“........Some of you will resume your further studies. The rest of you will leave behind the safety and security of university for the uncertainty and adventure of the rest of your life. You ponder, you have no idea what the future will hold, what career you may have and what people you will meet. That is not to say that you do not have your own ideas about what career you may choose and the life you plan to lead. For those of you who know exactly what you want out of your life, I extend my best wishes to you that you may realize your dreams. But, be prepared for some surprises along the way which you would certainly face in the future. You could find yourself doing something diametrically opposed to what you had planned to do. Your degree does not automatically guarantee success in your career. It only gives you an entry point. It’s something like having the security of a life jacket. It will keep you afloat until you find your own landing spot. How your career turn out to be is entirely up to you”, Professor Manning, the Faculty Dean is giving his speech to the graduating class.
He continues, “We are living in a rapidly changing world and you will have to be able to adapt to changing times. The plane you are about to board may take you to different countries and locations. You may choose your particular destination or you may just go where the plane takes you. On this journey called life, you will encounter many experiences. Some are good and some are bad, some are uplifting and some are challenging, some will take your breath away, but others may make you cry. These are the sum total that will shape you to be who you are. A Chinese sage once said, “Two families living under the same roof. One occupies the upper floor, the other the ground floor. Upper family scolding upper children, lower family’s children become good children”. The important thing is to learn from your life’s experiences.
You will find new friends. Some will share your hopes, some will encourage and motivate you, others may have their own agenda. So, be choosy about your friends. Speaking of friends you are leaving some behind today. Over the past few years, they have shared your studies, your ambitions, your social life and not to mention your idiosyncrasies. Some of them have become bosom friends. It is hard to part with them. The world is a big place and it is easy to lose touch. You should make concrete effort to stay in touch with them. You will of course make new friends but there is something special about those who shared your university life and those long talks deep into the night.
I see many parents and loved ones are here to celebrate your success today. They have encouraged and supported you all those years with their love and devotion. Many of you would not have made it here if not for the love and support from your families. I am sure you will agree with me that you owe them a huge debt of gratitude. You ought to cherish and honour your parents and it will be a sign of your maturity that you thank them for their efforts on your behalf. Family is a great institution. It is undoubtedly the single most solid ground to build one’s foundation. The following poem by Thomas Lawson describes it most appropriately:
“Sometimes our pride gets wounded,
Our relationships grows soured,
Our hearts become tangled,
And our souls a little darken.
Family can make the difference,
It can set us free, it can set us right,
And help guide us back to the light”.
Always have time for your families and friends, no matter how busy you are. Make a decision that you are going to make a difference in the world or in someone’s life, no matter how small. You should strive to give meaning to life, not wait for life to give you meaning”, Professor Manning’s speech brings tears to many pairs of eyes in the auditorium.
Daniel’s parents, Janet, Freddy and Kathy Brown are in the audience, listening approving to Professor Manning’s graduation speech. He pulls their heart strings, they could hardly hold back their tears. The graduation ceremony is finally over. Everyone adjourns to the next room for photo shoots. This is their most memorable day and they take pictures with family members, loved ones, fellow students and lecturers.
“What would you be doing, Ring?”, Daniel asks naturally. “My father wants me to go home. He is facing many problems from his half brother. They are planning to wage war against my tiny country. They want to overthrow my father and to steal all our wealth. My father is getting old. He needs help. I have to go back”, Ringano replies with a frightened sad look in his face. “What about you?”, he turns to ask Daniel. “I have been offered a scholarship to continue with my masters”, Daniel answers. “What do anthropology graduates do?”, Freddy Brown asks. “Well, anthropology graduates are equipped with a portfolio of skills which employers in all sectors look for. An understanding of how cultures function in an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-ethnic world is a skill that can be applied in almost any career area. Common occupation for anthropology graduates include policy, research and communications roles within local and national government, non-governmental organizations, professional services firms, social research, social work, education, and the media”, Dr. Fisher replies.
After all is said and done, the boys start to bid farewell to each other. They embrace, shake hands and wish each other the best of luck for their long road ahead. They try to keep their emotions in check. But many are seen with genuine tears rolling down their cheeks, especially among those who have forged deep personal friendships, like that of Daniel and Ringano. “You are quiet darling? A penny for your thought”, Janet asks as they are walking back to his flat. “Sorry, dear. I am still affected by leaving my friends behind. We have spent 3 good years together. We did so many things together and we grew up in our years in the university. What careers they are going to have? How their lives would develop? What would become of us?”, Daniel pours out his thoughts to Janet. “ What will be, will be, hun”, Janet answers philosophically.
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