University is whether or not
you treat
as such predominantly
a place of education.
We become experts in our chosen field,
gaining bachelors, masters and PhDs.
But it's also where we begin
to become experts at life,
on other people, on who we are.
I've learnt more in the last three years
about myself than I had in the 18
that preceded my steps
through the doors to Tufnell Hall
on September 15th, 2019.
In that time, I've been through
some of the highest highs, lowest lows
that life can offer me,
as I'm sure many have.
I've been stressed,
maybe excessively, over deadlines,
and I've met
some of the most incredible people,
and we've done some truly
amazing things together.
Marjon is always considered a family,
small university, big heart,
as the posters say.
And I think we as a class have shown
more than many
with the solidarity and support
we have shown one another
over the past few years.
The grads who will sit
in this room this week,
including those of us here before you,
have all played a part
in one another's journey.
And our supporters,
both friends and family
and the amazing staff at Marjon
have cheered us along the way.
We will leave through
those doors
is the present and very bright
future of our industries
from the health care
professionals to sporting coaches
and rehabilitators
the educators
and those of us here,
the criminologists, forensic
scientists, business people, psychologist
and the storytellers.
Whether that be on stage
or behind it and screen.
As an actor,
or bringing you today's
breaking news as journalists.
As I said, I'm
not a big fan of being cheesy,
but there is one more quote
I would like to share with you,
this time from Winnie the Pooh.
“How lucky
am I to have something that makes saying
goodbye so hard
because I stand here
and look at the people
who are about to become
the Marjon of yesterday.
And I feel so grateful
to say that you are my Marjon
Connections
we created
will be kept in our memories
and our hearts the most.
So when those hard days come upon us,
let's reach out to our fellow Marjoners
and keep them close.
It's time for us all
to take our final bow.
Where has the time gone ey?
It's flown by somehow.
Marjon you've helped to spread our wings,
and we've grown.
So it's now
time for us to fly from a place
which we can all unanimously call home.
When I was a student,
I had no idea
how painful it would be to say goodbye.
But I do want to say this.
You are my Marjon.
Thank-you.
