Echuca Primary Graduation Night 2024
Late last year, I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at my Primary School graduation night for 2024.
Some key takeaways from the experience:
1. What Comes Around Goes Around
Returning to my Primary School was a surreal experience, it was surprising to see many familiar faces – some who taught myself and others who I went to school with (teachers now of course).
The experiences shared by students weren’t too different from my own; I too remember sneaking onto the oval as a prep, going on an excursion to Sovereign Hill, “not” getting my pen license and hustling a teacher for a $2 coin.
Shout out to those future entrepreneurs.
2. Connection
Talking to a room of 500+ people can be pretty daunting. It’s all about connecting with your audience and sharing a story that is relatable and inspiring.
I felt most at ease by giving the students an experience where they felt involved.
Bridge the gap by sharing personal experiences, lessons and pictures that resonate with your audience.
3. Power of Reflection
Being part of this experience allowed me to reflect on my personal journey and how far I have come.
It also showed me that whether we like it or not, we are all role models for the younger generation.
We are a product of our environment and I am super appreciative to the teachers who had a positive impact on my journey from such a young age.
Choose your influences wisely.
4. Community
The word community is often thrown around but not fully embraced.
Revisiting my Primary School showed me the true meaning of community and what it actually means to give back.
When the time is right, I strongly encourage all of you to spend some time reflecting about your journey and the communities or people who have helped shape who you are.
Give back generously.
5. Time
Something we all have, until we don’t.
It was crazy to realise that I graduated Primary School 16 years ago.
What was even more crazy was the fact that students still sang the exact same school song as my “Class of 08”.
Those words still resonate in my head to this day…… 208, 208 the best in the state.
Time paces quickly, and so do the lessons we are taught along the way.
Don’t take the gift of time for granted, spend it wisely and make the most of your opportunities.
If you ever have the opportunity to give back to your community do it, the impact you can have is far greater than you will ever realise.
– Shaun Atkins