Outgoing Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Dominica State College (DSC), Brian Meade, is encouraging some 101 students who bid farewell to the institution to grab every chance that they get, to know the wider world.
Meade was addressing the 12th Commencement Ceremony Spring Edition of the DSC which was held at the institution’s auditorium on Friday 20th March 2015.
“As you step out into the corporate world you will be faced with many challenges and opportunities that life will throw at you. Do not worry. Remain calm, focused and steer the course to fulfill your dream. This is a new day for the rest of your life. And as you journey through life my advice to you is to make use of any opportunity available to you to travel,” he said. “Yes my dear graduates, travel while you are young and able. It is a whole new world out there waiting for you. You will experience different cultures, lifestyles and ways of doing business. You will learn that time is a precious commodity.”
Meade told the graduating students that the well-known saying ‘time and tide waits for no man’ is true in today’s corporate world.
“Learn to respect it. Some of you will become successful and make lots of money, but a mentor of mine once said, ‘don’t worry about the money, just make it work.’ However, experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.”
The Commencement address was delivered by Stephie Pascal, who was the 2009 Valedictorian of the DSC and at the age 23, received her Master’s degree in Advanced Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University, Trinity College. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from University College London, where she graduated as the highest ranked student in the Chemical Engineering Department.
She had some words of advice for the graduands.
“The take home messages are: learn to be adaptable, find a source of motivation, find a source of strength and be brave,” she said.
Family, friends, loved ones gathered to celebrate the achievements of the more than 100 students.
One student received a Bachelor of Science degree and eighty eight (88) were presented with associate degrees.
Certificates and awards were distributed as follows.
Bachelor of Science Degree-1
Associate Degrees:
In the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology -8
Faculty of Arts and Sciences-65
Faculty of Education-8
Faculty of Health Sciences-6
Twelve (12) students received certificates.
Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology-6
Faculty of Education-6
Academic Awards (students with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average)
Biology-1, Business Administration- 1, Secondary Education-1
Valedictorian –Leah Dodds (High performing student with co-curricular activities)
Sports Personality of the Year-Deshawn Dequan George
The President of Dominica His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin and Mrs. Savarin were the honoured guests at the ceremony.
Is he advising them to travel on to the outside because Dominica has NOTHING TO OFFER young people anymore??
I totally agree. There’s no opportunity for the youth in this country.
I am not so worried about these graduates. They have made an effort to get some education. What I worry about is all of the paro’s in DA on the island who thieve and destroy other peoples’ lives.
Paro RUM does the same, worry about you..
We need job creation hence it will stop brain drain in our beautiful country we need young folk in important decision making and leading roles for this will eliminate the corruption and put this country on a path to success which this current government has failed to deliver in it’s first 100 days since being put into power by the people for the people .
Our economy can and is a self sustaining one where agriculture and tourism along with manufacturing can provide the jobs we need in turn which will provide goods and services not only to Dominica but the caribbean basin and the world by extension .
Banana is not the only crop that we can produce , but we need it none the less .
So people there is still time put these young folk in the right areas and we will and should see results right away all they need is the opportunity and they will do rest with proper guidance .
May god bless you , Dominica and the rest of the world .
If u want to appreciate the success of DSc look at Dominicas standing in the world, u don’t need a college degree to beg Venezuela and China u can just send a paro.
Brian,
I thin it is premature to encourage this graduates to travel the world. They should focus on higher education. When that is out of the way and they want to travel, provided they have the find and are not saddled with burdensome debt, they should do so.
Don’t forget DSC for the most part only offers associates degrees. You really can’t get very far with an associates degree.
Would like to take the time to Congratulate the graduants. Will also like to thank especially the Lloyd Family. Rhea Lloyd and Jamaal Lloyd. This is just the beginning. There are many more obstacles that you will face but with prayer, everything is possible. GOOD LUCK in your future endeavours
Mr Meade says “Travel my students travel, get the hell out of DA”…Anyway congrats to the graduates
It is great to see education officials stressing the benefits of travel. “Yes my dear graduates, travel while you are young and able. It is a whole new world out there waiting for you. You will experience different cultures, lifestyles and ways of doing business.” Brian Meade. As you travel you will discover that we are more alike than different, and you will learn valuable lessons, to make your life better. Thanks Mr. Meade.