Graduation is a time to celebrate each and every individual success story. It is the culmination of years of hard work, and every one of our students graduating this week should move forward in their journey with their heads held high. What an achievement!
This week will see thousands of students graduate across 14 ceremonies at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. At each ceremony, one student is chosen to represent and speak for the graduating cohort.
Here is a snippet of what they have to say to the #Classof2019:
Elizabeth Hancock – Management School – 9:30am Monday, 15 July 2019
“Every end has a new beginning. Today may be the last day for most of us as students of the Management School, however I believe that our learning has only just begun. Before leaving home to come to University four years ago, I wasn’t sure what the future had in store for me… I was prepared to learn, explore, and make new friends and develop as an individual. Before University, there were always people to guide me, however once coming to University I soon discovered that I needed to guide myself. I quickly realised that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself into University life. As I stand here today, I am proud to say that I made the best decision to come to the University of Liverpool.”
Victoria Mason – School of Environmental Sciences – 1pm Monday, 15 July 2019
“My experience at the University of Liverpool has been made up of far more than just my degree. I cannot imagine a better city in which to be a student. I have loved living in a city of such kind people, vibrant culture and beautiful landmarks. .. So many of my favourite memories over the past three years are from exploring this wonderful city and I feel privileged to have been able to share those memories with so many friends. All of my fondest memories are made so by the people I shared them with – course mates, lecturers, friends from societies and sports clubs, the people we live with. Each and every person we meet at university determines what our experience will be, and I am lucky to have shared my experience with all of you.”
Simrath Dhaliwal – Management School – 4pm Monday, 15 July 2019
“Thank you to my family and friends who saw me through the ups and downs, the celebrations and the breakdowns, the hard work and the procrastination – without you by my side, I would genuinely not be here today. I was once told friendship isn’t a big thing, it’s a million little things and I am fortunate that I am graduating with many fond memories and great lifelong friends who I have been fortunate enough to share this university experience with.”
Charlotte Norman – Institute of Veterinary Science – 9:30am Tuesday, 16 July 2019
“Graduation is a momentous achievement, but it is not an end goal, it is a starting point for our further achievements and personal growth. We have learnt throughout university, there is no end goal, no final answer, only continued development. Continue to challenge your views and those of people around you. Keep in touch with friends, be honest with friends and family, seek help if you are struggling. Don’t forget to celebrate every small success, recognize a failure to initiate improvement and enjoy the journey that awaits you.”
Joe Hallas – School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science – 1pm Tuesday, 16 July 2019
“I want you all to remember when you look at your certificate, that what you have achieved and experienced is so much more than just a grade. It’s a mark of your development as an independent member of society. You’ve been through those early days where you maybe just wanted to go home; you’ve been through those late nights grinding through revision; you’ve been through living with that slightly strange flatmate who seemed to live entirely off ASDA smartprice beans and didn’t own a fork; and you’ve done it, and here you are.”
Lewis Dunwoody – School of Histories, Languages and Cultures – 4pm Tuesday, 16 July 2019
“It is one of my greatest honours to stand up here and speak to you about my experiences studying at University of Liverpool. Not just because it is the end of an important and enjoyable chapter in my life, but because even though this is the city where I’m from, completing my undergraduate degree here taught me more about what it is to be a scouser and a person. I take great pride in my city and all it has to offer, including the educational opportunities available. The University of Liverpool has constantly sought to be innovative, supportive and positive in all areas and for this, it should be commended.”
Elizabeth Peterknecht – School of Medicine – 9:30am Wednesday, 17 July 2019
“Medicine is undoubtedly a noble practice, but it is neither perfect nor easy. We often see people at their most vulnerable and their most troubled: the complainer, the aggressive relative, the malingerer, those who make ‘poor life choices’. People can be challenging, even scary, but we will encounter those who prove themselves to be generous, caring, resourceful and brilliant. So to become a doctor, you must do something more than putting on your stethoscope. Medical school has taught us how to think and behave like doctors, but we must also remember to think and behave like human beings. We don’t have to like or trust everyone to believe that their lives are worth preserving.”
Chinaemerem Uju Onyishi – School of Life Sciences – 1pm Wednesday, 17 July 2019
“Although my experiences are unique to me, we can all relate to having to make numerous sacrifices in order to complete our respective degrees. Missing nights out and social gatherings in order to complete an assignment. Sacrificing sleep for days or even weeks on end in order to revise for an upcoming exam. Spending hours at your ‘favourite spot’ in the library in order to finish that dissertation and wishing the library could sponsor an endless supply of coffee. And even sacrificing part of your summer to gain research or work experience. As I’m sure you will agree, our time here has not been easy…As you look down at your certificate, I pray that it gives you the confidence you need to believe in yourself, to believe that you can accomplish whatever you want, and believe that you deserve it. Be extremely proud of what you have achieved and go out there and make YOUR impact on the world.”
Lydia Atkinson – School of Psychology – 4pm Wednesday, 17 July 2019
“Whatever you choose to do with this incredible degree that you have achieved, do it for you. Do not do it to keep up with others and do not compare yourself to others. Do what makes you passionate and makes you smile. Do it to make a brighter future for you and for others around you. I end with a quote from Helen Mirren talking about success, “The trick is to listen to your instinct, grab the opportunity when it presents itself and then give it your all. You will stumble and fall, you will experience both disaster and triumph, sometimes in the same day, but it’s really important to remember that like a hangover, neither triumph nor disaster last forever. They both pass and a new day arrives. Just try to make that new day count.”
Beth Foye – Management School – 10:30am Thursday, 18 July 2019
“I have learned so much – not just the 4 P’s of marketing or how to write an amazing marketing strategy, but how to stay motivated and persevere through challenges, how to have self-awareness and be aware of the world around me, how to build meaningful relationships with people from all across the world. It has helped me become more confident – I mean, before I started university, there is absolutely no way I would have the confidence to stand in front of you here today to deliver this speech. But here I am, and as nervous as I am, I am proud of the progress I have made thanks to my time here, and thanks to all of you.”
Alice Bufton – School of the Arts – 3pm Thursday, 18 July 2019
“The beauty of a creative course is it teaches you the ability to find your own voice, and gives you the confidence to stand behind your own idea. But always know who to listen to, and how long to listen for. My tutors helped me believe in the strength of my own ideas, to persevere against criticism, and to have the pride in my work to convince others of its worth…I came to Liverpool at eighteen a wide-eyed, clichéd fresher. Liverpool taught me my independence and to embrace the people we meet. I leave at 25 an idealistic young graduate, ready to be beaten down by the world of work, but never forgetting the journey that got me there.”
Thomas McLoughlin – School of Law and Social Justice – 9:30am Friday, 19 July 2019
“It is easy to look at others who have concrete plans for the future and worry about your trajectory. Perspective is important, the transition from University to the wider world can take time and is often fraught with false starts and anxiety but much of the pressure we experience comes from ourselves. Looking after ourselves and allowing for setbacks are both essential in ensuring we don’t burn out. I feel very privileged to be standing here in front of you all and I’d like to thank all the staff and students who have made it possible. Congratulations to all my fellow graduates, and remember to remain hopeful for the future as we have been well equipped to face a variety of challenges. Remember to have confidence in yourselves and others, to work hard to achieve your goals, and to enjoy what you are doing as best you can.”
Anna Westley – School of Physical Sciences – 1pm Friday, 19 July 2019
“Liverpool has been an incredible city in which to be a student, and it’ll forever hold a special place in my heart along with its wonderful people…. The general friendly and welcoming atmosphere is such an important attribute to have when making students feel welcome in a new city, and Liverpool has a unique take on these qualities…In my three years at the Maths Department here in Liverpool, I have cried, A LOT, laughed but mostly had the best time of my life. I’ve met some of my best friends through this department, and I intend to keep them in my life for a very long time.”
Leia-Janine Bromfield-Peltier – School of Engineering – 4pm Friday, 19 July 2019
“University has been a journey. I’m sure many of you can relate when I say that there were ups and downs, setbacks and successes, and possibly tears (hopefully at least some of which were from laughter). But for all we have achieved I hope you can agree it has been worth it. While some of you may be feeling like graduation is the end of the journey and the adventure is over; I hope you come to look at this as more like a checkpoint. A time to pause, take a breath and look back at what you have achieved before moving on to the next exciting part of your journey; knowing that what you have already accomplished can’t be lost.”