My message for the Class of 2018
The past four years at Griffith University have been inspiring, challenging and rewarding. Since commencing my Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Commerce in 2014, I am fortunate for the countless opportunities that have enriched my experience including working for the University in the Office of Marketing and Communications, partaking in the Business School’s Leadership Program that led me to volunteering in Nepal, taking advantage of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games internships and even making some time to squeeze in travel to intern in London and hike the fjords of Norway.
A key highlight though was having the opportunity to speak on behalf of my graduating cohort. Whilst nerve wracking, I wanted to share my message with fellow graduates as we are set to embark on our next journey.
Fellow Graduates of 2018,
Tonight’s speech has been a culmination of brainstorming, a few rejected drafts and finally just putting my heart and soul onto paper. As we each sit here this evening, minds buzzing with thoughts of life after university, we should pause to remind and congratulate ourselves that tonight marks the end of an immense journey and cornerstone of our lives. This remarkable journey is indeed a wonderful accomplishment, characterised with purpose, and intertwined with passion, and is distinguished uniquely for each and every one of us.
I don’t think I need to convince any of you how difficult university can be and like many of my fellow graduates, I will never forget my first day – excitement and panic all rolled into one. Yet, like all of us sitting here tonight, I put one foot in front of the other and took one day at a time, then one challenge, one assessment, one exam. In doing so, I developed a depth and breadth of knowledge, and was fortunate enough to meet some incredible fellow students, inspiring people and life long friends along the way.
As the first in my family to graduate with Bachelors, tonight is an incredibly proud milestone for myself and my family. However, I know that each of us have faced our own celebrations and setbacks, therefore we are intertwined. Though our paths may never cross again, we will always be bound by the support, kindness, tears, humour and laughter shared along this journey.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of my fellow graduate cohort to acknowledge the dedication and support of the academic and administrative staff of Griffith University, for without you we would not be sitting here tonight.
To the family and friends of tonight’s graduates, we thank you for your endless support and encouragement, especially when things got tough. You could see in us what we could not yet see for ourselves, and your belief and motivation inspired us when we needed it most and will be our compass as we embark and navigate future unchartered journeys.
Whilst tonight’s milestone may bring some sadness, remember that it is not our journey’s end, it’s just a beginning, signifying the emergence of our futures. So for now Graduates of 2018, I wish you a wonderful night, and remember that you only have one life, one chance to do all the things you want to do, strive for remarkable in everything you do, and make your journey count. Be grateful for all that you have and are. We are leading extraordinary lives with the freedom to embark on our next journey. Tomorrow brings about new and exciting beginnings for us all.
Congratulations graduates and all the very best for all your future endeavours.
Madison Harding