Valedictory Address

“Valedictory Address” (24 May 1995): 1-2. (UA Case 68, Box 1)

We would like to welcome parents, family, friends, faculty and distinguished guests. We graduates are deeply indebted to family, friends, and faculty for their support and encouragement over the years. Without them, we may not have been able to celebrate this day. It is with a feeling of sadness and anticipation that most of us approach graduation day, for it marks a milestone in our lives, the end of one stage and the beginning of a new one – a stage which requires must more of ourselves than ever before. It is a time of uncertainty as the majority of us enter the job market, while others go on to further their education.

This uncertainty is similar to that which existed the first day we registered for courses at the Aitken Centre. We were excited, nervous and somewhat intimidated by the seemingly tedious process. We were given our kits and struggles through them. Some were prepared with timetables while others were not. We chose our individual courses, then stood in line to register only to reach the front of the line and have our world fall in on us as they said “that section is full!” Then, we would have to revamp our schedules and repeat the process. However, we overcame this obstacle and benefited from it for future registrations.

Regardless of what we choose to do, we must apply the skills that we learned throughout our University years as some of us may not find work in our fields of study. We need to rely and expand on the skills we have and apply them to other fields of work. When evaluating a position, focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do. We need to believe in ourselves and thus others will believe in us too. We also must strive to be outgoing and confident both in ourselves and our abilities. If more people believed in themselves they would be able to accomplish more and hence be “successful.”

This has been a journey which we unconsciously commenced in our first years at UNB that would lead us to today – “Graduation Day” – the climax of the last few hectic yet fun-filled years. A time in which we attempted to discover ourselves. The search for identity is not yet over. We will soon be facing the ultimate challenge of our lives, the challenge of becoming truly independent. We all have goals and aspirations and must judge ourselves by our own individual goals and standards, and not by others’. Be your own person and set realistic goals. Think of them as steps in the ladder of life, taking one step at a time while being careful not to step on others.

It is my sincerest wish that each and every one of us will be able to attain our particular aspiration and most importantly, that we find true happiness and enjoyment in our chosen careers. I hope our futures will be as complete as our past has been.

Once again, thank you for the honor and privilege of representing you as your Valedictorian. I would also like to thank you all for coming and celebrating in this joyous day.

Thank you!