FAREWELL

Dear friends.

Today is a very memorable day for all your families but especially for you. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of writing a few words that, perhaps some years later, you will read again and you will understand, not as a student, but perhaps as a parent.

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of watching an owl teaching her chicks to fly and I thought: as time goes by, one day she is going to teach them to hunt, and then, when they are strong enough and fully fledged, she is going to do something natural in her behavior, which is to leave them to fend and fly for themselves and to lead their own lives.

Today you take your first flight, under the watchful eye and the protection of your parents but, remember: from this day onwards, until the end of your productive live, you will fly on your own.

Obviously, with parents being parents, they will endeavor to ensure that your flying will be safe but, they cannot foresee the obstacles and challenges that you may encounter throughout your life. You may have to overcome them on your own, lest you take injudicious risks, in which case you will only have yourself to blame.

Be wise. This is the message that I wish to convey to you, on your graduation day. Be wise in making the decisions that will affect your life and the life of those close to your heart, your own family. Be wise and stay safe, to prosper and to enjoy good health. Be wise in the choosing of your friends. Be wise in the management of your assets and your time. Be wise and live your life to the full, in the knowledge that what you have achieved, so far, will meet most your expectations.

You have spent thirteen years, or more, getting the necessary knowledge in order to fly safely. In fact, you have been studying very hard, learning and acquiring the most important skills which will carry you through your student life.

Or are you, by any chance, going to get a job immediately after the school grants you your preparatory degree?

I do not think so. I think you will be looking forward to starting university.

What are you going to study?

This answer is important, because one day you will become a professional in a country where few young people have this opportunity.

Have you pondered over the fact that you are the privileged youngsters of today?

Take a look at your parents, your family. Remember all their efforts. Only parents who love their kids, do all they can to give their offspring the education and the opportunities that perhaps they never had.

The owl was nurturing her chicks with special, natural love. Your parents have been looking after you with a love that comes from the bottom of their hearts.

The owl cannot receive anything from her chicks. Your parents however are receiving today, one of the biggest presents that you, as a son/daughter, can give them: your preparatory degree.

A prize for you, for your parents, for all your family; for Colombia, the country where you live, that lies in wait for the fruits that this wonderful education, which the Colegio Canadiense has given you and which hopefully will help improve the lives of its citizens.

Remember, your degree is the key that will open the “hope” door. Your future is in your hands, take good care of it. Do not throw all this effort away.

My friends, pay attention, please. Do the best you can at university because you are the people that my son, who is following in your steps, will wish to emulate.

¡Congratulations!

G. Alejandro Bernal R

Written by: G. Alejandro Bernal R

Revisited by: Dr. Orlando Gonzalez M