WHAT DO YOU TELL THE PASSING OUT GRADUATES?

 

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.