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Faith. Courage. Commitment. Patience.
Concepts we all know, but often overlook how important, or better yet, how crucial they prove to be. They are the principles and values by which you have marched to get here tonight. To conquer your goals. To realize your dreams. And I am absolutely certain that they will continue to be your beacon and guide on the new road ahead."
At first, dreams seem impossible, then impossible and then, inevitable," actor, director and writer Chris Reeve has said. What could be more beautiful for our youth, who are the strongest growth potential for our country, to give them the lead and the baton? To lead and move forward without disappointment and without giving up, satisfied that after hard work they have succeeded?
Friends,
Circles are life touching. Their center is knowledge and experience. And when one circle closes, another usually opens. You have reached the completion of your first cycle of studies. And you continue your difficult and turbulent, but in any case enchanting journey to knowledge and self-knowledge, having as your perpetual goal the Homeric "aien aristein". Thus, success is a given. And success is a product of synergy, because, apart from your personal effort and the dedication you have shown, for which I warmly congratulate you, the support of your teachers, who have been tireless helpers in your efforts for so many years, as well as of all those who have believed in you, is essential and non-negligible for your success.
Mr. Rector,
Professors, lecturers and staff of Neapolis Paphos University,
The University, under the guidance of its founder, the late Michalakis Leptos, was a pioneer. As the first university institution in Paphos, it paved the way for the establishment of other universities in the region, promoting academic and economic development. However, the University has not rested, but continues to constantly evolve.
The momentous work you carry out every day, embracing the student body as if they were your own children, always respecting their character, deserves warm congratulations. You equip students with knowledge, curricula fully adapted to the needs and challenges of the modern labour market and entrepreneurship, as well as the challenges of the times. The state-of-the-art facilities of the University are distinguished by a high level of security. While the University participates in international conferences, seminars and programs, while ensuring partnerships with local businesses, which provide employment opportunities for students, as well as graduates and alumni. But above all, our young people receive the values that will accompany them on their journey of personal development. This is because you provide them with "good education", that is, the education which, according to the Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseus Elytis, liberates and helps man to complete himself.
Our warmest congratulations are also due to the families of our young people. Who stand vigilant guards at their side. Their support deserves the admiration and appreciation of all of us.
Young people,
Through your studies at Neapolis Paphos University, you have managed to strengthen your critical and analytical thinking and ensure a high cognitive and scientific level, weapons unparalleled in today's competitive labour market. I am absolutely sure that your decision to study here, at this university, in a purely student-oriented city, is the strongest basis for your professional rehabilitation. But your most important achievement is the cultivation of your ability to question, to investigate, to negotiate and to create. Having been in your shoes myself, I can listen to your anxieties and needs. That is why I will never tire of saying that I will always - both as President of Parliament and personally - be there for you. And we really need to support our young people and give them opportunities. They need them and we need them.
The precious paper that you will soon hold in your hands, dear graduates and dear alumni, underlines one main thing: your perpetual commitment to excellence. This paper will always remind you to strive to be the best version of yourself. And it is certainly not just a piece of paper, but the key that opens the doors to the "new city" of letters and the job market, the gates of which Neapolis University is opening for you. I hope that your entry into this new chapter of your life will be a complete success and that your efforts and endeavours will be directed to the full. May you always apply the Solomonic adage 'I have been taught a great deal'. Every experience in our lives - unpleasant or pleasant - certainly has much to teach us. It is up to you! The future is in your hands!
I conclude with the inspiring words of the Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa in "Four odes": "To be great, be whole: nothing of yours should be exaggerated or erased. Be all in every thing. To put as much as you are into the least you do. Thus in every lake the whole moon shines, for it lives on high!" I wish, thus high and proudly you walk and live. Live and contribute substantially to the future we need to build, to the future we want to live.
Good career, good luck!
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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