To the class of 2022
Published Jul 16, 2022 12:05 am
IT'S THE SMALL THINGS
My social media feed lately has been filled with graduations left, and right. It is also heartwarming to know that this year’s graduates are once again able to physically walk across stage to get their diplomas, after two school years of virtual graduations. A whiff of nostalgia always comes about me every time I think about my high school and college years, and many times over, I find myself laughing at many decisions I made then. But to live is to learn, and here is my message, based on experience to this year’s graduates.
Dear graduate,
You are at the cusp of what is about to be some of the best, and also, toughest years of your life. Embrace it, and at the same time, learn from every moment that teaches you a thing or two. Face fear in the face, and do not be afraid to make mistakes — inevitable ones and dumb decisions at that — believe me when I tell you that there is no better time for that than now. Learning is a lifelong journey I have since realized, and the more we think we know, the more we actually do not know. Keep an open mind, and remember, the most wisdom is found in moments of humility.
You are a batch like no other. You have withered the crippling pains of the pandemic, and have endured learning in isolation, from the confines of your home. You were supposed to be mingling with peers, making friends, and socializing with colleagues at a time you were instead restrained and somehow caged. But you persisted, and you were resilient, and that is why you are here today.
Take that persistence and resilience along with you for the rest of your life. Carry it along with compassion and empathy because these are perhaps some of the most valuable traits you can ever equip yourself with. Remember that everything academic you learn at school will serve as the knowledge bank and skills set that will be your stepping stone, but it is what you learn in non-academic settings — teamwork, cooperation, compromise, camaraderie, companionship — that will put you on a pedestal, and that has the ability to set you apart.
As you enter a new world — whether it be college, university, further studies or the workforce — do so with an attitude of gratitude, and a thirst to learn even more. Emerge and shatter glass ceilings with goals and a plan, but more importantly, with kindness and patience because these traits are what you will be remembered most for. Remember that you are responsible for your own journey, and always take accountability for your actions no matter what. Remember that come what may, your integrity and reputation will always precede you.
Lastly, in everything you do, do it with intent, purpose and respect — for yourself, and those around you. Leave your mark in this world, and be remembered for the positive changes and contributions you have made to better whatever community you find yourself in.
Congratulations and soar high, class of 2022.
My social media feed lately has been filled with graduations left, and right. It is also heartwarming to know that this year’s graduates are once again able to physically walk across stage to get their diplomas, after two school years of virtual graduations. A whiff of nostalgia always comes about me every time I think about my high school and college years, and many times over, I find myself laughing at many decisions I made then. But to live is to learn, and here is my message, based on experience to this year’s graduates.
Dear graduate,
You are at the cusp of what is about to be some of the best, and also, toughest years of your life. Embrace it, and at the same time, learn from every moment that teaches you a thing or two. Face fear in the face, and do not be afraid to make mistakes — inevitable ones and dumb decisions at that — believe me when I tell you that there is no better time for that than now. Learning is a lifelong journey I have since realized, and the more we think we know, the more we actually do not know. Keep an open mind, and remember, the most wisdom is found in moments of humility.
You are a batch like no other. You have withered the crippling pains of the pandemic, and have endured learning in isolation, from the confines of your home. You were supposed to be mingling with peers, making friends, and socializing with colleagues at a time you were instead restrained and somehow caged. But you persisted, and you were resilient, and that is why you are here today.
Take that persistence and resilience along with you for the rest of your life. Carry it along with compassion and empathy because these are perhaps some of the most valuable traits you can ever equip yourself with. Remember that everything academic you learn at school will serve as the knowledge bank and skills set that will be your stepping stone, but it is what you learn in non-academic settings — teamwork, cooperation, compromise, camaraderie, companionship — that will put you on a pedestal, and that has the ability to set you apart.
As you enter a new world — whether it be college, university, further studies or the workforce — do so with an attitude of gratitude, and a thirst to learn even more. Emerge and shatter glass ceilings with goals and a plan, but more importantly, with kindness and patience because these traits are what you will be remembered most for. Remember that you are responsible for your own journey, and always take accountability for your actions no matter what. Remember that come what may, your integrity and reputation will always precede you.
Lastly, in everything you do, do it with intent, purpose and respect — for yourself, and those around you. Leave your mark in this world, and be remembered for the positive changes and contributions you have made to better whatever community you find yourself in.
Congratulations and soar high, class of 2022.