Dear Class of 2024,

I congratulate you on your
achievements.

As you graduate from your school or
university, wherever you are in the world, you are told you can change it —
that you can make it a better place. You are talented, capable and you have the
energy and enthusiasm of youth. You hold all the tools to make positive change.
You are the ones who can and will transform society.

We who are older watch with mixed
emotions as you go out into the world. Pride is at the forefront – so much
pride in all you have achieved and all you will achieve. But we are also
wistful and nostalgic. You remind us of ourselves, back in the days before we
were tamed by society and its expectations, in the days when we too were filled
with the idealism of youth.

It was a time when we were honest with
ourselves, not yet burying our honesty under layers of duty and respectability.
As time has gone by, our lives have been filled by responsibilities: work, families,
and the pressure to conform that comes with modern-day life. Gradually we have
learnt to prioritize the expectations of others over our dreams.

Over the years, we have been instructed
many times to “be realistic”. Idealism is apparently seen by much of the world
as something frivolous. And yet, isn’t idealism is a precious asset — one of
the most important attributes in the world? How can it be frivolous to be
idealistic? Where would we be without idealism, a potent concoction of
enthusiasm, energy and faith that inspires our actions, but is so easily lost?
If only it were possible to bottle idealism, because if we do not hold onto our
ideals, then we will stop striving to achieve them, and if no one strives for a
better world, then it will never happen.

Of course, idealism must be married
with dedication and hard work if you are to make real change, but I ask you not
to be cowed by so-called reality checks. “You can never end poverty in the
world.” “You can never stop wars.” “There can never be equality.” Maybe so, but
should that stop you from aiming for an ideal world? One where everyone can go
about their daily lives without fear of guns or bombs? Where every child has a
full belly and a roof over their head? Where students may read their books in
peace and debate their ideas without threat? All the work in the world is of no
use if there is nothing to motivate it.

Never be ashamed of your idealism.
Never be afraid to speak the truth. The alternative is conforming to pressure
and succumbing to cynicism. Instead, build your world view on a foundation of
what you know to be right and you will lead the way on whichever path you
choose to follow.

Your generation faces great challenges,
greater perhaps than ever before. But if you hold on to the fire within you,
then I believe there is nothing you cannot achieve. As you follow your chosen
path, it can be difficult to bear the burden, not only of your own hopes and
dreams, but of those who came before you and those who will come after. I beg
you not to allow the pressures of life’s challenges to blind you to your values
and your belief in the possibility of a better world. Remain always true to
yourself, your hopes, dreams and ideals.