Valedictorian Speech

Tariqa Farrell Tandon

Good Morning Respected Chairman Mr. Chandy, Principal Dr. Laurenson, Teachers, Parents, Family and Friends of Woodstock School, distinguished guests, fellow students, and Luminescence, Class of 2011. It's my privilege to address you this morning.

So, a few weeks ago, we had WOSA tea, and at one point, all the alumni and long-time staff members were asked to complete the following sentence: "Because of Woodstock…" As I heard the various responses, I started to think about it – what would I say if I were asked that question? So, here are my responses:

Though it is clear that Woodstock has given our class and each one of us something to take away, what have we done for this school? Yes, we are proud to be graduates of Woodstock, but why should Woodstock be proud of us, Luminescence, the class of 2011? While some of you may be modest, and might think that what our class has done for this school is no different from previous graduating classes, I think that right now, it is the perfect time to boast about our achievements as a class.

We are one of the most authentic groups of people I have encountered, and I am not just saying this because I am a part of this class, but because I truly believe it. We are not fake – our problems are in the open, and we don't try to cover up our flaws. Instead, we learn from them and learn to overcome them. Over the past 4 years, our class has risen from its problems like a phoenix rises from its ashes. That's why our flag is so appropriate. It was because of our class that the Luminescence Fund came about, and we are the first class to achieve such a success. Each one of us contributed to the cause of higher education for the children of Woodstock employees who have served us.

It was under the leadership of members of our class that the assemblies were transformed, for example, the Friday student run assemblies were introduced. It was under the leadership of members of our class that the Jordi Village project came about to build a library in a local village, and the first successful goal-a-thon was held in support of this effort. It was largely because of the leadership of the senior boys in the basketball team that we had such a successful basketball season this year, and even won the Win Mumby basketball championship after centuries. It was because of hardworking members of our class that such a wonderful yearbook came out this year.

We are one of the easiest classes to work with, and have dealt very well with all the challenges we've encountered – for example, we did not make a big fuss when we were told that our STAR weekend was to be held in Mussoorie itself. I know it sounds like I'm boasting as I go through this list, but I actually think that one of the qualities that has allowed these accomplishments is that we are humble and teachable. We keep trying to learn and that's the basis for our success.

So, we have our liberal arts educations, our global awareness, our authenticity and our willingness to work hard. But, the question is, what will we do with these now? We're definitely going to face a whole new set of challenges. And these are the qualities that will enable us to take on the challenges. With our liberal arts education, we can appreciate not only the disciplines we major in when we go on to higher education, but also the human knowledge that resides in other disciplines as well. Our global awareness helps us understand how we all are interconnected, and helps us respect diversity. Our authenticity will help us build and maintain relationships, both professionally and personally. And, our willingness to work hard is our insurance to underwrite risks.

Wherever each of our lives may take us, we should remember our unique identity we have forged together at Woodstock. There will be times when we may not succeed, but at these times, remember the phoenix in our class flag, and rise again. Be Luminescent, and remember, as Saint Francis of Assisi said, "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle". And, the world, be prepared, for Luminescence, the Class of 2011, is ready to shine. And that's because of Woodstock. Thank You.