Graduates-2026. Tahani Amaya Lenagala: A candidate for a Diploma with Honors, active participant of the events of the Sri Lankan National Union

Some journeys shape our lives quietly, little by little, until one day we look back and realize we are no longer the same person who first began them.

My ambition has always been to help people, and medicine became the path I chose to pursue. When I first arrived in Belarus six years ago, I believed I was simply beginning my journey towards becoming a doctor. Looking back now, I realize it became a journey of becoming much more than that.

Although adapting to new environments was not entirely unfamiliar to me, studying medicine abroad brought with it an entirely different kind of growth. Living in Belarus allowed me to meet people from countless walks of life, each carrying different beliefs, perspectives, and experiences.

Who I am today is a reflection of the people and experiences that shaped me along the way. None of this journey would have been possible without my parents, whose sacrifices and unwavering belief in me laid the foundation for everything I have achieved. Love, encouragement, and strength I received from my school, my friends, and all those who cared about me contributed to my journey in ways for which I will always be grateful.

Some of the people whose impact is felt most are often the ones we cannot thank enough, and I believe that is especially true of our Dean and Vice Deans. Their support and presence often go far beyond what many of us fully realize during our years here. Having had the opportunity to work closely with them allowed me to witness firsthand the care, responsibility, and dedication they carry towards their students. Their belief in us, their constant encouragement, and the countless unseen efforts they make have undoubtedly shaped many of our experiences in ways that will remain with us long after graduation.

Throughout my years at the University, I always believed that there is much more to life than academics alone. For that reason, I have always tried to maintain a balance between my academic life and the experiences beyond it. I was fortunate enough to consistently maintain strong academic performance throughout my years of study, to be placed on the Honor Board for two consecutive years, and to participate and place in numerous academic Olympiads, including representing the University internationally in Moscow on two occasions, one of which I had the privilege of serving as team captain.

I was also grateful for opportunities to present at international conferences, contribute towards research publications, organize quiz competitions, mentor junior students, and serve as Secretary of the Sri Lankan Students Association for two years. At the same time, some of my most cherished memories were created outside the classroom during the countless moments shared with friends who eventually became family.

When I reflect on my time here, I think about the people. One of the greatest lessons I have learnt is the importance of human connection. As future doctors, we are entrusted with more than treating illnesses; we are entrusted with understanding people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I find myself filled with gratitude more than anything else — gratitude for the experiences I was fortunate enough to have, the people who stood beside me throughout this journey, and the person these six years allowed me to become.

I do not know exactly where life will take me next, but I do know that wherever it may be, I will continue to give my very best, continue learning, and continue growing.

“The study of medicine may teach us about life, but it is the people we meet along the way who truly teach us how to live.”

Tahani Amaya Lenagala

(Graduating Batch of ‘26)