Convocation

On November 17, I and a few hundreds of graduants (Masters and Doctors) were invited to join the November convocation at the University of Toronto. Built in modern Victorian style, the circular Convocation Hall is surrounded by a dozen three-storey-high pillars. After we were seated, with the organ chanting in the background, the Procession slowly walked into the hall. The mace carried by the Procession sparkled with the rhythm of the steps. After the Procession was seated on stage, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies requested the chancellor for permission to graduate us. Then, the chancellor, the Honourable David Peterson (former Ontario premier), admitted our graduation. Next, Professor Cynthia Goh (the organizer of the Entrepreneurship 101 course) gave the address. Her fluent presentation and inspiring language were echoed by a laudable applause from the audience. Afterwards, we went on stage two by two to receive our congratulations from the chancellor and the Dean. In merely 90 minutes, the ceremony was concluded with singing of the national anthem O Canada. After the ceremony, Simon joined me from the audience. We snapped a few pictures with friends in front of the convocation hall.

I don't know if I will remember the grandiose convocation hall, or the touching address by Professor Goh, or even the gown and hood worn during the ceremony. Either way, I will remember the date, November 17, 2006, as it marked the end of my two-years of sweat and hardwork and a proof of my perserverance and determination.

New Academy

Almost three months after I joined the company, Nortel's new hire welcome training has FINALLY arrived. The two day training designed for new hires was a refreshing experience. I was joined by 60 other new hires and welcomed by our trainer, Janice Upton and ?. During the two days, we learned about Nortel's business code of ethics, the company's core values (Customers, Integrity, People, Quality, Accountability), compensation, and toured some really cool product demo. To demonstrate the importance of teamwork, we also played a Who wants to be a Nortel Ambassador game (similar to Who wants to be a Millionnaire) and a card game called "Banga", in which the only word allowed was "Banga" and players had to guess the rules of the game. At the end of two days, we all proudly shook hands with our trainers and received our Certificate of Achievement.