Convocation
Great Teachers have the Power to Inspire The following is an excerpt from the 2006 valedictory address given by Lisa Aucoin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education.
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hen I arrived here at ABU, I didn’t know how it would all work out. I had completed a Bachelor and a Masters Degree at l’Université de Moncton. I was the French Catholic girl coming into an English Baptist University. Much to my delight, I was welcomed with open arms. Today, I thank the Lord for having chosen to pursue my studies here. I will always look back at my years at ABU with a warm heart. To my fellow classmates, we have made it. Our years of studies here at ABU have not always been easy ones. But, we have all worked hard and we have succeeded. We have accomplished a lot and this is an occasion for us to be proud. I am certain that today, you can remember all the challenges we have faced. There have been disappointments, hardships, trials, tribulations, C’s and D’s. There have been illnesses, family break-ups, deaths, and unemployment. We have laughed together, we have cried together. But, here at ABU, we have been extremely fortunate. We have experienced and witnessed the caring, understanding, and patience of our professors. They have listened. They have rallied us together during good times and bad. They have done for us what we will eventually do for our students. Through their faith, sensitivity and personal experiences, they have modeled what we need to do in our classroom. The education that they have provided has sufficiently prepared us to face the challenges of a very demanding profession. They have also given us the reputation that we currently enjoy at District 2. Our success is their success, for they have giv-
The Growing Edge
“...they have given us the freedom to dare, the courage to excel, and the belief that we can achieve our best.” en us the freedom to dare, the courage to excel, and the belief that we can achieve our best. They have been there for us with support and care; they had faith when we doubted ourselves. For all these things, we, the Class of 2006, will be forever grateful. During my two years of study here at ABU, I have been blessed to experience personal growth. Today, I would like to share some of my learning with you. Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble and reasonable confidence in yourself, you will not be successful. You must never see yourself as a person deemed for failure. Remember that we all have strengths and talents that define us as special and unique people. Never be envious of others’ success. Instead, celebrate with them. When you know in your heart that every person you encounter in your lifetime has something to teach you, you will be able to utilize their offerings in a profound way. Our success in the real world will not necessarily be defined by the academic success we have acquired here at ABU but rather by our attitude, by our ability
Spring 2006
to cope with the pressures of the world and the new environment in which we will find ourselves. The challenges out there will be overwhelming at times. Remember that our success will depend on whether we are doing the best that we are capable of doing. Higher grades do not mean greater success. To be a successful teacher, we must connect in a caring way by inspiring hope within students and by leading our own lives in a manner that models the message. Always keep in mind that the mediocre teacher tells, the good one explains, the superior one shows, and the great one inspires. Remember that we, as teachers, have a powerful impact on our students’ lives. Contrary to society’s view of our profession, we are never just a teacher. We are role models and we make a difference. Our job is not all about covering curriculum, but rather about teaching students to see the vitality in themselves. I know that we all have it in us to be great teachers. Our challenge will be to continue to care. Our teaching will only have a lasting result if it is delivered with compassion, empathy, and understanding. We are part of the greatest profession ever and we have been given the opportunity to excel. Let’s continue to make ABU and ourselves proud. In conclusion, I would like to say that it has been an honour, a pleasure, and a privilege for me to be chosen as valedictorian. To my fellow classmates, I wish you all the success in the world. Remember that our graduation is a time to look back at the past with pride and to look to the future with confidence. This society needs us, with all our enthusiasm, talents, and new ideas. We have a vision for the future of education and what it holds for us. Let’s aim high and be among the best in our field. Congratulations teachers and may God bless!!