ADVISE TO CLASS 2017: SENIOR SECONDARY GRADUATES. By: Rev. Sr. Ifechi Ibeneme

Remember that you have only finished to begin, therefore continue with the zeal and passion you have already developed towards education. I have words of wisdom to give you which will influence your behaviour. Mahatma Gandhi of India said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow and learn as if you were to live forever” and according to William Shakespeare “success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”

NOW LISTEN TO THESE WORDS OF WISDOM:

MODERNITY: Every aspect of your life does not have to be shared on the social media-be careful on what you post. Most reality TV shows are not reality, so do not pattern your life after the characters on these shows. If you have to ask if your clothes are too short or tight, then do not wear them.

KNOWLEDGE: Choose to learn to read by reading because you are prince and princesses, role model and hero. Learn to listen to understand, not just to respond. Be honest, genuine, and make good choices. Failures and mistakes are life lessons, learn from them and move on. School should have prepared you to be resilient and equipped you with the gift and determination to succeed and overcome the inevitable knocks-back along the way. It is easy to feel defeated at times, but view these moments as a challenge.

ATTITUDE: be the first to apologize. Manners are not old school or old fashioned. They are necessity. Be the best of who you are and be self contented. Have big dreams and ambition. Think big thoughts and be optimistic in whatever you are doing.

RELATIONSHIP: Be courageous about meeting people. Positivity attracts positivity, and positive people are generally great.

PRAYER: be a prayerful and a meditative individual. Do not allow anything to take away the angel in you. Allow the word of God to guide you as you journey to greatness because the word of God is life. Listen to your parents even when you think they do not know what they are talking about.

In conclusion, I wish you a happy adventure, fantastic new friends, amazing experiences in this journey of a life time. May the road rise up to meet you, and the wind ever at your back. May the sunshine warm up your fields, and may God hold you in the hollow of his hands, amen.

By: Rev. Sr. Ifechi Ibeneme