Graduation MSM
Maastricht, Province of Limburg, Netherlands
September 12, 2007
It was five years ago when I set my feet for the very first time in Maastricht. I was really amazed by the method of teaching here in MSM where the Professors are so friendly, open - minded, and ready to discuss with students at any time that need arises. It was for me a unique, enjoyable, empowering, unprecedented, and enriching educational experience.
The time passed by quickly and I completed my course work successfully by the end of 2003. The next step was to find a Supervisor for my Doctoral Thesis. One was suggested. I went to him to request him to be my Supervisor and he agreed. After a thorough discussion between us, I became confident and was convinced that I had made a right choice. I was later proved right.
Honestly, in this study, the Supervisors are very important for my success. I was very lucky that I had Supervisors who gave me very helpful guidance throughout my study. Everyone who has been working with them would say the same thing.
One of my experiences in MSM that I have never forgotten was when I had my MPhil defense sometime in 2005. I counted the day to the D-day with no confidence. But that was what the Supervisors were for. They came to encourage and motivate me, and kept the light in my heart shining glaringly. I believe that only a selected few could have such a good opportunity as I had. I got a lot of things, knowledge and experience from our thorough discussions at that first meeting by the end of 2003. I am very pleased and satisfied with MSM’s academic approach and methodology.
In all my educational experience over the years, my Doctoral Program in MSM has given me the toughest but most memorable time of my life. Sometimes before going to bed, I would imagine how it would feel, at the end of the day, to be here together with all the graduating students, to celebrate my graduation. The thing that had been bugging me was the thought that I could discontinue my study for some unknown and unpredictable reasons. This thought sometimes really made me worry. Fortunately, with the assistance and supports from MSM and a lot of people around me, I have been able to survive and be honored with the invitation to make this speech.
I have received quality education from MSM that is going to change my life for ever. The experience I have gained over the past 5 years of my study here has equipped me to face bigger challenges that lie ahead in the process of entering the University of Life. It was very rewarding to have a chance to collaborate with MSM and I will continue this worthy collaboration even after my graduation today.
At this precious moment, I would like to seize this opportunity to extend my utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation to my Supervisors, Professor Eno L. Inanga and Professor Roy Sembel. Words cannot fully express the depth of profound appreciation and gratitude to them. The completion of my study would not have been possible without their academic guidance and thoughtful and critical comments on several drafts of my thesis. Both of them have inspired me in many ways, and I deem it a great pleasure to have worked with them.
My sincere thanks go to Professor Ronald J. Tuninga, Director Dean of MSM, for being very helpful and supportive all through my study from the start, and Professor Bruce Wm. Schneider for generously assisting and encouraging me in shaping the research proposal. I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Kami S.P. Rwegasira, Professor E.J. de Bruijn, Professor Beatrice Van de Heijden, Professor Dragan Nikolik, for providing useful advice and encouraging me at various stages of my study. I also wish to thanks all my other lectures. And my special thanks to Dolores, Sandra, Patrick, Iris, Arsenio, and all staff of MSM for their assistance in various ways during my study.
Last but not the least, to all fellow new graduates, I say, “Welcome to the University of Life”.
Thank you.