Before starting my writing here, I would like to thank UTAR newsletter team for this special section for us, the alumni.

Three years of degree life studying for Bachelor (Hons) Agricultural Science in UTAR, Kampar here, I have gained and learned a lot. Apart from just knowledge of studies, I learned the importance of making friends and maintaining the friendship. I made a lot new friends in UTAR, however the friendship I had with my coursemates and my lecturers, I would say is priceless.

Do you know that, we had our own small farm for planting activities just beside UTAR sports complex? We had planted choy sum, spinach, mustard, corns and even sold them in markets and restaurants before. Don?t you think it is fun to do such thing in a group? All our lecturers were sporting and helpful as well. They are willing to teach and let us learn new things regarding our course. Although most of the times we had to suffer and work under the hot sun, we really enjoyed the outdoor activities as that is where and how we learned a lot of new interesting things.

Besides just planting, we also go out for field trips not just in Kampar, Ipoh and Cameron Highlands but even as far as Kluang, Johor. We are like a one big happy family who stayed together, ate together and even went for movie and shopping together too. These field trips that we often had last time, made students from other courses jealous. Well, it is not easy and common for university students to go for trips unless they join some other curricular activities.

Not only that, with all our teamwork, we managed to organized Agritech seminars, not for once but until the 11^th Series in UTAR here in just three years time. Besides the interesting facts and knowledge that we gained throughout the seminar, another famous matter that we all look for during the seminar would be the delicious food. Those who have attended the Agritech seminar would definitely know what I actually mean.

Furthermore, somehow we managed to start a new society called Agricultural and Food Science (AGFD) Society with the collaboration of Bachelor of Food Science students, just before our batch graduated. It was not as easy as other course-based societies because the number of students enrolled in this course can hardly be more than ten for every semester. When we talk about Agriculture, everyone only thinks about being farmers and planting under hot sun. Well, trust me, it is far more than just that.

 I am proud to tell that as the only Indian girl in my course or should I say among the first four batches of Agricultural Science (AG) course, all my other Chinese friends treated me fair enough without any feeling of inequality. I enjoyed being around them. They do always think about me when going out for meals especially (as I do not consume pork or beef and I will be vegetarian sometimes). Whenever we all go out for meals or whenever they treat me food, the first question they ask me would be, 'Siva, are you vegetarian today?'

Honestly, I am very glad and blessed to have such a wonderful coursemates who can be really good friends although we do argue sometimes. We celebrated each others' birthdays, shared our foods and even memories together.

 Today, 27^th March 2016, we are graduating here in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. All of us have now gone on our own way looking for a brighter future. Mostly are already working in related field while some others are still looking for job. Wherever we are, whatever we do, I just hope our 'Farmers Family' bond will never break. Good luck and always keep in touch my lovely AG mates and AG lecturers too.

Field trip to BODEN Goat Farm, Negeri Sembilan with coursemates and lecturers

Our group picture before going for movie

Birthday dinner for our lecturer, Prof.Peter Ooi Aun Chuan

Group picture of me and my batch coursemates who graduated

My coursemates and I are tossing our mortar boards into the air