Graduation II
Arriving at Graduation, the buzz of energy was contagious any nerves I had were gone as I saw familiar faces some I had only seen a few months ago, others that I hadn’t seen in years.
The first thing to do was to collect our graduation gowns take official class pictures and figure out where we would need to be and at what time during the ceremony.
After that was done, most of us rushed outside to the lake and took advantage of the beautiful views taking pictures, catching up and reminiscing. It hadn’t even felt like 5 minutes but it was already time to line up, families had started to arrive and take their seats. We stood outside of the graduation hall and continued our catch-up indoors.
With the start of the music and the opening of doors, it was time to start the ceremony. All graduates took a walk of accomplishment through the hall and to our seats. The ceremony began and we eagerly awaited our turn to collect our diplomas and walk across the stage.
When it came to the design pathway, in a spirit of true IHTTI support and love the whole pathway stood and clapped for each and every student in our cohort. This familiar love and care was a sweet reminder of why we choose to come to Neuchatel and to continue our education with SHMS.
All graduates had collected their diplomas and now it was time to go on stage and share one last moment with the student body that had supported me over the past four years.
I took the stage, took 2 big deep breaths scanned the crowd found my mom and started my speech:
10th June 2022 - Alicia Reiff SAF President Graduation speech
“Who do you want to be when you grow up?
This is a question we have all heard quite a few times in
our lives…
Our answers may have started off as a magician, a prince, a race car driver, or an astronaut. We took our first steps in this world and by the time we reached middle school, this question came again.
This time, we had to think a bit differently, perhaps, take it more seriously, we came up with answers such as a vet, a doctor, lawyer, teacher, chef, and CEO. With this in mind, we slowly started to carve out a path for ourselves. Then, as we neared the end of high school we were asked once again… What do you want to be?
And for each and every one of us sitting here today, we landed on Hotelier, Designer, Event Planner maybe even entrepreneur. Today, we sit here in this room and we have successfully completed 4 years of OUR STORY.
The story started with us maybe a little nervous, unsure, but definitely excited about this new journey we were about to undertake.
Over the four years, we did many things, from countless exams, service in Luxus, Four Seasons or Caux palace,
presentations and lots of group work.
To our internships, long hours, new countries and maybe some not-so-friendly co-workers but each and every year we did 3 things, we were challenged, we grew and we overcame.
In 2nd year you might have felt more comfortable, you knew a bit more about what to expect and our focus shifted to the front of house. We worked on building our foundation of knowledge. Again we were challenged, we grew and we overcame whether this was an assignment or missing the last train up to Caux or down to Montreux, somehow you all found a solution.
In BA3 we came to Leysin, and we finally had a bit more freedom! No more grey uniforms! And some more time. From the IBP, CAD and luxury with Mr Dard we were hit with one of the biggest obstacles = COVID 19 Even this time you were challenged, you grew and you overcame.
In our final year, for my cohort specifically, we tried our best to avoid the biggest obstacle of COVID. This resulted in a semester with our Halloween treasure hunt, game and movie nights, cultural week, the first in-person IRF since 2019, Tea for 2,5 and 10, and a sports and leisure excursion every
week. Whether that be in Italy, France, Europa park or paragliding in Switzerland.
It was the semester where we spent long nights in Davinda, Club Maxx or our rooms. Sleepless nights completing the 48hr challenge, or countless hours designing in the lab.
A semester that started with weekly covid tests, at 7AM! on a Monday! and one that ended with each and every one of you submitting your final project.
If you look past all the work we have completed this semester. Which we all knew was our last! You will realise, that each and every one of us made the most out of every day! Precious moments amongst friends cooking in our rooms or the kitchen, sunbathing on the balconies, themed lunches on Fridays. Long nights out on the weekends, led to long mornings in club “marketplace”. Over the last 10 months, you were challenged, you grew and adapted and you overcame.
Personally, I would like to thank each and every one of you, for challenging me and allowing me to grow. As your SAF Vice President, in 2019 to your president, in 2020 and again to represent each of you as president for the last time in the 2021-22 semester. Thank you to every person who has impacted this chapter and dedicated time, effort and love in order to support each one of us to get here today. Whether they be friends, family, teachers, mentors, staff or people you have met across your time. Don't ever feel stuck or confined to one label, and remember those that I have just mentioned are always there to support you.
So… as I stand here in front of you today. And as each of you can now see the results of your challenge and the proof of your dedication.
I ask you, What do you want to be when you grow up?
As you move into this new chapter in life always remember to keep challenging yourself, to keep growing and to slowly but surely overcome what life throws at you.
You each chose to study hospitality, as we know, people are the heart of this limitless industry so your future careers… are open… to anything and everything!
Go out there, stand tall and strong, and don't forget the people, the places and the memories of this chapter.
Today, as we turn the last page of this chapter, The following sentence is the star of the next chapter…
Congratulations! Graduating class of 2021!”
I looked up, and smiled! I did not trip in my heels on the way to the stage, yes there were moments that I could have improved during my speech but I did it! I showed myself that with practice and determination I can...
So to those that are graduating this year of those that will graduate soon, I hope my speech inspires you and assures you that no matter what you have just finished you are never too old to learn to discover and be who you want to be when you grow up!
Pictures from Lausanne Photo Studio and Personal