A Valedictory speech to all SS3 pupils (2)

IT is that time of the year once again that schools hold special programmes to celebrate their SS3 pupils for completing their secondary education. I never tire of feasting my eyes on the dressing of the young ones, particularly the girls, at valedictory services/graduation ceremonies. They do their best to look fashionable – their hair made in the latest braid or wig styles – not corn rows or shuku they were forced to wear as pupils; their clothes, beautiful – even when the school, stipulates a dress code; their shoes…hmmm, here I pause… they wear pointes, peep-toe, wedge, block heels, stilletos of all shapes and colours – a far cry from the flats and socks they had to wear for six years throughout their secondary education.

But as much as it is a time to celebrate, it signifies the beginning of a major phase in their lives. It signifies the transition to adulthood. It signifies the beginning of freedom. It is usually the best time of life – that time when young people are most free -they are allowed to take more decisions independently as undergraduates but they still get financial support from their parents so they are not burdened by the full role of adulthood.

Unfortunately, that is the main reason many get carried away by this freedom when they get admitted into the higher institution.  They fail to realise on time that they still have responsibilities to fulfil.  While a few wise ones buckle down to serious business as soon as they settle on campus, others keep enjoying the music of their freedom until reality sets in.  Sadly, reality does not set in uniformly.  For some, it takes a semester – once they see the results of their tests and assignments – for others it takes a session. Yet for some others, it takes sessions.  They may only wake up the penultimate session to graduation or even the final year.  Then they begin to regret – “Had I known, I would have partied less and studied more”; “Had I known I would not have been entangled in a romantic relationship”; “Had I known, I would not have joined that group.”

There may not be much fun in being a triangular student (by triangular, I mean the one who moves from class to the hostel and the library – no social life).  But even the definition of fun is subjective.  The triangular student may find joy doing just that.   However, students who structure their time do better.  They are not easily derailed by peers who want company to do other things that would distract them from their academics.

My first counsel to that youngster going to the university, polytechnic or college of education is: “Know thyself; own thyself.”  It is so important to be comfortable in your own skin.  By the time you are done with secondary school, you should own yourself enough not to be pressured by friends to do things against your ideals.  Being your own man makes it easier to operate from a position of strength.