Graduation Speeches Continual Learning
Principal Ferguson, Staff of Bowley High, Graduates and Guests
Congratulations to the Class Of 2016
You have tasted your first big success!! Let there be much, much more to follow.
Like your first golf swing or dance move, once you have that first successful swing you can apply yourself to getting more success and it becomes increasingly natural.
My purpose in talking today is to not just recognize your outstanding success and the awesome talent in your group, but also to look forward to a successful life backed by further learning.
I know from my time at Bewley that it has a hard working ethos. My parents did really like that part!
I have never lost that ideal that working hard is a great way to live your life.
The class of 2016 come from a High School with the top educational statistics in our state. Not only have you achieved but you have achieved in a very competitive environment.
So, you are ideally placed to learn more and put the knowledge and skills to amazing use.
Among you will be outstanding people of all professions, vocations, employment and amazing entrepreneurs.
I URGE you now to take those next steps and learn all you can to be the best you can be.
Quote from Newton D Baker: The person who graduates then stops learning is uneducated the day after.
My own story is not so well put.
I left here full of enthusiasm and great grades but no plan to do anything special. I did not realize what I was capable of. Bit silly really, that lack of aspirational goals did not exactly put my mind to great use.
I drifted in to my dad’s auto outlet and although I am very grateful for the job I was not amazingly motivated.
So, I took the long way around education. I studied at night and after a few years managed to get to medical school.
After many years of very, very hard work I am now privileged to be your local doctor. I am so proud to serve our community. Believe me being a doctor needs constant study too, medicine changes fast!
I hope you consider the awesome opportunities that can come your way if you keep on learning. There are many excellent reasons for continuing to learn:
• The intellectual content of many jobs is increasing
• The skills required to be competent at work change constantly
• Many parts of our lives change all the time, even helping your high school student with their homework! Also learning a sport or hobby.
• I believe you will have a happier, more successful, fulfilled life.
Of course there needs to be a big commitment from you so it is always best to try and learn things you love.
Whatever it is you need to keep learning.
Amazingly your brain will grow and grow like a muscle as you continue learning. It was made to seek more knowledge.
So I urge you not to stop now. Build on your success. Keep feeding on that magical taste of success.
You have just begun on a path of lifelong learning that will be the engine room of your success.
Find your passion and get to it!
Congratulations and the Best of Luck.