Graduates told: find your thing and do it

PhD graduate Tim Divett carries his son, Arthur (10 months), to the graduation ceremony on Saturday.
PhD graduate Tim Divett carries his son, Arthur (10 months), to the graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Otago University graduands file up George St to the Dunedin Town Hall for the first of two...
Otago University graduands file up George St to the Dunedin Town Hall for the first of two graduation ceremonies. Photos by Gerard O'Brien.

Some people see sport as a ''futile endeavour of little consequence'', but it can transform people, communities, and nations.

Kereyn Smith, a University of Otago graduate and secretary-general of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, made that comment at the first of two Otago University graduation ceremonies on Saturday.

More than 330 people graduated in person with qualifications in applied science, consumer and applied sciences, physical education, surveying, biomedical science and health sciences at the 1pm ceremony, at the Dunedin Town Hall.

Ms Smith reflected on her own graduation, in 1982, with a Diploma in Physical Education from Otago University.

''Not the highest-level qualification, but nonetheless, one that was significant for me and my family of six.

''I am the only one who went to university - not unusual in my era.''

While life had changed, for instance with the more widespread use of technology affecting the nature of friendship, it had also stayed the same.

Like the graduates of her era, those of 2014 would one day lead on the national and world stage in a range of spheres. Others would have equal success, with a much lower profile, she said.

Without exception, she said, successful people worked harder and made things happen.

She was lucky that her passion, sport, had become her profession.

''Some misguided people may see sport as a futile endeavour of little consequence.

''But when properly planned and presented, sport has the power to transform people, communities, and countries.''

It could be seen every weekend in New Zealand, through Saturday sport.

''Provincially, we see pride and passion and people on a pathway to success - whether as a player, coach or one of the million volunteers who make their talents and time available so that others can participate.

''On the world stage we see Valerie Adams, Lydia Ko, Hamish Bond, Richie McCaw ...''

Ms Smith said she saw first-hand at the London Olympic Games, in 2012, how sport could uplift and unite people.

''Sport just happens to be my thing. Equally it could be music, art, fashion, food, science, technology.

''My advice to you is find your thing, do it passionately and make a difference to your life and others.''

About 330 people graduated with qualifications in science at a second graduation ceremony, at 4pm.

 

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