★Message from Student Ambassador Forum President & Vice-President★

We finally made it. This is what we’ve worked for since stepping into this castle. As we close this chapter of our lives, we move towards unfamiliar territory presenting exciting prospects that await us to make our mark.

I think I can speak on the behalf of all of us; our time here no matter how short or long has acted as a catalyst for our personal growth and development. One of the greatest experiences SHMS has given us all is the opportunity, not only to appreciate and understand, but also to interact with all of you and your cultures, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our time here has been an experience of a lifetime. Firstly, how many people get the opportunity to study in Switzerland, Secondly on top of a mountain and thirdly in a castle? Not that many…

Reflecting back on this time, we have had our fair share of ups and downs, Instead of hindering us, these have only made us stronger and appreciative of what we have. The memories of our time here will never be forgotten.

Thanks must go to all the staff, who have constantly steered us in the right direction, for motivating and guiding us even though we at times resisted! To Mr. Donhauser, our Academic Director and Mr. Goncalves, our Operations Director, your leadership has sustained and enhanced our learning environment and we are sure we will graduate here the most equipped for our future careers.

Thanks must go especially to Mr. Suess our 3rd year and PG programme leader. Your fairmess and rationality has pushed us to realize our full potential and we wouldn’t be here holding our diplomas without you.

And to our parents and guardians to those who are here and to those that unfortunately could not join us today, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your support and guidance. This has been a great opportunity both academically and socially. As you might agree with Mr. Benjamin Franklin, “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest” and we hope that we have made you proud.

Now we would like to deliver a reflective poem called Desiderata :

Go placidly amid the noise and hast and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with people. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they also have their story.
Avoid loud aggressive persons ; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be a greater and lesser person than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your work, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery, But let this not blind you to the virtue there is. Many people strive for high ideals and everywhere, life is full of heroism. Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love, for in the face of aridity, it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of the spirit, to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many feats are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no les than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here!
Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt, the universe is unfolding as it should be.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be
Whatever your aspirations and labours in the noisy confusions of life, keep at peace with your soul.
With all its sham and drudgery it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful
Strive to be happy

Although our time here now is coming to a close, our friendships won’t. They will continue to thrive. So, Graduation Class of Spring 2008, in the words of William Arthur Ward, ” If you can imagine you can achieve it. If you achieve it, you can become it.” Thank you.

Filda Mwenju & Reiko Lindsey Wilkinson
Student Ambassador Forum President & Vice-President
SHMS- Caux