National ball of graduates of higher education institutions
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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko attended the national ball of graduates of higher education institutions on 30 June. The head of state addressed the event and wished the graduates to be strong, believe in themselves and set lofty and noble goals.
“You are the children of the modern, independent Belarus. If the natural desire to achieve greater heights in your careers and improve your financial situation is supplemented by a sincere desire to be useful to your homeland, then its future will be in safe hands. So be strong. Believe in yourself, at least as much as I believe in you. Be sure to set lofty and noble goals, the loftier the better. An individual without a goal will achieve nothing, either in career, or financially. Most likely he will be of little use to the motherland as well. Aspire for the most ambitious goals. I sincerely wish you to materialize your hopes and expectations of the adult life,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Addressing the graduates, the President said that up till now their work was converted into grades. Now their efforts will be a key to prosperity, professional status and position in society. “Comfortable starting conditions have been set up for you. Having the first guaranteed workplace means great trust in people who have yet to achieve some results in their profession. You do not understand it and will not (this opportunity is often taken for granted). If you look at your foreign peers, you will understand how important it is to have the first workplace, you will see that many young people cannot realize themselves even for pennies or be useful to society. This guarantee means that the state gives you the first recommendation. The rest depends on you,” the Belarusian leader noted.
The head of state thanked the teachers who contributed to the success of their students. “They say that the teacher and student grow together, and it is right. You really lived these years together. Having gone the thorny but fascinating path acquiring new knowledge, skills, experience, you have become wiser and, I am sure, more fulfilled. Now you, teachers and students, will be going different ways. Yesterday’s students will face the toughest and strictest teacher whose name is Life. There will be no rehearsal, no second chance, and no opportunity to make amends every time one fails, like it was during school time. Now it is time to get into profession that requires a serious and responsible attitude to work,” the President said.
“Educators and doctors have no right to make mistakes. People entrust them with their most valuable asset – children and their health. Failures are also unacceptable in the work of lawyers, emergencies workers, policemen and the military. They are responsible for people’s lives, peace and order in the country. People working in the real economic sector maintain economic security of the country and well-being of their compatriots. Mass media personnel and cultural figures play an important part in social life as they shape people’s mindset and their view of the world. Athletes who perform on international arenas not only raise their own ranking, but also improve the image of the country,” the President went on.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that any activity is associated with certain risks. “Such is adult life – it is time to make decisions and take actions that might have far-reaching consequences. This is what they call independence. It is the freedom that young hearts are longing for so much. However, this freedom will go hand in hand with the harshest responsibility. These are neither my demands, nor demands of the state. These are demands of life. It is up to you to decide whether to take over this responsibility and carry it all your life or to choose an easier way. I am convinced that your knowledge, skills and character will help you make the right choice,” the head of state said.
The President called for doing everything in proper time, because life is fast-paced. “It is important not to fall behind, not to get overwhelmed by the headlong flow of events. You should live your life. The key word here is doing everything at the right time. If you fail to do something today and postpone it until tomorrow, you will not be able to go back to it again, because you will be carried away by this whirlpool of events. Do everything in time, be responsible, follow your dreams and achieve your goals,” the head of state said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko presented letters of commendation, prizes and flowers to the best graduates and teachers.