1985 Saint John Spring Convocation
Valedictory Address
Delivered by: Tays, Karla Leona
Content
“Valedictory Address” (May 1985): 1-4. (UA Case 68, Box 2)
Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellow Graduates
On behalf of the graduating class of 1985 I would like to welcome you, to this, the 11th spring convocation of the Saint John campus of the University of New Brunswick. I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow graduates to deliver this valedictory address.
Four years ago we entered this institution with mixed emotions: hope, fear for the next four LONG years and concerns over whether we had made the right decision. Well, time has flown and four SHORT years later many mixed emotions still prevail: uncertainty about the future, what is the “REAL WORLD” really like, glad to be graduating, yet sad about leaving this place which has meant so much and the possibility of never seeing some friends again.
GRADUATION!! This word has a special meaning for each of the graduates here today. For some, it is a major accomplishment while for others it is the key to the future. For all, graduation is much more than simply receiving a degree.
As graduates, we deserve a pat on the back. WE’VE MADE IT!!! However, credit must be given to those who have supported us during our university years. Our parents and other family members have assisted us not just in the past few years but throughout our entire lives. They were not only present in the good times but supported us in the difficult. As our lives diverge in many new directions, we can count on our family for their continued guidance.
Professors, like parents and other family members have also been a source of guidance. The faculty and fine staff have contributed to a positive professor-student relationship. Smaller class size has permitted more student interaction. This campus is a superb example of the statement “Quality is not measured in terms of size”. It may be small but its significance should not be underestimated. Over the past four years, the advantages have far outweighed the disadvantages. This university is continuing to develop with the addition of the Canada Games stadium and the construction of the Student Center. This new building will house the action center, radio station, expanded facilities for social events and enlarged areas for the student council.
The campus buildings, however, are not totally representative of the success of a university. One must look at its impact upon the students and the community of which it is apart. From its early days, this university has played an active role within the Saint John area. Although university has involved the study of particular areas, it has more importantly broadened the student’s perception of life. This can be attributed to the social, intellectual and athletic involvements during university years. These are involvements of which we, as graduates, should be proud.
A successful friend of mine once offered helpful advice which I would like to share. The key to success if setting goals and believing that you can accomplish them. You must first believe in yourself before you can expect anyone else to believe in you. Set an ultimate goal for your life and establish objectives to be met along the way. University graduation has been a goal over the past few years. Now that it has been achieved, we must continue to set new goals. University is simply a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal.
In closing, I would like to read a short poem by Walter Wintle.
Thank you!!
Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellow Graduates
On behalf of the graduating class of 1985 I would like to welcome you, to this, the 11th spring convocation of the Saint John campus of the University of New Brunswick. I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow graduates to deliver this valedictory address.
Four years ago we entered this institution with mixed emotions: hope, fear for the next four LONG years and concerns over whether we had made the right decision. Well, time has flown and four SHORT years later many mixed emotions still prevail: uncertainty about the future, what is the “REAL WORLD” really like, glad to be graduating, yet sad about leaving this place which has meant so much and the possibility of never seeing some friends again.
GRADUATION!! This word has a special meaning for each of the graduates here today. For some, it is a major accomplishment while for others it is the key to the future. For all, graduation is much more than simply receiving a degree.
As graduates, we deserve a pat on the back. WE’VE MADE IT!!! However, credit must be given to those who have supported us during our university years. Our parents and other family members have assisted us not just in the past few years but throughout our entire lives. They were not only present in the good times but supported us in the difficult. As our lives diverge in many new directions, we can count on our family for their continued guidance.
Professors, like parents and other family members have also been a source of guidance. The faculty and fine staff have contributed to a positive professor-student relationship. Smaller class size has permitted more student interaction. This campus is a superb example of the statement “Quality is not measured in terms of size”. It may be small but its significance should not be underestimated. Over the past four years, the advantages have far outweighed the disadvantages. This university is continuing to develop with the addition of the Canada Games stadium and the construction of the Student Center. This new building will house the action center, radio station, expanded facilities for social events and enlarged areas for the student council.
The campus buildings, however, are not totally representative of the success of a university. One must look at its impact upon the students and the community of which it is apart. From its early days, this university has played an active role within the Saint John area. Although university has involved the study of particular areas, it has more importantly broadened the student’s perception of life. This can be attributed to the social, intellectual and athletic involvements during university years. These are involvements of which we, as graduates, should be proud.
A successful friend of mine once offered helpful advice which I would like to share. The key to success if setting goals and believing that you can accomplish them. You must first believe in yourself before you can expect anyone else to believe in you. Set an ultimate goal for your life and establish objectives to be met along the way. University graduation has been a goal over the past few years. Now that it has been achieved, we must continue to set new goals. University is simply a stepping stone towards our ultimate goal.
In closing, I would like to read a short poem by Walter Wintle.
The Man Who Thinks He CanCONGRATULATIONS AND BEST OF LUCK IN THE FUTURE!!!
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lost, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is The Man Who Thinks He Can.
Thank you!!
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