The University of Nottingham

“We chose to embark and complete this journey for different reasons. And what we hope to achieve may not be the same. No matter what the outcome is, what we have learnt over the past years has been a life-changing experience and it will lead to something good”.

These are the words of Harry Tan (MBA 2012), one of 30 Nottingham University Business School students to graduate in Singapore in February. Harry  delivered the valedictory speech and, by sharing his personal journey, sent off his fellow graduands with an inspirational message.

“Some of us did our masters in the hope of a promotion, a higher pay or simply just to get ahead. Whatever the future holds, it is undeniable that our academic journey has changed the way we see things. This would not have happened if we didn’t have the desire to learn. We thrive when we learn, so never stop asking questions and always stay curious.

“Without my partner, friends and my family especially my mother, I would not be complete and I wouldn’t be feeling like the happiest person in the world today. Without the support and understanding of our families, friends and partners, it would have been very tough for us to persevere through the months and years of hard work and sacrifices needed to complete our studies. Today is not just a time for celebrating our successes. It is also a time for us to remember the ones we love and thank them.”

A full transcript of Harry’s speech is in Alumni Exchange online at: http://exchange.nottingham.ac.uk/alumni