REMARKS from the Keynote Speaker, Robin Quilter
REMARKS from the Keynote Speaker, Robin Quilter
Graduates, huge CONGRATULATIONS on your accomplishments! You must be bursting with pride and joy while celebrating your successes. I know success stems from motivation and discipline, so I must commend you on your outstanding commitment and perseverance to succeed.
Over the years, school has taught you so many lessons, and life has taught you even more. You are successful today because you understood that a lesson is a lesson, no matter its origin. You have done a phenomenal job at educating yourselves in every aspect. For that, you deserve to be celebrated.
Jesse Daly once said: “success is a journey, not a destination”. And it makes sense, right? While the destination is often breathtaking, the journey is not always seamless. Along your journeys, you may have encountered opportunities and victories mixed with challenges and failures. Oh, the frustration and confusion it must have caused. I have been there many times before so I truly hope that this piece of advice would be helpful as you move further along your journeys:
Do accept your failures and mistakes; but do not surrender. Do get frustrated and discouraged; but do not give up. Do make sacrifices; but do not settle for less than you deserve. Do set massive goals; but do not lose your authenticity or the faith you have in yourselves.
Do rely on external motivation, such as your family, friends and even objects; but do not do so entirely. Regain some of your power by motivating yourselves. You are revolutionary advocates. You should believe and own it.
As I’ve mentioned before, the journey is not always smooth. Nonetheless, the journey, bumpy and all, created memories you will laugh about for years, relationships you will cherish forever, and opportunities for you to express yourselves and your aspirations. Please embrace these bumpy journeys.
I beg you to embrace the bumpy journeys because I also experienced it. I am a 2018/2019 British Chevening Scholar and I recently returned from the United Kingdom of Great Britain, where I pursued my Master’s Degree in Economics (Accounting & Finance) at the University of Bristol. As a Chevening Scholar, I created beautiful memories. I ate, danced and laughed with my friends from all over the world. However, for the first several months, I was frightened and overwhelmed by the drastic change of environment. I was certain that this would negatively affect my ability to perform, but my dedication, enthusiasm and, most importantly, my acceptance of the new environment created a balance. This experience has taught me to embrace the difficult times because they also build resilience and courage. You may continuously encounter these difficult times along your journeys, and I promise it will make you stronger.
I must admit, you are all superstars — shining as bright as your futures. Go conquer the world confidently.
Good luck!
Love to all,
Robin Quilter
Personality of the Month (November 2018)
Honoree, Graduation Recognition — Class of 2016
Top Achiever 2016 (University of Belize’s Bachelor Program)
