Graduation 2015 / Session 3 / 18 May, 6.00pm

VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH BY MUHAMMAD FAIZAL B ABDUL RASHID

Good evening

  • Our Guest of Honour, Mr. Peter Ng, Managing Director, Narada Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
  • Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Principal and CEO of Temasek Polytechnic,
  • Members, School of Engineering Advisory Committee
  • Deputy Principals, Directors, Distinguished Guests,
  • Parents, Fellow Graduates, Ladies & Gentlemen.

1This evening, I am privileged and honoured to be able to stand here, representing the class of 2015. After today our daily routine will change, no more waking up for 8am lessons, and rushing, hoping not to be late for class. No more having to wait for buses that are always full at the SAFRA bus stop and finally, no moregetting packed like sardines. While that life has been left behind, we have many new adventures to look forward to.

2I am sure that most of us are proud of our achievements and accomplishments that we have made thus far. We have learnt, gained and grown so much in just three years. I believe that each of us has our very own special story to tell, please allow me to share with you my story.

3Let me ask all of you a question. Have anyone of you at any point in your life ever felt that you were lost at sea; confused, disoriented and lost your sense of direction? Well, something like that happened to me.

4It happened four years ago, before my O levels. I lost my anchor of support, someone whom I loved very dearly, my grandmother. Days after her passing were not easy. No one to give random hugs or kisses to, no one waiting by the window whenever I leave or come home from school. Concentrating in my secondary school class was rather tough and my parents even had to talk to my form teacher about it. Though I tried putting those thoughts away, her passing still affected my studies.

5And so I thought coming to TP would allow me to start a new chapter. I distracted myself by trying out and enjoying myself with new adventures and new friends, but somehow I began to neglect my studies. It only hit me when I saw my GPA after the first semester. So, I began to question myself, ‘What’s my purpose in life?’, ‘What do I want to achieve?’.

6I wanted to make a difference in someone else’s life, just like how my grandmother made a big difference in my life. I was fortunate to join a study group where we constantly helped and motivated one another. We saw the fruits of our labour when one of our friends was finally awarded the most improved award and we all felt a sense of achievement and appreciation when he thanked us for guiding him.

7Gradually I began to take more responsibilities for my action and people began to stand up and take note. I was given the opportunity to hold the Presidency position in my Co-Curricular Activity; PACEsetters: official Student Ambassadors of TP and I am sure that most of us, especially those who are in CCAs, would agree that being in a CCA has played a very important role in shaping us to who we are today.

8Losing my grandmother turned out to be the catalyst that pushed me to strive for more. The key is perseverance. Whenever we fail, we must pick ourselves up, take it as a learning experience and look at things from a different perspective.

9Before I end, I would like to take this opportunity,on behalf of the graduates of 2015, at this huge milestone of our lives, to thank some special groups of people. Thank you to our course managers, lecturers, tutors, carepersons, friends and most importantly our parents who are constantly there to support us.

10Well now my friends, here we are, about to set sail on a new journey in the ship of life across the ocean, our future, where journey won’t always be smooth. Strong winds, crashing waves and many other dangers which will test the strength of our ship. Always allow yourself to dream as big as the ocean and have a clear view in mind of what you want to achieve. Be courageous, sail towards your goal, and Persist, Persist, Persist! I can assure you from my own personal experience that if you continue to persevere, you will achieve the success that you deserve.

11In closing, and on behalf of all the graduates here, may I congratulate the management and staff of Temasek Polytechnic, for 25 great years, and to many more! Thank you, for all you have done for us!

[716 words, not including greetings]

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