speech by haimdat sawh at simssdc graduating class of 2013

7/28/2019 Speech by Haimdat Sawh at SIMSSDC Graduating Class of 2013

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Speech byHaimdat Sawhon behalf of the Teachers of theSurinamese Institute of

Management Studies/Sojourner Douglas Collegebefore the 2013 Graduating Class at

theRoyal Toraricaon June 13th.

HonorableDr. Gregory Rusland, Chairman of the Board of the Surinamese Institute of

Management Services/Sojourner Douglas College (SIMS/SDC), other distinguishedmembers of the Board,Dr. Charles Simmons, President of Sojourner Douglass

College (SDC), Madame ChairDr. Sophia Rolle, other distinguished members of

SDC from Maryland and the Bahamas, Advisor to the Minister of Education,

Distinguished Guests, Staff, Instructors, Students, Graduating Class, Ladies and

Gentlemen.

I am honored today to speak on behalf of the teachers of SIMS/SDC to the

2nd Graduating class of the SIMS/SDC. I would first to like to congratulate the

graduatesEunike Misiekaba, Monique Sowidjojo, Dayen Perk,Rachidi Sanches,

Stephanie Tsie A Foeng, Jean Olfers and Dominique Tjon A Sam for on completingthe coursework the Bachelors of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management

with an emphasis on Ecotourism.

Dr. Gregory Ruslandchartered a new course in education when he started the

Surinamese Institute of Management Services in 2007 with his progressive vision for

higher education in Surinamese Tourism. Dr. Gregory Rusland andDennis

Ruslandhave both done a remarkable job of molding this vision into a dynamic

organization. Ladies and Gentlemen I am also happy to say that we are honored that

Sojourner Douglass College has accepted us into their fold. We appreciate the faith

and confidence they continue to show our faculty and students with their acceptance

of our program and our facilities.

I am also happy to say that that our staff, administrative and instructors are doing a

wonderful job with the student body. The healthy relationship that Sojourner

Douglass has with SIMS bodes well for the future and the fruits of this relationship

are manifested here tonight with the 2nd Graduating class of SIMS/SDC.

Ladies and Gentlemen today is a time for celebrations, celebrating our graduates who

have reached an important milestone in their lives. Today is a time for jubilations,

exulting in the fact that you have finished college and you are going into a newchapter in your life.

Today is also a time for appreciation

A time to be grateful
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To be grateful to your parents,

To be grateful to your teachers,

To be grateful to our society,

To be a grateful and compassionate people.

Graduates you sat in different classes with different teachers and subjects. You have

been tested. You have done your all your reports and projects. You have turned in all

your exams and as a result you deserve to be here tonight. The struggle and sacrifice

that it took to get you here, your dedication and stick-to-itiveness must be

commended. Through the rainy and scorching weather, from day and night jobs and

the challenge of getting to SIMS/SDC for those long evening classes, you have shown

your commitment and character. Others have fallen by the wayside, but you stuck to

the task at hand.

Graduates your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be

trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't

let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most

importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. It somehow already

knows what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

I would like to share with you today a few bits of advice that I have picked up along

the way on this journey of life:

1. Pursue Your PassionsFigure out what you're passionate about, and then go

find an industry, organization and job through which you can pursue your

passions. Everything worthwhile in life is WORK, but if it puts a smile on your face,

it doesnt feel like work. Currently, tourism is the major industry in the

Caribbean. Suriname is developing a unique segment of the Caribbean Tourism

MarketEcology and Heritage tourism and SIMS/SDC is at the forefront of this

industry offering a degree in Hospitality Management. SIMS/SDC has prepared you

for a bright future in the Hospitality industry. Graduates you have been preparing for

a few years and now and so continue to grasp the opportunities that lie before you and

pursue the kind of job and the life that you are passionate about.

2. Value every minuteAn old English expression is that "time flies." I and Im

sure many here can attest that time does fly, in a few moments this ceremony will be

over. So let us live in the moment, value the time you have and cherish each and

every minute. Michael Jordon of the Chicago Bulls lived in the moments when he

played and look what he accomplished, six championship rings and six Finals MVP


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awards, five regular season MVP awards, 33-point career playoff average, and ten

scoring titles. We need to stop saying today will be a lousy day or that time-

sucks. We need to learn to be aware of time and what we do to fill our day and to

do it carefully. Bottom line is, use the time you have wisely and definitely spend

time with people who are important to you. Albert Einstein said that Put your hand

on a hot stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for anhour, and it seems like a minute. Fill your moments with things that you enjoy

doing.

3. Be afraid, but take risks anywayA ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what

ships are for. Life is full of challenges, finding work can be difficult, finding and

holding onto love is fraught with challenges, even crossing the street downtown can

be crazy scary. However, if we can face the fear and still have the courage to take the

risks, then the rewards can be worth it. So graduates start a tourism business, talk to

that special person and tell them how you feel, take a stand for what you believe is

right thing to do. As Virgil says, Fortune sides with him who dares.

4. Work on your listening skillsThis is an area that I continue to struggle

with. While someone is speaking I am already thinking about what I will say next

without listening properly to what they are saying. In the hospitality industry you

need to listen to what the customer is saying. Tourism for the last few years here is on

a steady increase and if we want to keep it that way we have to provide good customer

service and get those repeat customers. One of the best ways to do this is to start

listening to those customers, pay attention to the details, to what they are

saying. Further listen attentively to your friends, your family, your partner, your

colleagues, listen to the person in front of you, and give them the respect they deserve.

5. ReadWhile I was in the US I read 3 to 4 books a week on average. Since

coming to Suriname one and a half years ago I think Ive read 3 or 4 books total. We

need more bookstores here where we can sit and read and let our minds have fun,

maybe enjoy a good cappuccino. The few books I have read have improved my

quality of life. Basically whatever your preference, know that when you're reading,

you're learning, and learning is always a good thing. You had to read to get where

you are today so please continue to read and explore.

6. WriteI wish I had kept up with my writing after college. Now I am writing

again, putting down my thoughts and ideas into blogs, news websites, for work

etc. Please keep up with your writing, after doing your thesis you should know that

you can write. Practice writing on blogs, emails, letters, projects, whatever, it can

only sharpen your mind and your thoughts.


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7. Get mentorsLife can be much more tolerable if we have mentors, wise people,

to help us along the way. I have been fortunate to have a few of these individuals who

have helps me in work, family life, academics, and I am grateful to them. My wife is

such a person! Before making momentous decisions, do your homework and also

consult people in that area and people who can give you good advice, that you, as they

say can take to the bank.

8. Dont worry, be happy! There are many things in your life that you have no

control over. However, what you can control is how you treat other people, how you

treat yourself, and how you treat the planet. Treat people the way you would like to

be treated. As a wise man a long time ago said, Love your neighbors as yourself. If

we do this we will be fulfilled and happy.

Graduates your teachers Mr. Sijlbing, Mr. Drepaul, Mrs. Pool, Mrs. Taylor, Mr.

Panday, Mr. D. Rusland, Mrs. Bradley, Mr. Nelom, Mrs. Gersie, Mr. Vrind, Mr. John,

Mrs. Djokarto, Mrs. Tjin A Lim, Mrs.Sawh and I have over these four years spenthours interacting with you and please let me assure you that we learnt just as much

from you. A few weeks ago sitting as a panelist listening to you share your thesis in

front of your teachers, parents and peers I was struck by the quality of your work and

the fluency of your presentations and let me hasten to add, all of this in another

language, English! With SIMS/SDC graduating students of your considerable talents

and caliber Suriname has a most promising future.

Dr. Gregory Rusland, Dr. Charles Simmons, Madame Chair, Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen on behalf of the class of 2013, I want to congratulate you

Graduates once again on your significant achievement and milestone! I will close

with the immortal words of Sir Winston Churchill in his speech to the Harrow School

in 1941, Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, neverin nothing, great

or small, large or pettynever give in, except to convictions of honor and good

sense."

Graduates, march forward boldly and confidently! Thank you and God bless you all.

Dr. Gregory Rusland, Surinamese Institute of Management Services, SIMS, Sojourner Douglas College,

SDC, SIMS/SDC, Dr. Charles Simmons, Haimdat Sawh, Dr. Sophia Rolle, Suriname, Paramaribo, Tourism,

Ecotourism, Heritage

The Surinamese Institute of Management Studies/Sojourner Douglas College held their Graduation

Ceremony at the Royal Torarica in Paramaribo, Suriname on June 13, 2013.
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speech by haimdat sawh at simssdc graduating class of 2013

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