Kimatrai, the Banquet Hall where it all began, where we all first met, was the perfect venue to celebrate the end of our diligent medical school journey in St. Lucia! The all-inclusive farewell on the 26th of November was fully catered with food, drinks¸ and a deliciously layered chocolate farewell cake!

Around 9 PM as the first few students arrived, their enthralled expressions were enough to commend the accomplished work of the students in the Farewell Committee. As guests entered through the doorway, they came across black curtains which kept them in suspense of what was happening within. Pushing aside the curtains, the magnificently renovated interior was revealed. The walls were completely stratified with black & white drapes which integrated excellently with the attire: gentlemen wore all black and ladies wore black, red, or white. There was an organized seating arrangement to the left, a dance floor in the middle, and the DJ booth to the right. The dance floor was surrounded by pillars beautifully decorated with red & white balloon bundles and transparent red wrapping. A hazy hookah lounge was visible at the left corner with comfortable seating covered by black & white linen.

The drinks were prepared exquisitely by an expert bartender who was hired from Coconut Bay Hotel & Resort. Private security ensured the farewell was exclusive to only IAU Students, Faculty, and Staff. As the hall started filling up, DJ SHUFFLE started spinning the hottest tracks consisting of House, Dance, Rap, Rock, Punjabi, & Arabic. The party lasted well after 2 am into the night, with bus transportation provided to their homes.

But there was much more to the majestic event than just fun, food, drinks, excitement, and dancing. It was a celebration of the persistence, determination, commitment, and dedication that brought us to this transcending point of medical school. There was a sense of gratification; which was infused with a plethora of emotions, a reality that we are actually leaving this island, and this might be the last time most of us will ever see each other again. My personal belief is not to be dismayed at goodbyes; a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends. (by Parham Bahador – fourth semester student).

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