Friends for the Journey
On 26 July 2025, 24 graduates came together for Graduation Party 2025. Jointly organised by FES and GCF, and held at Orchard Road Presbyterian Church, this event was a time of worship, reflection, and discussion about the road ahead for new graduates. The Party ended with a commissioning prayer for our fresh graduates and lunch alongside GCF members. Here, two graduates share their experience and how their CF has prepared them for this new stage of life.
Attending the Graduation Party 2025 was a meaningful experience. More than just a celebration of our time in university, it was a moment of reflecting on the times I had with my peers in SUSS CF, sharing, and commissioning. I was uplifted by the discussions, which reminded me of God’s unwavering faithfulness and the importance of walking by faith while surrounded by uncertainties. Furthermore, Shen Kiat’s sharing (who coincidentally was also my lecturer for a law elective I studied in SUSS) titled “Friends for the Journey” allowed me to reflect on the highs and lows of my CF journey, and made me more aware of how God has been shaping me for what lies ahead.
As I transition into the next phase of life and have recently started my full-time job, my feelings are a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Through all these, I see this transition not as a chapter that has closed, but a continuation of God’s work in my life. The discussions about the importance of support systems and journeying together assured me that I am not stepping out alone, but with a community that continues beyond university.
Looking back, my CF experience has been fundamental in preparing me for what lies ahead. Leading and serving in SUSS CF taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, open communication, and fostering a supportive community. Whether through Bible Camp, prayer groups, or simply encouraging my peers, CF shaped me to see leadership as service that is rooted in Christ. Moreover, by organising and attending speaker sessions aimed at preparing CFers for the working world, such as Wholistic Witnessing in the Workplace, these experiences gave me resilience, a deeper reliance on God, and a vision to be salt and light wherever I am placed.
Joash Devanandan was a member of SUSS CF and graduated from SUSS Business Analytics in 2025.
Discussing the journey ahead
Attending the Graduation Party was both a celebration and a moment of deep reflection. It reminded me of God’s constant love and the assurance that the Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding each step of our journey. I learned that God moves at His pace, and what happens in our lives is part of His plan. This perspective encourages me to be patient, knowing that patience often leads to effectiveness, which is something I want to carry into the next phase of life.
One point that the speaker raised was that redemption begins now. He reminded us that we can see our present life today as a glimpse of the coming new heaven and new earth. As fresh graduates, I see this as choosing reconciliation in our relationships, being patient with ourselves during transitions, and living with integrity in our new workplaces or studies.
The highlight for me was the sense of community. Strong bonds within the CF have shaped me in profound ways. We shared what we’ve learned from CF, which helped ease anxieties and navigate transitions together. This community has taught me the true meaning of being salt and light, reminding each other of our calling, sharing both joys and struggles, and encouraging one another in love.
As international students, graduation often means that friends return to their home countries or move on to different workplaces, so the community we’ve been part of in Singapore (like CF) may not remain the same. However, we can still carry the spirit of mutual encouragement and continue to be salt and light wherever God places us.
As I enter this new chapter, I want to continue learning about patience, reconciliation, and community. I am grateful that through the CF, I have learned what it means to love God, love others, and love myself even more. These lessons will continue to guide me as I step forward with faith and hope.
Michelle Natalie Chandra was a member of SIM ISCF and graduated from SIM Computer Science in 2025.
