CARIMAC alum named valedictorian for graduating ‘09 class

Q: What was it like being a valedictorian?
A: Surreal I guess.  A part of me still does not believe it happened - even after graduation.  When I got the initial call I thought it was a prank orchestrated by my friends.  When I finally realised that I was valedictorian was the day of graduation after seeing my name in the programme.  All in all though it was a great experience and I was honoured to be chosen.

Q: How did your specialisation prepare you for that moment?
A: It helped to be better able to handle the fact that I was not speaking on behalf of myself but on behalf of the entire graduating class.  It also helped to keep me grounded and focused.  I was able to dissect the audience so that, to the best of my ability, the average graduand was represented in my speech.  It helped in a major way with the delivery of my speech – thanks to the many lessons I had in public speaking – I was nervous as hell but on stage it didn’t show, I hope.

Q: What was the number one message in your valedictory speech?
A: The message was that we, the present generation, need to take steps to fashion the society into what we want it to be instead of waiting on or relying on the older generation to do so.  We have the power to make a change and we need to get up and use it instead of griping on about our society going to the dogs.  It does not even need to be anything ‘great’ – a kind word, generosity and civility etc. toward our fellow man can go a long way in effecting the change this country needs.

Q: What are your plans now that you've completed your degree?
A: To go back to school in the coming academic year.  Learning never ends and for me formal learning has not.