As our graduates of 2024 came together yesterday for their Leavers’ Chapel service, I wanted to take a moment with them to reflect on the journey we’ve all shared, both this year and in the years preceding.
Our time this year in both the College and the Chapel in particular, has been filled with memorable moments which I hope have helped them all grow throughout the year and has prepared them in some small way for the years ahead.
During the service and alongside my own reflections of their year, I shared the wisdom of another. The words from a poem entitled Desiderata (meaning something wanted or needed) by Max Ehrmann provides valuable insights and guidance as they all take the first step into their futures.
I hope you too enjoy the messages described below and to join me in wishing each and every graduate the very best in all that they strive to achieve, with the structa saxo foundation underneath them.
Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, 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 what virtue there is; many persons 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 all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.