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| Speech by Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah (2007 Valedictorian) |
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| Written by Nga Hong Hoong | |
| Sep 04, 2007 at 11:27 AM | |
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Good morning to our executive chairman: Dato’ Teo Chiang Quan, Members of the Board of trustees, our CEO and Principal Officer, Dr. Chia Chee Fen, Our Deputy Principal Officer Dr. Tan Hui Leng, Deans and Heads of Schools of KDU College, Representatives of our partner universities and colleges abroad, Esteemed guests, Faculty members, families and friends. I am truly honored to be here today to speak on behalf of the entire graduating class of 2007.
As we gather here today, thousands of memories flash from our minds nostalgically reflecting on the bittersweet memories of the past few years. We have been through a lot and have grown up along the way. Our experiences here in KDU have built our character and made us stronger. As I was given the opportunity to speak to you as the valedictorian of 2007, I began pondering what different ideas and themes to communicate here today. As I looked for inspiration, I came across a poem that contains a word for everything that I wanted to share with you. The poem was written by Mr. Will Allen Droomgoole entitled “the Bridge Builder”. In his poem, he alludes to the fact that life is filled with many obstacles. In bridging obstacles in his life he also built bridges and laid a path, for others to follow. He lived his life setting examples for others; constantly motivating, inspiring and touching peoples’ lives. In overcoming his own adversities he put others before himself. Life is full of bridges, each one leading to different pathways and new obstacles; but nevertheless we must all cross these bridges and bravely face these challenges in order to grow. In the course of our long journey, we reached many crossroads which have taken us to different paths. Some of us have failed, while others have flourished. It is vitally important that when faced with adversity we should remain steadfast and strong. Don’t let the regrets of yesterday destroy our hopes and dreams of tomorrow. No circumstance or adversity should force you to live in despair. We are sitting here today, a testament, that we can win against all adversities, provided that we can learn to conquer our minds, particularly when our will is weak. And as we celebrate this momentous occasion comes a new bridge that we must cross, once again… Marking another transition in our lives… For some it will be furthering their studies and for others finding work in the industry. But wherever our own individual bridges may take us, we should always remember the people that have helped us along the way… My fellow graduates, look to your right! These are people who sacrificed the most for us. For without their sacrifices and support we wouldn’t be here today. It is to them that we dedicate this graduation… and as we walk up to this stage and take our scrolls… remember them and give them honour… for they have given more and never expected any in return… My fellow graduates, with all our hearts, join me in saying thank you to them… ‘THANK YOU’… THANK YOU for all your love, trust and support, especially during the times when we need them the most… you were always there for us… To all our Families: We LOVE YOU… We hope we’ve made you proud… Besides our parents, we are also indebted to our lecturers, who thru their professionalism, dedications and personal sacrifices, made our academic journey an interesting and fruitful experience of discovery. To our lecturers: THANK YOU… We applaud you!!!.... We will remember you and your teachings… and as we leave the vestibule of this institution, we will not forget to lay a path behind us… so that, we’ll never lose our way… and no matter how far we’ve travel, we would always know how to come home… to this place we can now call our alma-mater... KDU… Let us also not forgot our dear friends, both who are with us right now and those that have left… Fellow graduates, look around you… these are your friends… thank them for their company and friendship… My friends… THANK YOU… My fellow graduates, when we leave here today, celebrate what we have accomplished and look forward to fulfilling your dreams. Before I end this speech, I want to share with you a quote that I keep close to my heart whenever things are tough and uncertain. This quote is from Walt Disney and he said “All our Dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”… So do not be afraid of what the future holds but have the courage to chase your dreams. As a final note: in the words of the bridge builder: Our Journey ends with this ending day… never again are we going to pass this way… But there follows a new day after us… for which these bridges are made for… for the youth… to follow our examples… Class of 2007, let us not see this as the end of our journey but the beginning of a new one! Let us set a good example for the youth… Thank you! Congratulations class of 2007! |
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| Last Updated ( Sep 04, 2007 at 11:30 AM ) |
