ThinkingNectar

Distinguished Guests;
Graduands, Parents;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good morning to you. I thank you for being part of this memorable occasion. It is an honour to address all of you on behalf of my fellow graduates. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the School for granting me this privilege.

As I stand here today, I can’t help but see a pretty picture of a group of artists waiting to exhibit their works of art to the world.  And how is that possible?  I must say that the School, our parents, lecturers, mentors, sponsors and friends have taught us all the right strokes for a career in healthcare.

And now with this diploma, I believe we stand proud with our paintbrushes and palettes (dramatic pause) ready to colour the lives of our patients and clients we meet each day.

Lecturers, tutors and clinical instructors, we have much to thank you for.  You have inspired us to create a unique and beautiful picture each day.  You have injected life and laughter into the lectures, tutorials and clinical placements, and have graciously welcomed every question we had.

You carefully catered the lessons to our needs, just like how a master painter would painstakingly blend the colours to suit the mood and tone of the subject he was painting. You told us to pay attention to the lighting, the shadows and the careful mixing of colours.

Our learning gradually took on shape and life of its own, a form that we could make sense of. Your patience and dedication as our “master painters” have spurred us to create our own masterpieces, and these we cannot wait to show to the world.  So long live the master painters!  May you continue to touch the lives of your future students.

Special mention goes to our families and loved ones. You have stood by us in our pursuit of a healthcare profession.  For your encouragement and support, we record our thanks.

Fellow graduates, let us now pick up the paintbrush and deliver quality healthcare in fine deft strokes like a much celebrated artist.  The colours we use may be bright eye-popping candy colours or warm muted shades.  But whatever colour you choose, may the picture exude nothing but warmth, care and excellence.  And no matter how bright your colours glow or how large your canvas of achievement is, always remember to paint a beautiful world.

Ask your patient or colleague this question:  “If I could have done one thing better in working with you, what would it have been?”  Find out and then deliver.  Ask:  How can I create a more meaningful experience for my clients?  How can I connect with them?    Find out what makes an ideal world and work towards it.

To quote the artist Pablo Picasso “There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun”.   So be that painter Picasso spoke of, the one that can transform ordinary into extraordinary.

Class of 2009, it’s your show now.  The curtains have been drawn, and it’s time to put on stage your gorgeous works of art and dazzle the world.  I wish all of you great success in your future endeavours.  Congratulations once again to everyone.

Editor : Special thanks to Samantha for allowing permission to post this well written speech.