By Farah Husna Zulkefli
GOMBAK, 30 November 2023: Best Student (Co-curricular) Award recipient, Quratul Ain Binti Azmi presented her valedictorian speech, by saying the scroll is not merely representing the completion of a degree but a call to action. For her, it signifies the commitment to excel and the opportunity to impact the world positively, upon graduation.
She was conferred her degree from the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) and was presented with her award in the eighth session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony yesterday (29 November), at IIUM Gombak.
“As we embark on the journey to graduate, we are embracing not just a piece of paper but a profound sense of responsibility,” said Quratul Ain.
She also expressed feeling blessed and grateful in her valedictorian speech. After years of hard work and perseverance, we finally made it to the very end of the chapter, ready to transition to the next new chapter, a new beginning,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of having a purpose of life as khalifah on earth. People must always give their best to fulfil the meaning of Insan itself. Quratul Ain also quoted a saying from Hamka, “If living just for the sake of living, even a pig in the forest lives. If working just for the sake of working, even a monkey also works.”
She encouraged people to use their time wisely and be brave to take risks in life by offering contributions that would benefit thousands of people in future.
“We will be trusted with the task of contributing to communities, the expectations that will be placed upon us are unfortunately greater but I would say it’s a privilege that not everyone gets,” Quratul Ain added.
She differed from the assumption that the degree journey was merely that of hardship as she had witnessed the struggles shown by all of her friends throughout the study years. “In front of me. I see an ocean of talented individuals each with the potential to be the next person to contribute for the betterment of society,” she said.
She thanked her parents, lecturers and friends for their advice, wisdom, knowledge and memories. Their presence made the journey less lonely. She ended her speech congratulating the graduates of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony.***
