Speaker encourages BHS graduates to discover their passion

Discover your passion, know your purpose and adapt a plan of action.

Taking these three steps on the pathway to excellence was the advice given to the Bethel High School graduating class of 2016 by the graduation ceremony’s featured speaker Rachel Williams.{{more}}

“Whether it is the academics or an extracurricular activity, it becomes paramount for you to know your passion, so that you can change your perspective in order to achieve excellence in your endeavours,” Williams told the 68 graduates, who graduated under the theme ‘Pursuing Excellence Through Self-Discipline and Dedication’.

Williams said she is a firm believer that a plan of action is inevitable when one discovers one’s passion and knows one’s purpose.

According to her, the graduation is as much an achievement for the parents as it is for the graduating students.

Williams noted that in 1995 she was one of the first batch of students that entered the school when it first opened its doors at Campden Park. However, she was not enthused about the idea, since she had already been privy to the stigma associated with the school.

She said that her mother told her that it is not all about the school, “you can settle yourself and excel right here,” she quoted.

Williams, who is now a senior auditor at KPMG Eastern Caribbean, said those words resonated in her mind and heart during her stint at the school, which she says, left an indelible mark on her life.

She told the graduating class that once she settled herself, her teachers removed the stigma from her mind, which made her realize how educated, experienced and competent they were.

“They cared about the students’ performance, their well-being and their future outlook in life,” Williams added.

The former student further noted that the Bethel High School has since turned out a number of students who have not only excelled academically, but have succeeded in other facets of life.

“Believe it or not, areas of discomfort can be used to propel us into that person God has designed us to be,” she encouraged the students.

Williams recalled being focused and determined at a very young age to execute her ultimate purpose, which was to make her mom proud.

“So, I studied very hard, I worked assiduously towards my goal.”

She disclosed that she did lose heart and become despondent during her tenure at the school; however, she realized from inception that she had to work hard to convert the education she received into something meaningful.

Williams told the graduates that persons would be relentless in their efforts to deter them from achieving their goals, but encouraged them to not lose heart and to not become dismayed, but instead to press their way through all odds.

“Self-discipline and dedication are two important elements required in formulating a plan of action. Respect yourself and respect your efforts; self-respect leads to self-discipline.

“Who will fan the flames of your destiny in profound and intense ways? Who has the ability to pioneer the platform that will give you the opportunity to soar high on eagle’s wings?” she asked.

Williams told graduates, “Do not procrastinate, do not retreat or you will face defeat. You have the power within yourself to pursue excellence, determine your discipline threshold and remain dedicated in an effort to achieve your goals.”

She added that peer pressure and social dilemmas would become more perplexing as they enter adulthood.

“There will be greater academic demands and there will be rigid competition for career opportunities.”

Williams said she would forever be grateful to God and the Bethel High School for cementing the foundation and providing the environment that was always conducive to her quest for success.

“Today, the baton has been passed over to you. Run with the mantle, plan like the ant, soar high like the eagle, be a beacon of light wherever you are and continue to carry proudly the flag of your alma mater. Class of 2016,” she said in closing. (AS)