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December 2010
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ValedictorianTouched by threadsNicholas Seemungal
He identified tangible gifts of their UWI experience (degrees, diplomas, certificates and expertise in their fields) and the greater, intangible gifts: “the art of expression through writing, the nature of critical thinking and the dance of group project dynamics” and maturity, lasting relationships and a great network. “Were I to illustrate it visually, I would see it as a thread of energy linking me to the graduand seated first, and continuing to the last. The thread would have been here when we arrived, a connection left by those who assembled yesterday, as we will leave a connection for those who will congregate here tomorrow. The distinctive nature of the thread analogy is that we are all connected to one another,” he said to graduands. He urged them to be mindful that the impressions they make on people would be of substantial benefit as they take their places in the world. “To build a network of true majesty is a journey that requires a lifetime,” he said. Nicholas concluded his speech by thanking those who had begun building the university threads and those who kept the connections: lecturers, academics, administrative staff, families and friends. Nicholas was awarded the BSc Management Studies (Major) degree with First Class Honours and feels that with his solid base he would like to go abroad to do an MBA. Like all of the six valedictorians, the greatest challenge of his programme was working with others on group projects. Some found it distressing when others did not pull their weight; all agreed that having to do it taught them important lessons in teamwork. “A diverse group pulling together as a unit to complete a task can be rather daunting. Historically I’ve been more of a silent follower but pretty early on I ended up in leadership roles, and I decided to stick with it. The only greater challenge than working with such a diverse group, is in helping lead one,” was his response. Like all the valedictorians, he also feels that it is best to find something one loves and pursue that as a profession or it becomes never-ending drudgery. His advice to students is that they forge strong bonds with their lecturers. “As a budding professional trying to educate oneself, forging strong ties with lecturers can prove a huge boon; this goes beyond post-graduation references. Even during your programme you can learn a lot that would never come up in class just by getting to the point where you can approach and freely speak to them. I’ve received considerable advice and guidance on general development issues and even on projects from other courses. How many students ever do that? Not enough I’d reckon.” Photogrpahy by PIPS |
Nicholas Seemungal, one of the two valedictorians for the Faculty of Social Sciences themed his address on building relationships, not simply in the sense of networks that further professional advancement, but links that help to foster greater understanding.