Students told to measure up to life’s challenges

People should follow their dreams but when they do not come true, and uncertainty looms, it is important that they make the most of opportunities that come their way. This was the advice American University of Sharjah (AUS) chancellor Dr Peter Heath gave more than 500 students at their graduation ceremony yesterday. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who attended the event in his capacity as President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS). Dr Shaikh Sultan said the graduating students were a source of pride for everyone. He said AUS had made large strides in developing academic standards and improving its facilities and took note of the inauguration of a Dh90-million School of Business and Management. Dr Heath told parents and students that while some graduates knew what they wanted to do, it was not always the case. "In both cases, the next stage of life still remains something of a mystery because it involves new experiences, sudden changes in course, or perhaps taking directions that you never dreamed about. This is what makes the coming period so exciting and daunting." Eisa Al Sabousi, who spoke on behalf of the graduating cohort, said he came from a small village called Sweihan and had dreamt of attending AUS at a young age. "I remember watching the AUS graduation ceremony on TV once and wondering to myself, ‘Will I even make it up there, to that point?' At the time, I felt like my dreams were far too great, far too ambitious. Nevertheless, here I am. Here we all are." From / Gulf News