Graduation Speech 2000

Your Excellency Dr.Ali Atteka the General Secretary of the Arab Thought Forum, Dr.Fathi Abu Arja / Chairman of the Board, Dear Teachers and Parents,

          To say good-bye after 14 years to the educational edifice, which taught me all about life is and will never be an easy thing to do. I find it quite emotional to close the door on so many memories and move on, close the door on high school and move on to the so called “ Higher ground”. I feel as though we are letting go of something precious and rare, true friendship, and all the memories that accompany it.

          Thinking of the right words and emotions to best describe my Arab Model Schools was the toughest experience I had in my school years. I don’t know whether to feel sad that I am graduating from school or feel happy and joyful because I have excelled myself in my learning and studies and so was rewarded this great moment. It is all mixed feelings of happiness , sadness, wonderment , excitement and anticipation for the yet years to come. AMS had and will prepare each and every one of us for a brighter future for our country and we all stand counting the moments passing by, waiting for the reward we receive, the reward for all the work and effort put in the past years of our life.                                          

Once that moment passes, believe me every one of us, now, tomorrow or the day after, wishes he/she could go back to the great school days, go back to the class discussions and arguments, go back to the carnival days, theater acts, go back to those happy days of rewarding grades and to those of anger and sadness.

We should also not forget the greatest teachers of our lives who stood beside us and supported us.. Mom and Dad … Thank you .. thank you for those days you stood beside me and for all those days of admonition without your constant support. I would have never been ready to the days to come. But today, with all pride and joy, I say it loud and clear. I am ready .. “I am ready to continue my educational trip. I am ready for more responsibilities and the most important of all; I am ready to contribute to the well-being of my country”. Finally, let our theme “shine all your life” be a constant reminder as you start each new day and may each one of you continue to “ shine”.

Suha Khatib

عودة