Shoniyin Tells St. Peter’s Lutheran Graduates
The Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Policy, Cuttington University Graduate School, B. Elias Shoniyin, has told graduates of the St. Peter’s Lutheran School that their journey towards a secured future has begun, and the choices they make will shape the destiny of Liberia and the world. “As you leave the hallowed halls of St. Peter’s Lutheran High School and step into the world, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of your families, your community and your nation. Embrace the opportunities and challenges that come your way with confidence, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact,” Shoniyin urged the graduates.
Shoniyin made the remarks when he served as commencement speaker at the graduation convocation of St. Peter’s Lutheran School, 14th Street, Sinkor, on Saturday, September 23, 2023. He spoke on the theme, “Preparing Youths of Today for A Secured Future”, and congratulated the students for reaching the significant milestone in their lives, entreating them to be immensely proud of their achievements.
“The world you face today is unlike any that previous generations have experienced. It is marked by rapid technological advancement, global interconnectedness, and unprecedented challenges. The choices you make today, as young adults, will profoundly impact your future and the future of our country. As we celebrate your accomplishments and send you forth into the world, it’s crucial to reflect on what it truly means to prepare our youth for a secured future.
“First and foremost, it means acquiring knowledge and skills. Your education at St. Peter’s Lutheran High School has equipped you with a strong foundation on which you can build a solid career. You have learned mathematics, science, literature, and history, and you have honed your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These are the tools that will empower you to navigate the complexities of the world ahead,” he observed.
He acknowledged the unique challenges that the youth of today face, and warned the graduates that the world they are entering is hugely different from the one their parents and teachers grew up in, but assured them that these challenges can be turned into opportunities with the right mindset.
“Preparation for a secured future begins with education, and that’s precisely what St. Peter’s Lutheran High School has provided you. You have been equipped with knowledge, skills and values that will serve as the foundation for your journey ahead. But remember, education is not merely about memorizing facts; it is about developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a thirst for lifelong learning,” Shoniyin noted.
According to him, “Beyond academics, your experiences here have also taught you the importance of character and empathy. The friendships you’ve formed, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the teachers who have guided you have all played a vital role in shaping your character. These qualities will be your compass as you navigate the complex world that awaits you.
“These are the values and direction that assures a nation of a vibrant and promising future. When we have a society where the majority of our youth, in respond to the lack of opportunities and hardship, turning to commercial motorbike and tricycle riding, and we are talking about a prosperous future; we must be joking!
“If not all, the most of our youth must be enrolled in school or some learning environment for our country to boast about the possibilities of the future. If we don’t do this, the future will not be for us. The saying goes, that the future is for those who prepare for it today.” He however affirmed his faith that the graduates will rise to the occasion and lead the nation towards a brighter, more secure future. “Congratulations, class of 2023, and may your journey be filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities,” he congratulated.