Valedictory Address

"Valedictory Address" (28 May 2009): 1-2. (UA Case 68, Box 3).

Chancellor Currie, President Mclaughlin, the rest of the platform party, ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to begin by congratulating all of the graduates here today and by thanking everyone for attending this special occasion. I feel both honoured and privileged to be standing here this afternoon representing the graduating class of 2009.

As a music graduate from St. John's, IM.L, I first came to the University of New Brunswick to study law in the fall of 2006. My personal experiences at UNB as a law student are unique and different from the experiences of every other graduate that sits before me today. I feel that my responsibility as valedictorian is not to speak solely about my experiences at UNB though, but to speak on behalf of all graduates here today, whether graduating from law, science, engineering, computer science or forestry and environmental management.

Each of us has had a different experience while at UNB. Some students studied at the HIL, some studied at the SUB and some of us studied at the Irving Big Stop. Some students played sports, some students participated in clubs, while others sat on committees. Some of us lived in residence and other students lived off campus. Some of us went to the market every Saturday morning and some students slept in. Some of us chose to party at Nicky Zees, others partied at the Rodeo, while some students preferred to drink at the Phoenix. Some of us decided to end these nights early while others stayed out a little later to get some breakfast at the Dip.

Although all of us graduating today have had different experiences at UNB, each of us attended class each day, or at least that's what we would like people to believe, with a common ambition; and that was to graduate. Regardless of our differences, we will all leave here today with one unifying characteristic, one universal accomplishment; we have all received a degree from the University of New Brunswick. Although many things in life can be taken away from us, the knowledge and skills that we have obtained during our time at UNB are ours. Our degrees, whether in law, engineering, science, computer science or forestry and environmental management, they are ours forever.

Obtaining a degree is not an easy task and few can achieve it alone. Something that we all share is the support that we have received which allowed us to be sitting here as degree recipients. Who should we thank for this support? First, I would like to thank all of our professors who have guided, encouraged and educated us throughout our time at UNB.

Second, I would like to thank our families and friends. Thank you for your initial confidence in us that pushed us to start our degrees at UNB. Thank you for the continuous advice, love and support throughout our time here in Fredericton. Thank you for the care packages, the kind words over the telephone and the encouragement that today would finally come. Personally, without knowing that I had the constant support of my mom, dad, sister and brothers behind me, I would not be standing before you this afternoon.

Finally, I would like to thank the friends that we have all made along the way. We all achieved this together. We experienced the same classes, the same professors, the same exams, the same lows and the same highs. Only we students truly understand what we have endured to be here today and can truly appreciate the sense of accomplishment that is felt today. A wise man once said that a journey is measured in friends rather than miles. If that is the case then my journey at UNB has carried me the world over many times.

So we have survived the deadlines, the textbooks, and the exams and having completed our degrees, theoretically, we are now ready to enter the real world. Entering the real world can be an overwhelming thought, but it is comforting to think of the ways that our education at UNB has prepared us for what is to come. For example, time management, we now know exactly how long we can avoid starting that 20 page paper and still get that B. And ultimately at the end of the day if you really don't feel that you are prepared to face the pressures of the real world yet then you can always do what I did and go back to school for one or even two more degrees.

In all seriousness, before embarking on the next leg of our journey there are three pieces of advice that we should all keep in mind. First, we should never be afraid to ask for help. If I learned anything at law school it is that there is much more knowledge in the world than any one person can master. By combining the skills of many, great things can be achieved.

Second, we should never forget the well known Latin saying, carpe diem, seize the day. As university graduates, we are headed into the real workplace, and will be introduced to a world that, believe it or not, may be even more demanding than student life. With success will come more responsibilities and pressures and we must always remember to not take life too seriously and to truly enjoy and appreciate today.

The final three words of wisdom that we should remember going forward are "leave a legacy". As a graduate of the class of 2009, I encourage you to leave here today with the goal of leaving your mark on the world. Nelson Mandela stated that "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Sitting before me today are the future innovators, providers of justice, entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, judges, activists, and leaders of our future. We have the power to change this world, to better it in some way either collectively or individually.

With that said, I would like to congratulate all of the University of New Brunswick graduates of 2009. Life can be a wonderful and powerful journey, but ultimately life is what we choose to make it. Whether we spent our time at UNB in Head Hall, the I.U.C. Forestry Building, Gillin Hall, the I.U.C Physics and Admin Building or Ludlow Hall we have all achieved something great during our time here. We have earned today the right to be proud of what we have accomplished. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you all so very much.