establishing global peace, security and prosperity,” he said, emphasizing the need to think critically to solve what may seem to be unsolvable issues including global climate change, food and water security.
He added a cautionary note saying that while the graduates were heading out into the world looking for answers, the problem was that we did not even know what the questions were for the next generation. “Focus on learning how to think, how to make decisions, how to leverage diversity, how to build consensus and how to lead in a connected world”.
Almaeena introduced the students to the uncomfortable reality that when they entered the outside world they would encounter considerable challenges. “This will not be a choice; it is something that you will have to do,” he said. “You may have the benefits of technology to take on the world but the basic formula for success remains the same: hard work, perseverance and faith in yourself,” he advised.
He observed that the world they were entering would remain very competitive and the struggle would continue between nations and societies, not always through war, to be at the top. “You have to, whether you like it or not, be part of that great game. You owe it to society, you family and yourselves,” he said.
Almaeena reflected for a moment on the importance of the advice of his family which, he thought in later life, had tremendous importance and was central into defining him. “That advice was incredibly important,” he reflected. “Feel for your family, share with them because they felt and shared for you, sacrificed, shed tears and burned the midnight oil for you. Without that, you would not be where you are today, graduating from this class.”
Acceptance and understanding of others, their religions and traditions was of central importance, he said. “There is discrimination as a fact. But in your way forward, look for points of convergence rather than divergence”.
Technology had brought visions of anger, suffering, and anguish into the home and even the palm of your hand. “It’s easy to think ‘Well what can I as one person do about that?’ Believe me, one person added to another and another around the world makes things happen.”
He added that he sincerely hoped that the graduates of 2012 would not be the kind of people who would simply live just as members of their societies, but those who in their time would change the quality of life for the better for people around the world.
“It is a harsh world; the realities are not pleasant,” he said. “But there is goodness in this world. Let us join hands with different peoples and come together for a common goal and try to come up with solutions for the problems of hunger, disease and whatever challenges the world has for us.”
He concluded by recommending the use of available technology to stay together as a group over the years, form bonds and develop lasting friendships based on justice, hope and integrity.
Dr. Mark English said that the AISJ prided itself on having a rigorous academic program where integrity, dignity and trust were not just words but values to live by, which reflected both the character of the school and the students.
“I am extremely proud of this extraordinary graduating class, for they have worked hard for this moment and have earned the reputation to be graduates of this school,” he said.
Dr. English recognized the major contribution of the parents,without whose dedication and support the talented class of 2012 would not have been graduating, and the faculty and staff members who had developed the students’ skills not only to graduate but to be productive and successful citizens of the Global community. – SG