Adults say that growing up actually happens in a moment.
It can happen when you take your graduation photo, it can happen when you put on your graduation cap, or it can happen when you hug your teacher......
I think you all felt something during the graduation ceremony that day.
As you were getting ready backstage, your hearts were probably like marshmallows, softly wrapped in shredded sugar and beginning to fluff and sweetly tense as you waited.
Your teachers and family are right behind you. The headmaster and class teachers stand on the stage like they did at every previous school event. And you sit in the centre of the room, the protagonist of everyone, and all the blessings and wishes are given to you.
My advice, very much in line with Carol Dweck, Jordan Peterson, John Hattie, Ken Wilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Anthony Hopkins is to:
Invest in yourself and others all the time;
Embrace every chance;
Engage whole-heartedly and without fear;
Enjoy all of it, and;
To reflect on the lessons of today;
To commit to your plan for the day ahead;
Stay active.
Do.
Find out what makes you happy and strong;
Use it to build a head of steam to tackle the things you find a challenge.
With that advice, I wish you a great graduation and summer recess.
——Dr Wall
In preparing for this morning, I was thinking recently about teachers who had an impact on me, and I realised that out of all the teachers I had growing up, except for maybe three or four, I couldn’t even remember their names, their faces, or any experience I had with them. While this might also be the case with myself and your other current teachers, please know that each of us cares about you deeply. We want nothing but the best for you and your collective futures.
I also want you to realise that everyone is going through their own battles. Although sometimes things can be so painful and so difficult on the inside, we all still have to turn up at school or our jobs, try to smile and get on with our work. If you keep this in mind, perhaps you’ll show a little more compassion and empathy in your own lives. Hold a door open for someone even though you don’t know them, genuinely thank a teacher at the end of a lesson and offer to clean up, or just go home, give your parents a hug and tell them that you appreciate them. We don’t say that enough. None of us.
——Ryan Zhang & Peter Chalmers
Perhaps you will never hear such earnest words from them again, but what your teachers have brought to you has remained in your memories and shaped each of you uniquely in the process. I am sure you have all expressed your gratitude and regret in various ways.
No matter how long you have been at BMH, we are sure that your Prep school years at BMH will be an unforgettable experience for you. You wandered around in all subjects in both English and Chinese, and showed your talents in a variety of activities. What you have learned and understood in the process will be a lifelong treasure for you.
Imagining the future and venturing into the unknown should be what you are most eager and curious about at the age of 12. After graduation, you will be exploring the junior high school stage, it will be exciting and there will be obstacles, but always remember to keep the love and kindness and also always to embrace the family who are always by your side, who are always opening their arms to you.
It has been a wonderful time with you all at BMH.
The very best of fortune to all of you.
