Guest address
At the Heart of Worcestershire College, we don’t see these graduation days as an end in themselves. On the contrary, we know that adventures for many of our graduates, and no doubt those I see in front of me now, are just about to begin. But before we look forward, let’s just take stock for a moment and look back. Now cast your mind back to a time in your studies when you felt at your lowest ebb, when things were not going according to plan. Can you recall that time in your mind now?
We have all had those moments. They neither threaten nor undermine us; when we learn from them, they can only make us stronger.
Use this memory to remind yourself of what you have overcome, when you steel yourself for whatever lies ahead.
Peter Robinson Heart of Worcestershire College “...you are no longer a novice nor
This is the transformative potential of education and learning. The experience, skills and resilience we gain leads us to re-assess. It forces us to challenge the belief we have in ourselves, overcome the limitations we put on ourselves and possibly even shake up our view of the world. I imagine there were those around you to whom you owe some debt of gratitude. You will all be keen, no doubt, to thank those who stood by you in those times, gave a guiding hand or ever- listening ear. If they are here today, let’s take some time now to catch their eye. On to the future; you are no longer a novice nor trainee, but a fully qualified payroll and pensions professional. A member of an esteemed Institute, with a Royal Charter. Your title just got longer. So don’t see today as a conclusion; see it as an opportunity for more. Take some time in the coming days, not today perhaps, to not only think on your past achievements, but on what they foretell for your future. In those times, be the captain of your own ship, charter if you will your own course. And finally, one objective laid out in CIPP’s Royal Charter, which is ‘for the benefit of the people’, is to promote, foster and develop the general advancement of the payroll and pensions profession. Let this be a trumpet call to you too. Nelson Mandela, along with other prisoners on Robben Island, adopted a principle that originally arose during the slave trade; each one, teach one. Each inmate would teach one other something they knew; often the ability to read, but also a skill or fact, a story and even a magic trick. Together they taught each other to read and write, seed and harvest; together they shared their concerns and ambitions and through that they forged a future. I urge you to take a similar approach. Bear this banner with enthusiasm. Encourage, support and mentor those around you, to go on a similar journey as you. Maybe this time with you as captain.
trainee, but a fully qualified payroll and pensions professional. A member of an esteemed Institute, with a Royal Charter”
Visit cipp.org.uk to view more photographs from the event
7
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker