Meghann was the Guest of Honor at Usa River Academy’s graduation ceremony on Saturday. I thought you might like to read the words of wisdom that she imparted to the graduates. I wish we could have video of this–I can just imagine every TFFT student beaming with pride while she spoke!

And now, I introduce to you, Meghann Gunderman:

 

I am humbled and honored to be here with you all today.

Let me start by sharing my deepest gratitude to the school director, school manager, teachers, TFFT team, and all those who have put their heart and soul into getting you all to this point today.

AND to all of the parents who have worked hard to get their children into Usa River Academy, Asanteni sana.

As I stand here before you, I vaguely remember being in your shoes. Form 4’s, that was more than 11 years ago for me.

I was filled with excitement but also unsure where life would take me. I was not the smartest in my year, but I could rival anyone with regards to working the longest and hardest.

 

My effort paid off, and I went to university in Scotland. While there, I focused my studies on international relations and geography. I jumped right into learning as much about the world, people and places, what brings them together and why.

I put my time in trying different jobs, finding out what moved me. Throughout university I worked at a golf course to make money. During the holiday I got jobs in finance, at restaurants, and in shops—whatever I could try out.

I have always been a believer that education is a tool anyone can use to blaze their path in this world. Education opens doors and provides opportunity.

Fortunately, over the course of the last 11 years I have found what WAKES me in the morning. It wasn’t the restaurants, the bank job, or the shops!

 

The joy and determination that shines through your eyes is my drive, my passion. Running TFFT gives me hope and purpose. It is my place in this world.

As I stand before you, I challenge you as you take this next step in life–whether it be stepping into secondary school, trying for A levels, or going onto college–LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

Use this EDUCATION you have received, and make something of it. Follow your heart and add value to your community, your country, and this world.

 

Steve Jobs, the man who created Apple/Mac computers, once told a group of graduates:

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do … Don’t settle … Keep Looking.

Today I challenge you to find what wakes you and excites you; look for that opportunity and go after it!

People might say that you can’t, or it will be too hard, but that is because they were too afraid to try. Your youth and your drive will take you far.

Yes we have stumbled, and we will stumble again, but we must work harder and smarter to create opportunities for ourselves and our families.

 

Knock on every door, hand out one more CV, don’t get down because someone has said no. Try harder, be smarter, and go after what you believe in. Only hard work and education will get you there

Take risks, but first ask the right questions.

I want to assure you there is REAL opportunity in this world and now, as a graduate, you must make a commitment to take advantage of that opportunity. Use the education your teachers and your family have given you, and show us something great!

 

We need to take stake in our future.

Together we are building a community of leaders to change the world. In front of me I see inventors, doctors, athletes, pilots, accountants, businessmen and women, entrepreneurs! There is potential in each and every one of you.

Take action now. Every technology you’ve ever loved, person you’ve admired, every president you’ve wanted to be—they are who they are because they took ACTION. They believed in something and worked hard to achieve it!

 

But my BIG QUESTION is: What now? What will you do tonight, tomorrow and three weeks from now?

I urge you to dig deep, get creative, and find what wakes you in the morning. What will drive innovation and push Tanzania forward? Commit to doing the very best in class, at home, and on your national exams, and commit to taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way!

I would like to leave you all with some challenging thoughts by the late Robert F Kennedy, one of America’s great leader:

 Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.

THANK YOU.