So, a couple of days ago around the same time I went to #soore_art_university (which for those of you not in the know, is the name of my university where I got my bachelor's from) to pick up my diploma; basically severing any connection I had with the institution and putting an end to that chapter of my life which ran for 6 years. It was, despite my best efforts, a moment of self reflection and putting things into perspective. I've spent (so far) a quarter of my life and almost all of my adult life in that building in the Azadi street. The last two semesters were online classes but the rest was me going there physically, sitting in a class and listening to professors ranging from magnificently incompetent to incredibly well informed. But looking at it, Soore and the six years I spent in it was more than just learning and "career" advancements. It's where I found so many good friendships and did so much of what I consider to be my day-to-day life. Many of the people reading this and being in my life, wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Soore. I'm not going to lie, I don't love Soore. I don't like many of its facets, from the "prison-esque" architecture to the constant fights with faculty over getting new professors and their constant bickering and nagging of adhering to the arbitrary rules of conduct. But, the experiences I had in Soore are part of me now and at least for the moment I can't shake them off. I don't think this phrase has been used more aptly anywhere else but: "whether I like it or not" I've been through Soore. Much like all abusive parasitical relationships, saying goodbye is hard and more nuanced than imagined. So, goodbye I guess, to one hell of an abusive and parasitical relationship between one man and one deeply flawed university. P.S. I was there for 11 semesters, and the pics are from my first to my eleventh one in ascending order. Just a little trip down memory lane. (at Soore University) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiRmYZjtP8S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=












