Grade 12 Farewell Celebration
On June 14th, 2024, Concordian held a farewell ceremony for the graduating class of 2024. Below, we are sharing the address to the Class of 2024 given by one of the graduating students, Stephen Berry:
Good afternoon to the honored guests, esteemed faculty, and fellow graduates. My name is Stephen, and it is a true honor to stand before you today.
Khun Varnnee, thank you for creating the school and for providing us with a clear guiding vision.
Admin Team, including Mr. Laurent, Ajarn Vichitvong, and the Principals Mr. Bill, Ms. Sally, Ms. Min, thank you for ensuring the school is preparing us for the future and pushing us when we need it.
College Counseling Team, Dr. Tresa, Mr. Tony, Khun Kay, thank you for your guidance and hard work in helping us find and get into the university that is best suited for us.
EY and PY teachers, thank you for teaching us to read and write in 3 languages and how to be inquirers.
MYP teachers, thank you for laying the academic foundation we need to be successful in school and life.
DP teachers, thank you for refining our academic skills and teaching us how to think and learn on our own.
Looking back to my very first days here, walking in as a K3 student, it's hard to believe that 13 years have flown by so quickly. Today, as I stand here graduating, it feels like those years passed in the blink of an eye. From the start, I've always been an athletic kid, and my love for sports has only grown over time. I cherish memories like the school sleepover for the football team back in Grade 2, and our undefeated football season these past two years. These moments are priceless, and I want to treasure every single one of them.
When I was younger, I couldn't wait to graduate and explore the world. Now, as I stand on the brink of that adventure, I'm incredibly excited, but there's a bittersweet sting that comes with it. I want you all to look around at your friends, as I look at mine. We faced many challenges together, from late-night study sessions to unexpected obstacles, but each one made us stronger and more resilient. Along the way, we created countless memories: spirited debates in class, unforgettable events, and the simple joy of spending time together. However, as we celebrate today, we must also acknowledge a bittersweet truth. As we move forward, many of the connections we've made will inevitably fade. We may keep in touch with around ten of our classmates, and perhaps see no more than five regularly outside of
reunions. Yet, the bonds we've formed and the experiences we've shared will always be a part of who we are.
Now, let's address some questions that are on many people's minds. What is it like when you finish? Was the IB worth it? Will I make it through the IB program? First, let me assure you, yes—you will make it. As many of you know, academics were never my favorite thing or my top priority. I was able to play sports every day, enjoy games at home, and even get to bed before midnight, sometimes as early as 10 PM. This was with minimal effort on schoolwork. Am I particularly proud of this approach? Not entirely. Part of me does wish I had put in a little more effort. However, I still managed to achieve decent grades throughout the DP and made it out in one piece. If I could do it, you all definitely can.
For those who are asking if IB is worth it, yes. If you have seen the list of universities we have been accepted to, that should be more than enough to convince you. My cousin once said that when he first finished IB in high school, he thought it was the biggest waste of time ever until he reached college. He flew through college, while his peers were spending 10 or more hours on papers, it only took him half if not less of the time, as the IB fully prepared him for it. I’m not saying university is easy, I’m just saying you will be prepared.
With that said let me leave you with a quote,
A wise man once said,
Dating is hard, Breaking up is hard, Choose your hard
Obesity is hard, Staying fit is hard, Choose your hard.
Failing school is hard, Studying for school is hard, Choose your hard.
Life is never easy, But your hard is your choice.
Choose wisely.
Stephen Class of 2024
