As I sit down today to write this post, my heart swells with pride, and a cascade of memories sweeps through my mind. The moment is poignant and emotional, tinged with both joy and nostalgia. Our son, our pride, Sunnie Kapar, has graduated from Craig Keilburger Secondary School and is stepping into the vast world of higher education, like his siblings Sparsh and Sudu, embarking on his journey in computer engineering at the University of Waterloo. to reflect on and consider our progress.
In the early years, we faced our fair share of struggles. As parents, we’ve seen him wrestle with the rigorous academic standards of school life, the stress of examinations, and the pressure of maintaining stellar grades. Yet his passion for knowledge and unwavering focus were never doused through all these trials. I remember countless late nights when the only light in the house was in his room, where he was immersed in his books, coding on his computer, or tinkering with circuits, designing the full adder, and sometimes playing games on the computer, which suddenly changed to a different screen the moment we entered his room.
He had an uncanny ability to balance his voracious appetite for learning with an empathetic understanding of our parental concerns. He knew when to pull an all-nighter for a project and when to switch off his computer and join us for a family dinner, though sometimes it required a few convincing yells that dinner was ready. He grasped the delicate equilibrium between our worries and his aspirations and walked this tightrope with grace and maturity beyond his years.
His dedication to his academics was, and continues to be, commendable. He stood out as a beacon of intellectual prowess, achieving accolades that have filled us with immense pride. His exceptional academic performance was a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge; his final mark of 96% demonstrates how much he has worked into his studies. But as we celebrate his academic prowess, we can’t overlook the importance of life skills, which, in many ways, are equally, if not more, important. He made us proud as he was awarded the Lord Strathcona Medal, the highest award that can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet in recognition of exemplary physical and military training performance. He commanded the 2990 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps as the Chief Warrant Officer. Besides being an avid snare drummer and alto sax player, he didn’t find the music industry challenging enough to tempt him to follow the path. Then COVID restricted his creativity, and we saw him confined to his room more often.
As his journey in academia continues, I find myself contemplating the future. In the euphoria of his academic accomplishments, we must not forget to remind him of the importance of life skills. Excelling in academics is indeed important, but navigating the world outside of textbooks is an equally crucial life lesson. From communication skills to empathy, resilience to adaptability, and self-care to financial management, these life skills often prove to be the difference between success and mere survival.
As he steps into university, a world filled with diversity and endless opportunities, he must understand that marks and accolades alone do not define success. Being able to empathize with others, communicate effectively, adapt to changes, bounce back from setbacks, and lead a balanced life are equally vital skills to cultivate. As parents, while we continue to support his academic aspirations, we also hope to see him grow as a well-rounded individual.
We have started a new chapter in this educational quest that will focus equally on developing his mind and giving him the tools he needs to live a fulfilling life. My son, as you enter this momentous time in your life, remember that while knowledge gives you power, the character earns you respect. Be a compassionate, empathic, and well-rounded person, as well as a computer engineer. Never forget that passing the test of life is equally as important as passing the tests.
As we look forward to his new journey, we cherish the journey that has brought us here. The “alleged” late-night study sessions, the joy of his achievements, and the resilience of setbacks now culminate in this proud moment. We believe in him, as we have always done, and we know he will conquer this new chapter with the same determination, brilliance, and grace that have defined his journey so far.
Our hearts are full of love and hope as we see our little mischievous cherubic boy, now a young man, preparing to take on the world. Here’s to a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and many life skills. Here’s to our son, Sunnie Kapar, the soon-to-be computer engineer.
Thinking Out Loud 