Dear Peace Studies Students!<\/p>\n
2019-2020 has been a whirlwind year, filled with unprecedented change and turmoil. We are not only witnessing history in the making, we are actively a part of it. And in this year of cataclysmic, fantastical, and extraordinary social and environmental shifts, you were faced with the normal, mundane, ordinary pressures and stresses of being a student, and had to clear one last hurdle: graduation.<\/p>\n
You did it.<\/p>\n
In this absolutely surreal world, you graduated\u2014even when uncertainty plagued you the last few months\u2014you graduated. And we could not be prouder of your success.<\/p>\n
Before you leave us to write your new chapter, as your final assignment I will ask you to remember:<\/p>\n
Remember what you have learnt during your time in Peace Studies. Remember to make conscious decisions and good choices. Remember to engage with others, and to let yourself be engaged.<\/p>\n
Remember to always ask questions. Remember not to be afraid of difficult situations. Remember to make your voices heard and your actions seen. Remember that a single positive moment can inspire millions.<\/p>\n
But above all, remember to be kind. Remember to be kind to others, and be kind to yourself.<\/p>\n
As my final thoughts, I leave you with the words of one of my favourite peace activist and thinker, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:<\/p>\n
\nNever, never be afraid to do what\u2019s right [\u2026] Society\u2019s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
I hope that you will carry the lessons learnt here at Dawson. I hope that you continue to thrive and live in the inspiration that is you; that you\u2014in your unique ways and talents\u2014will continually strive for peace, justice, and sustainability. I hope that you will continue to be a force of change.<\/p>\n
Never doubt yourselves and best of luck in all you do.<\/p>\n
Ildik\u00f3 Glaser-Hille,
\nPeace Centre
\nInterim Programming Coordinator<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t