An interview with Pandit Mami

576 Graduates 42 Scholars 64 Nationalities

Kavya Deshpande ’17 East graduation speaker

“… We have so many global crises, from climate change to global financial crisis, from pandemics to global terrorism, all these are happening … And this is why it’s very important for graduates of the United World College to try, to strive to achieve global leadership positions. Because while you are in college, as you look around this room, you accept the different nationalities, you accept the different costumes—effortlessly—and you know that at the end of the day we live on one small planet, planet Earth. And if we screw up planet Earth, we don’t have planet ‘B’ to go to. So I hope that after you leave the school and as you progress in your life, you will always remember the values of the United World College. Take them with you and when you achieve positions of power, please take care of planet Earth. And with that, let me offer you my warmest congratulations.”

Kishore Mahbubani, East Graduation guest speaker Dean of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Former Chair of the UWCSEA Board of Governors, Parent of two UWCSEA alumni “ … [Through my time at UWCSEA] I learned that there is so much that every individual can do to help make the world a better place and every single person has the power to do that and I am one of them. I got to learn so much about myself and the world … through IfP [Initiative for Peace], Round Square and even just taking care of each other as a family in the boarding house … And this is why I took a gap year. I returned back to Cambodia to initiate an IfP conference to empower youth in Cambodia to bring about change to our country through service. I want every single one of you to know that you can make a change. But don’t do it because you’re told to, do it because an issue is concerning you or because your heart just wants to help those in need …

Class of 2017, I have learned two important lessons that I hope resonate with you:

First, you’re never too young to start making a difference that your heart desires … Do it while the fuel is burning in your heart to make that change! Because if you don’t, it will fade.

And second, we often glamorise global service, but you can make a difference in your home communities as well … It won’t be easy, but all obstacles can be overcome if you keep working hard, keep being hopeful and remember why it is so important to make that local impact.”