Valedictory Address

“Ceremony B Valedictory Address” (23 May, 2002) 2-6. (UA Case 68, Box 2).

Good Morning—Your Honour, Mr. Chancellor, Madam President, Members of the Board, Honoured Guests, Fellow Graduates, Family & Friends

Firstly Congratulations Graduates! … on receiving your degrees and finally seeing the reward of your hard work and dedication after 3-4-5 or more years!

Secondly, I am very honoured to be giving the valedictory address at these ceremonies. In the words of the graduation organizers, as Valedictorian, I am to “SYMBOLIZE ALL THE STUDENTS” at these ceremonies…So here you go, you are all a 26 year old, 5’ 3”, chatty but interesting Indo-Canadian woman….

By symbolizing the students at this moment, I am to represent, at the least, the way we are all feeling right now—it is as Graduates, feeling accomplishment at the years at UNB; excitement at the prospects awaiting; joy of being amoung the close friends made at UNB; happiness and pride to be able to share this moment with family; sadness at leaving the life at UNB; and a smile for all the memories.

Born and raised in BC, I had never been on the East Coast until I came here in September of 1999 for my first year of law school—and my intention was to do it for a year, see some of the East Coast and then transfer back to BC. But in my first week of school at UNB, seeing the beautiful campus, meeting and getting to know the students in my program and other disciplines by virtue of residence, being welcomed by the wonderful professors and staff, I quickly came to the realization that I would stay here for all three years—and it has been a wonderful time of my life. It is a credit to the administration, faculty, and staff of UNB; the high standards of education; making us feel unique as individuals and not just numbers; and of course UNB’s rigorous student selection process.

Today, we are three faculties represented here—Law, Nursing and Arts—while we may have had different experiences in our faculties with regard to course work, professors and requirements—as UNB students, we all have shared similar experiences—by virtue of sharing the UNB Campus and living in Fredericton. Who will forget the trek up Regent Street? And let’s admit, when looking for accommodation in Fredericton—where you lived in relation to the “HILL” was a consideration in “location”; the parking situation—driving around endlessly to find a parking spot—if you did find a legal one it was a mile and a half trek to you building—and of course the close parking spots would undoubtedly get you a parking ticket; and who will forget the Beaverbucks—the paper money us residence dwellers acquired for skipping meals—and our non-residence friends who fought over them—to be invited for a free “all you can eat meal” at the dining hall…. There are endless stories we share, but it would take so long to get to them and some may not be so appropriate to share at this moment….

All of us have been part of faculties that are smaller in size—which makes us all closer. Spending day in and day out together has forced us to tolerate each other. Having the familiarity and comfort with our surroundings and those around us helped us adjust to the lectures, exams and studying. Sometimes, our lives have been open books, to other students and even Professors—but, that has been worth it when in times of joy and accomplishments in our lives, all have celebrated with us; and in bad times, we have received empathy and support. That goes for the students, and the Faculty and staff.

I remember in my first year, around October—being in the law library doing research on a project for one of my classes. I tried to look like I was deep in thought, but was very confused, having had no idea how to begin my research. Almost every student that walked by me stopped and asked me what I was working on and tried to point me in the right direction. Admittedly, helping may have been a form of procrastination for them, but I was so very touched nonetheless. I remember telling this to friends back home with great fondness but they did not believe me because Law Schools are known for their competitive environments at times. Our experience here was enhanced by the way we treated each other. Helping has become more a part of our nature and something we will carry on into life.

As I have mentioned throughout, the Faculty and Staff have been a really big part of our time here. They have not only taught us and shared their wisdom with us but have taken the effort to get to know us and keep their doors open for us, cared for us and been patient with us, and have managed to keep smile on their faces. Thank you.

And our family and friends—some who are here today. Our pillars of support—sometimes financial, sometimes emotional—but mostly just being there. Thank-you.

This stint at UNB was one step along the way—but will impact us forever. Some of us are heading to our careers, some to more schooling and some on unknown excursions—but one thing to remember is that our education does not end with the degree we receive today. A quote from Gandhi sums us best what I am trying to say: LIVE AS IF TO DIE TOMORROW, LEARN AS IF TO LIVE FOREVER.

Keeping open minds and open hearts as we head into the world—Let us create our destiny and leave a legacy for the future. May we as UNB graduates, be known as successful, tolerant and vibrant individuals!

Good Luck with all of your endeavours. Thank You!