On the 13th of July 2024, I had the distinct honour of delivering an alumni speech to the graduating DPhil and medical students at Green Templeton College (GTC), University of Oxford. Unlike other Oxford colleges, GTC upholds the unique tradition of hosting an “informal” graduation luncheon, where graduands receive their degree certificates from the College Principal, following the formal ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre. During the formal graduation ceremony at the Sheldonian, graduands are introduced as a group according to their respective colleges by their Professors or College Deans to the Vice Chancellor, Bedels, Proctors, and Registar, before being accepted into the alumni community (but if you are a graduating DPhil student, you get to be presented individually). However, no individual presentations of degree certificates occur. Therefore GTC ensures that their graduands are personally acknowledged and celebrated at the graduation luncheon. Graduating DPhil students also have the opportunity to talk briefly about their research at the graduation luncheon. But I digress.
As I stood before the new graduates, I was reminded of my own graduation luncheon in 2016, when my sister, Liyana, was present. At the time, I believed this tradition was common across all Oxford colleges. It was wonderful to be back to my old college. I present my speech below.
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Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and most importantly, the incredible graduates,
Good afternoon, and thank you for the honour of being part of this significant milestone in your lives. I still remember my experiences at GTC, even though it was 10 years ago. GTC is unique as a postgraduate college, seamlessly combining the best of the medical and business worlds. In 2015, after completing my medical foundation training, I applied to Oxford for my MSc in Clinical Embryology. I remember meeting incredibly clever and passionate people, often feeling like an imposter myself. But it wasn’t all work—I fondly recall the many practice sessions at the Observatory as a soprano in the college choir, which was a lot of fun and a great way to de-stress. Following my MSc, I spent more years in Oxford doing a DPhil.
Today, I am a trainee Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and an Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Warwick, continuing my endometriosis research. I have travelled all over the world talking about my research. I am also a women’s rights activist, advocating for the end of female genital mutilation in Southeast Asia, and I had the honour of speaking at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women about my advocacy work. Recently, I was invited to this year’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. And it all started with one catalyst: Being accepted to Oxford. Being accepted to GTC. Being shown what was possible for myself and what I could offer to the world.
This was my experience of GTC. I hope all of you had the most positive, life-changing experiences too.
Today, we celebrate your hard work, perseverance, and achievements. This moment marks the start of a journey that will define your lives.
As you step out into the world, I want to share with you three things:
Firstly, life is not fair, and I don’t mean it in a negative way. There is so much inequality and disparity in this world and it is OK to get angry and frustrated. Getting angry and frustrated makes you want to take action, but really, a logical and strategic mindset will make you go further. Be the hero of your own story and not a victim of life’s injustices.
Secondly, remember rules are not set in stone. By that I am not suggesting you break the law or act recklessly. Rather, remember that rules, guidelines, regulations are written by man and we are not infallible – sometimes we get it right, sometimes we get it wrong. This is why representation matters. Just imagine if Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, or Elizabeth Garrett Anderson had simply accepted the status quo. We won’t be anywhere. Progress relies on challenging outdated paradigms and dogmas. Sticking to the status quo does a disservice to both yourself and society.
Thirdly, be kind. Be kind to yourself. In a divided world, your compassion can bridge gaps and build connections. Lift others up, listen, and act with integrity and respect. Above all, remember to be kind to yourself! You cannot be everything to everyone and nothing to yourself.
As you leave GTC, know that you carry the hopes and dreams of those who came before you and those who will come after you. The world is waiting for your contributions. Go forth with confidence, courage, and a sense of purpose. Embrace the unknown and trust in your ability to navigate it.
Finally, as a proud alumna of GTC, I can personally attest to the strength and support of our alumni community. The connections I made here have been invaluable in both my professional and personal life. This community is a source of inspiration, collaboration, and lifelong friendships. You are now part of this remarkable network. Lean on it, contribute to it, and let it help guide you through the exciting journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2024. May your journey be filled with success, joy, and endless possibilities. The world is yours for the taking. Go out and make it better.
Thank you.
Related posts:
- 4 Things I Learnt from My Burnout
- My Reflections Post DPhil at the University of Oxford
- My 2023 Top 10 Words of Wisdom
- The Importance of Celebrating and Sharing Your Success
- Building Resilience: Handling Burnout
- Building Resilience: Top 3 Tips for Success
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About the Author: Hannah Nazri
