ITS  NOT COOL TO BE A LOSER.

    GO TO SCHOOL , GRADUATE, GET YOUR OWN.

Graduating in Journalism and Mass Communication felt like closing one beautiful chapter and opening another one full of dreams.

I joined YMCA in May 2023 as a hopeful girl with big dreams and a small notebook. I graduated on 27th February 2026 at YMCA Buwambo Main Campus as a proud young journalist. That journey alone deserves a standing ovation!

That morning, I woke up at exactly 5:00am. Not because of an alarm… but because of excitement! My heart was beating like breaking news on live TV. The first thing I did was kneel down and thank the Almighty God. I said, “Lord, this is Your doing.” It was such a peaceful and powerful moment.

After that, I took my shower like a serious graduate — no more “five minutes extra sleep” like during lectures. I had my breakfast properly (for once, no rushing like during exam days). Then came the serious business — dressing up!

My suit was waiting for me, looking important. My mom and my sister Harriet helped me dress. Eeeh! The way they were adjusting my collar and fixing everything, you would think I was going to meet the President. My mom kept looking at me with proud eyes. Harriet was smiling like she had graduated herself. That moment was full of love and happiness.

At exactly 6:30am, my uncle called to say it was time to set off. We got into the car, and I was already wearing my full graduation wear. Sitting there, adjusting my gown and cap, I looked at myself and said softly, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” And honestly, I felt it deep in my heart.

When we reached the campus, everything looked different — beautiful, colorful, and full of joy. My mom and uncle found their seats, and I went to sit with my fellow journalism graduates. My friends looked stunning! Makeup on point, heels high, suits sharp — we were dressed to kill! Jackie, Leticia, Esther, Shanitah, Owen, Roman, Joan and the rest — we were shining like stars. You could feel the happiness in the air.

Then came the moment.
My name — Nanyonjo Dorothy — was read by the Head of Department, Madam Kanyago Jackie. When I heard my name, my heart jumped! The crowd shouted, clapped, and cheered. I felt like a celebrity on a red carpet. I walked confidently, smiling, trying not to cry and not to trip in my heels at the same time. That moment? Pure happiness!

After the ceremony, the real journalism started — interviews, but this time it was pictures! Snaps everywhere! Phones, cameras, people calling my name, “Dorothy, over here!” Eeeh, it was too much — but the good kind of too much. My cheeks were even tired from smiling.

Later, we went to Cafe Javas for lunch. The food tasted sweeter than usual because it was seasoned with success. As we were enjoying the meal, something unexpected happened. The crew workers came in with a cake and gifts, congratulating me! I was surprised! I felt so loved. I almost cried again — but happy tears this time.

That day was not just about getting a certificate. It was about hard work, sleepless nights, assignments, presentations, laughter with friends, and prayers from my family. It was about growth. It was about becoming.
I felt proud. I felt thankful. I felt happy — the kind of happiness that fills your heart and makes you smile for no reason.

From waking up at 5am to cutting cake at Cafe Javas, it was truly a fantastic day. A day full of love, laughter, family, friendship, and achievement.

And as I look back, I smile and say — it was worth it. Every single moment. 🎓✨