She crossed continents for her graduation but no family showed up. Then she noticed a stranger holding up a phone
'I find it hard to ask for help or say I need people. So for her to know and just do it, I feel so loved,' Vee wrote.
Earning a PhD is a milestone many dream about, but it can also feel lonely when there’s no one around to share the moment. A woman who goes by @veekhativuu on Instagram revealed that she was set to go from the UK to the USA to defend her thesis and acquire her PhD at graduation. In the clip shared on February 17, the woman revealed she was nervous about everything, especially traveling from one continent to another. She made her way to America, striving for what she worked hard to earn. To her surprise, she was stunned to see she was not alone. In another clip shared on February 19, Vee revealed that her best friend, Kim, showed up to render support.
For Vee, the quote, “Do it scared but do it anyway,” had been echoing for a long time. The woman explained how she had poured her heart and soul into her research and looked forward to defending her thesis. Along with that confidence and hard work, she was also nervous; the thesis would make or break what she dreamed of. “I am terrified. Like genuinely shaking and overthinking everything,” she confessed. “Yes, I'm scared, but I’m showing up anyway,” she wrote in her caption. When she landed in America, she recorded herself feeling unsettled and scared. Everything was starting to get more and more real with each moment.
Vee confessed that she was a little upset that no one from her family was able to join her for this important milestone. Exhausted, she made her way towards the terminals to exit the airport. Before she could leave, she spotted a woman recording with her phone camera. When she noticed the woman was specifically recording her, she took a closer look. She stopped in relief and let out the widest smile. Her friend Kim had “flown halfway across the world” to surprise her and be there for her. To see a familiar face and presence when you feel like you’re alone is a reassurance like no other.
“21 years and you never cease to amaze me,” she wrote in her caption. The student mentioned how she always dreamed of being surprised, but it had never happened until that moment. For the next few minutes, Vee stood with her luggage, smiling, gasping, and still trying to take in what she just felt. “I find it hard to ask for help or say I need people. So for her to know and just do it, I feel so loved,” she exclaimed. Kim even got herself a charm to wear on her big day and a handwritten card. It read “Defence, Defence, Defence,” along with the words, “PhD and Dr. Vee,” written beside it. In the next couple of posts, Vee revealed her dream come true. In one post, she wrote, “Last night I defended my PhD and became a Doctor of Education!”
Another post captured her at the University of Bradford, giving her speech as Dr. Vee. “The youngest to ever receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree at the University of Bradford. We made history. We broke a record. This is insane,” she remarked. Having a friend who is willing to travel across the world and witness you make history, even when no one else will, is a win for life. According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of teens between 13 and 17 years of age reported having between one and four close friends. Out of these, 89% said they had at least one friend to turn to for emotional support. The rate is higher among girls (95%) compared to boys (85%).
Findings from Newport Academy suggest that adolescents and teenagers with friend networks reportedly have better mental health. They showed better immunity, better self-esteem, and reduced anxiety, among other benefits. Daniel J. Siegel, a clinical professor of psychology, explained why it is so important to have friendships starting from this age. “Why would it be natural to turn toward your peers as an adolescent? Because that’s on whom you’re going to depend when you leave home,” he explained. Vee found this confidant in Kim from a younger age, and it stuck. And the internet couldn’t be happier. @a_ayomide said, “Intentional people? May we have them? May we be them. They make all things brighter and more beautiful.” @sippinghannah added, “It really is the love of friendship that has shown me the real depths of love.”
You can follow Dr. Vee (@veekativhu) on Instagram for more content on lifestyle.
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