The habit of learning, unlearning and re-learning

By Bernice Robinson

Today, we the graduating class of 2011, have the good-feel sensation that comes from knowing that we have given our best and that we have attained the excellence we desire, at this level. We have earned this moment and we have every right to bask in the pride that comes with such accomplishment.

Three years ago, as we were about to commence this quest, many of us could not fathom this end. Three years seem like a tremendously long time and an astronomical amount of learning, of pretending to be interested, of completing assignments, of procrastinating and of cramming for exams.

Like many of you, I remember the discomfort of being away from loved ones. I remember the awkwardness of registering for a wrong course, walking in the wrong room for class or asking another clueless student for directions to Campus House. As embarrassing as those occurrences seemed, I took courage in some advice I had read by Cynthia Heimel: when in doubt don’t be afraid to look like a fool, for there is a thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like a complete idiot, and most people can’t tell the difference.

In retrospect, those three years took wings. We have had quite an eventful journey together. Who will forget the particular brand of creativity used by the Halls to promote their concerts, especially the ones from Milner Hall? And let us not forget the inordinate amount of time and energy it took to walk from Admin, to the faculty office, to the lab and then to the Library and back to Admin to complete the form which would enable, or rather not enable you, five months later to receive your $500 caution refund. And now, graduation gowns, need I say more.

In my beautiful St Lucia, and I am sure it is the same in the other Caribbean islands, in secondary school when it rains in torrents, students have an understanding that school is out, there is no question. However here at the university, come rain and flooding near campus security or shine and dust storms from the field near Daaga Auditorium, you can be assured that classes will proceed as usual, and you would even be given assignments. But who can deny that it was a worthy sacrifice.

Today is bitter-sweet; sweet because we have matured academically, bitter because some of those with whom we’ve shared fantastic moments remain in this institution while others have moved on without us. And although many describe their time here as stressful, challenging, and a struggle to survive, we all concur that ultimately, it was a great opportunity for discovery of self and of others.

We overcame those challenges together, and as we trekked this relentless journey, we still found the time to forge friendships which I daresay, will last a lifetime. A philosopher once posited that a journey is not measured in miles but in friends you made. If we subscribe to that then for most, if not all of us, it was a pretty long journey; with friends who helped us meet impossible deadlines, survive exam stress and together developed coping mechanisms down at SAC in our attempt to survive this system which seemed specifically designed to create stress.

We must continue to soar academically and intellectually; especially as the future leaders of the Caribbean region. We should not be looking to North America and Europe for our inspiration but turning within and looking for our Barrack Obama, Bill Gates, James Watson, Barbara Mc Clintock and Steve Jobs; for it is the people of the Caribbean who really know and understand this place and its people.

In this global context, we must use the spirit of excellence that is within us to promote an innovative, creative and productive mindset that will help the region remain relevant and competitive. We need to get into the habit of learning, unlearning and re-learning in order for us to keep abreast with scientific and technological advances; to forge ahead as Caribbean people.

The Caribbean is calling; is begging for leaders to serve, men and women, leaders like you, like us; calling us to serve in educational and financial institutions, in the private and the public sectors, in our parliaments, where we can reshape policies to suit the purpose of those we serve; calling for leaders with the open-mindedness and ability to embrace change; the ability to overcome challenges; the ability to envision.

So, having received a strong academic base from The UWI, let each one of us be a catalyst of change and innovation. And having been inculcated with those elements of character that facilitate success, let us be poised to champion the cause of regional integration, so that regardless of race, colour or creed; we all shall rise. In the words of our own Sir Arthur Lewis, “the recognition of seminal truth is that only a unified Caribbean, politically and economically can save the region from fatal particularism.”

It was Aristotle who said that we are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit. Let us hope that in receiving these certificates, we would have inspired just one person younger than us to follow in our footsteps.

As we are about to embark on our individual endeavors, let us not forget the individuals who helped us chart this course. We must acknowledge the esteemed faculty here at the University, who were not just qualified and well-versed in their field of study, but whom numerous students describe as supportive and inspiring. The instructors who understood and embraced young minds and in so doing have propagated greatness. In particular all of the lecturers who taught me, you have impacted with great significance on my personal and intellectual development. However I must single out Dr Rowena Butland who was more just a lecturer but also a friend and an inspiration to me and to all of the students of Geography. The mere fact that we are here today having survived three arduous years speaks to this fact. We are appreciative.

Also, I implore all the graduates here to join me in expressing deepest gratitude to family for being ever supportive; to administration and auxiliary staff for providing an environment conducive to the imparting and assimilation of knowledge. And, of paramount importance, our Supreme Being, for the spirit of endurance.

We have a tendency sometimes to look outside for heroes but I see them right here among us. All of us are talented and all of us have that intrinsic drive to succeed. Let me challenge you to commit yourself to meaningful and productive goals that will allow you to be an inspiration to those around you.

And finally, let me say in the most non-violent way I possibly can: We are dressed to kill, and we are armed with exuberance. So, let’s have a blast, let sparks fly and let the fireworks begin.