Biomedical Engineering students gather on stage I am reminded of the five years spent in their company and of all we went through together.
Our going up on stage was even more special because we had two birthday girls present :) So, to be different and honor them, we of course sang Happy Birthday!
"Artilharia
Malta da folia,
Gente do trabalho,
É e oh é, Biomédica é que é!
É e oh é, Biomédica é que é!
É e oh é, Biomédica é que é!"
The traditional picture with all of us was taken outside Building 1 - the Physics building :)
After all the pictures and all the goodbyes, I headed to lunch with my family. It's nice that we gather, once in awhile, even if it is due to occasions such as this one. My dad filmed the event, and I've had a chance to lock at part of it... it's a nice souvenir of the day.
And tomorrow I'm heading back to the Netherlands, but I will be back in September to see all of them once again...
