Teaching goes beyond sharing knowledge; it’s about creating connections and molding lives and laying the foundation of a better world. As educators, we dedicate our time, energy, and hearts to nurturing young minds. Finding the right words can be tough when the time comes to say goodbye. My generation is in that juncture of life when my colleagues are asked by the college administration to deliver the farewell speech to the passing out students. They often turn to me to advice them regarding what should they be telling their students in such a farewell speech.
A well-crafted speech can create a lasting impression,
whether you’re retiring, or saying farewell to a graduating class. This
will be my format and content. Your’s might differ but such is the occasion
that it cannot be much different.
I will usually start with a very brief introduction like today
marks the end of our journey together, but it’s just the beginning of yours. As
I stand here, looking at your eager faces, I’m filled with a mix of pride and
nostalgia. We’ve shared so much over the years – laughter, challenges, and
countless “aha” moments. I cannot say you were exceptionally well behaved all
the time, but then neither was I an exceptional role model every day. Teaching
isn’t a one-way street – you’ve taught me patience, adaptability, and how to
explain the same thing in ten different ways until it clicks! So, thank you for
that. We the teachers however, have tried to teach you much more than what is
written in books. So, as you go out to make your mark on the world stage, I
will leave you with a bunch of dos and don’ts, otherwise I will be failing in
my teaching responsibilities:
1. Don’t associate with the wrong people
People who make you feel like you’re not worth their time,
who treat you like you’re beneath them, or who never back you up when you need
them to are not people deserving of your time and energy. Your dignity is not
negotiable. True friends will make time for you and stick with you through
thick and thin.
2.
Stop avoiding your problems
It may be the easy thing to do in the short term, but in
the long run, you’ll just face them again and again. It’s better to tackle
hardship head-on. You probably won’t solve your problems instantly, but the
process is what counts – learn from your mistakes, adapt, and grow. Eventually,
it’ll make you a better, stronger person.
3.
Don’t lie to yourself
Honesty is the best policy and the only policy, and being
honest with yourself is the most important part of this policy. When you lie to
yourself, you know that you’re lying, so it’s pointless and will make you feel
like a disingenuous person. Don’t do it.
4.
Don’t ignore your own needs
You may want to be there for all of your friends, all the
time, or you may think that your children’s / student’s needs come before your
happiness. They don’t. If you suppress your needs, you’ll become tired, because
fighting a need is tiresome, and you’ll end up unhappy at best and severely
depressed at worst. Take some “me time” - indulge in a hobby or passion. It’s
worth it.
5. Be
yourself
Trying to be someone you’re not is hard work, and
ultimately, you’ll always be afraid others will find out. The most gratifying
relationships are with people who appreciate you for who you are, not who you
want others to think you are. Be genuine, and try to be the best version of
yourself, improving every time.
6. Let
go of the past
It cannot be changed, so learn from it and get on with it.
Those who dwell in the past are jeopardizing their future.
7. You can make mistakes
“To err is human, to forgive is divine” – we all make
mistakes, and no one is perfect. The only way to make no mistakes is to do
nothing, and people who are afraid of mistakes are often paralyzed by that
fear. The more things you avoid out of fear, the more regrets you’ll end up
having.
8. Let
bygones be bygones
Staying up late at night, thinking of all of the things you
did wrong, all of the conversations that could have gone differently if you’d have
said (or hadn't said) that one thing? You’re wasting your time and energy. Past
mistakes are made and then are in your past - you can learn from them, make
amends, and move on. The knowledge learned from the mistakes you made in the
past are helping to shape your future. They will end up making you a better
person.
9.
Money can’t buy you happiness
That new TV, shiny car, those diamond earrings – they may
make you happy for a few minutes, a few days or even a couple of years, but
true happiness comes from within. Follow your passions and enjoy life – that
will make you truly happy.
10.
Happiness is in you, not in other people
Other people are looking for happiness just like you, they
may like to join you for the ride, but the only person responsible for your
happiness - is you.
11. A
rolling stone gathers no moss
Problems and fears can paralyze you and get you stuck. You
may need to stop over-thinking and try a different approach, but always take
decisive action once you do. Sure, you’ll make mistakes, but at least you won’t
be stuck anymore.
12.
Don’t get into a relationship just because you’re lonely
A relationship requires two people who are both ready and
willing to be in a relationship. Loneliness may be a terrible feeling, but
being with the wrong person ends up feeling even worse. You’ll find the right
person as long as you’re true to yourself.
13.
Don’t wait until you’re “ready”
Life will always find ways to surprise you. Opportunities
arise when you least expect them. You may never be ready, but don’t let it stop
you. When an opportunity comes knocking – take it. When you need to do
something – do it. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone.
14. Life
is not a competition
Stop comparing yourself to other people. There will always
be someone who seems better looking, smarter, richer, or more talented. Nobody
is perfect, including you. Your success is your own - between you and yourself.
15.
Self-pity and complaints will get you nowhere
Wallowing in your own misery and constantly complaining
doesn’t solve your problems and also tends to push people away. Consider every
time something bad happened, and find the good that came out of it. You’ll
realize that hardship is just a matter of perspective.
16.
Grudges are bad for your health
Holding on to anger and hate will push people away and end
up hurting you and your loved ones. To forgive doesn’t mean ignoring what was
done to you, but rather to acknowledge it and refuse to let it dampen your
happiness. Also, remember to forgive yourself as well.
17.
Don’t let others make you stoop to their level
Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who
refuse to raise theirs.
18. Stop
wasting time on justifying yourself
Your friends don’t require explanations, and enemies won’t
care. As long as you know in your heart that you are right, stop apologizing.
19. If
something doesn’t work, try a different approach
Always have a Plan B. Albert Einstein once said that the
definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and
expecting different results.”
20. Perfect
is the enemy of good
Perfection is impossible No one and nothing is perfect, and
perfectionists are often the most frustrated people in the world. Give it your
best and it really doesn’t matter if it is not perfect; it is your genuine
effort that counts.
21.
Don’t separate optimism from realism
Sometimes things fall apart, and that’s okay. Sometimes you
feel weak, and that’s also okay. You can’t pretend that everything is fine when
it clearly isn’t, so don’t avoid the truth – embrace it.
22.
The easiest choice is not always the best one
Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and the easy way out often
leaves you feeling empty. Dare. Take risks. A truly extraordinary life is never
an easy one. Challenge yourself, come out of your comfort zone. This is the
only way to success.
23.
Take responsibility for your actions
The only person you can control in this world is you. Other
people can’t make your dreams come true for you, nor can they take the blame
for your mistakes. Don’t give other people power over you.
24. Worrying
has never solved problems
Worrying doesn’t solve problems, but it definitely can
create new ones. If you find yourself worrying about something, ask yourself if
it will really impact you in the future – if it doesn’t, it’s not worth the
worry.
25.
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want
A positive approach helps in two ways – it aids with your
happiness and helps you solve problems faster than a negative one.
26.
Remember to be grateful
When you wake up each morning, be thankful that you’re
alive, appreciate each day, and be grateful for what you’ve got. In other parts
of the world, people may not be so lucky.
27.
Never stop learning
The world outside these walls is big and sometimes scary,
but you’re ready for it. You have the tools, the knowledge, and most
importantly, the character to face whatever comes your way. Be kind, be
curious, and always keep learning.
28.
Never fear failure
Failure is nothing but one of the stepping stones towards
success. Don’t ever try to make a more serious issue of failure. It has helped
you to rule out a wrong route towards success, it has done its job. Now leave
it and trace an alternate part. Remember a failure but don’t let it intimidate
you.
Your potential has no limits. Dream big, work hard, and don’t fear failure.
Some of life’s greatest lessons come from our mistakes. And when things get
tough – because they will – know that you have a whole community cheering you
on. You’ve all grown so much, not just in height and girth, but in confidence,
skills, and character. I’ve seen shy students find their voice, struggling
learners discover their strengths, and natural leaders learn to lift others up.
Each of you has something unique and valuable to offer the world. Thank you for
your energy, your questions, your challenges, and your growth. You’ve made me a
better teacher and a better person.
Education is the most powerful tool we have to change the
world. Use it wisely, use it often, and never take it for granted. The future
is in your hands, and I have no doubt that it’s going to be brilliant. As you
leave these halls, know that you take a piece of all of us with you, just as
you leave a piece of yourselves here. Go forth and make your mark on the world.
I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve.
