It was with mixed feelings that the 69 students from Session A entered the YMCA Assembly Room for the End session gathering. Throughout the whole evening, the room resonated with much laughter and chatter, an affirmation of the friendships forged.
At the Certificate Presentation Ceremony, each student was presented with their Certificate of Participation, the culmination of their efforts for the past 7 weeks as interns. Students shared their trials and tribulations with each other and it was a unanimous sentiment that the added element of cultural exchange made the CCIP experience one like no other.
The highlight of the evening was when the Star Award Winners were announced. Students cheered generously for their friends and shared the pride with the deserving recipients. June Yeo, a third year student from National University of Singapore and one of the winners said, "I signed up for the program hoping to learn the ropes in a real corporate setting. I walk away with that and more. I learnt how to be an effective leader".
Towards the end of the gathering, students eagerly crowded around for a group photo to capture the final moments. It was truly heartwarming to see all inhibitions, be it nationality or school, removed between all 69 of them.
After 7 weeks of living, working and playing together, lasting friendships had been forged over shared memories. Many students expressed a deep regret over the fact that this was to be their final week together.
