December 2014


Issue Home >>

It is indeed a privilege, to stand before you all this afternoon and take a moment to reflect upon my time spent at The University of the West Indies. Our tenure at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, has made an indelible mark on our educational experience and developed a strong foundation. Here we have become more steadfast, disciplined and diligent individuals. My UWI experience has not only been an academic exercise; but rather a journey; one which has taught me many invaluable life skills, such as perseverance, patience and the importance of hard work and dedication. These five years spent at the UWI have taught me to push myself beyond my limits and to transform every opportunity into one where I can learn. The education which I have received has not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills I need for the challenges which lie ahead, but has stirred up a hunger in me for more and greater accomplishments.

The goal of any educational institution should be to produce quality professionals who are equipped to take on the world and the unique challenges and opportunities which it presents. I believe the administrators of this noble institution can feel confident that yet again this has been accomplished.

Here at The UWI we have mastered the art of time management. There was always so much to learn, so little time. We were constantly challenged. In trying times I would always recall what my father said to my siblings and I throughout the years while growing up, “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail,” and trust me, failure was not an option.

At this time, permit me to express gratitude to our parents who have journeyed with us. A special thank you goes out to my parents, my sisters and my friends for all their support, and especially sustenance. To our lecturers, thank you for bearing with our countless questions. I know you will miss us dearly.

As we move out of this noble learning institution, I say, “This is just the beginning.” As we the graduating class of 2014 enter this bold new world, it is important that we are continually reminded that our journey is not complete, it is merely continuing, onto a new and exciting path, onto novel experiences and openings. Socrates said that “education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” I concur. Learning does not end here. The onus is on every one of us to build on our foundation which has been set to propel us into the world that awaits.

Brian Tracy once said “Those who develop the ability to continuously acquire new and better forms of knowledge that they can apply to their work, and to their lives, will be the movers and shakers in our society for the indefinite future.” Undeniably in the medical profession it is of paramount importance that we remain current in order to provide care and save lives. Lifelong learning is necessary for continued success. Let us never settle for mediocrity. We must continue to strive for excellence, and look beyond our goals, boundaries and limitations, always placing our trust in God – our true sustainer – for we know all things are possible through Him alone.

In closing, let us reflect on the words of Charlie Munger, of the University of California Law School 2007: “You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here.”

With this in mind let us be driven with faith, passion and determination for what lies ahead. As graduates of the esteemed UWI, let us indeed be a Light Rising from the West.

I thank you.