Ambali Monsurat Temidayo

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FROM THE PITS TO THE PEAK: SHORT SPEECH FOR 2016 NURSES
GRADUATES OF ORE-OFE, EL-SHADDAI
Ambali Monsurat Temidayo
Ore-Ofe, El-Shaddai, Ijebu-Ode. Ogun State
Email: ambalimonsurat2016@gmail.com
Tel: +2348091982917
Good Morning, Distinguished guest, Parents, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellow Graduants.
It is a great honour to be selected to speak with you all on this most momentous occasion.
This is a time to reflect upon the 3 years journey that you have just finished, which represents
what at times, has been one the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your lives as
you now start your journeys as the custodians of our nation’s youth and future.
Our presence here today is a testament to each person’s perseverance and strength of
character; whether we are the one’s graduating or whether you are in the cheer squad on
behalf of those graduating. It is important to thank those present and those who could not be
here today, for your support over the last 3 years and (hopefully) your continued support for
the years to come.
Today however; all of the self-doubt confusion, frustration, financial investment, revision,
practice and sleep deprivation pays off. Today you should all stand or sit a little straighter, lift
your head a little higher and congratulate yourselves for hanging in there.
The class of 2016 would like to thank the following people for their hard work and dedication
and for everything that they have done for these past few years: the management of Ore-Ofe
El-Shaddai, the entire staff, Non-Staff, Parents and all well wishers for their kind hospitality
and word of encouragement.
You are all here to celebrate and acknowledge that one journey is ending, just as another is
about to begin. Without all of you, they would not be here today, but you encouraged them all
and pushed them to keep going and for that they are eternally grateful because they all made
a decision to stick with it, and here they are today.
We have all learned so much at Ore-Ofe El-Shaddai! Some of the things we learned are that
the ABC’s are not just the starting letters of the alphabet, but they stand for something more
important that is Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Perhaps the most important thing we all
learned is about compassion, which is one of the values that are of the utmost importance for
being a nurse. We must all have compassions for our patient as a nurse.
You as a graduating nurse must make an impact every single day in the lives of people in
your community. You need to realise that you are the voice of the voiceless and the advocates
for those who cannot advocate for themselves. You are the helping hands of the people in
your community and you should realise that even by helping one person, you are making a
difference and you are making the world a better place one patient at a time. Some of you
may be continuing on in your education, but you all share one thing in common, you are all
nurses and you all made it.

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In conclusion, there are times in your lives when you sit down and wonder where your lives
will lead you. Sometimes you get so caught up in your jobs that you forget what you truly
represent. You get frustrated, aggravated, pushed to the limits and so mentally tired that you
feel what is the use in being a Nurse? But then someone gives you a weak smile or holds your
hand and they may say “thank you, you are so special”. Then you feel the warmth growing in
your hearts. All the bad feelings disappear and they are replaced by the core values that you
represent: human dignity, compassion, dedication, integrity, stewardship, leadership and
excellence. So when the bad feelings begin to show take the time to say this prayer: Lord,
help me to bring comfort where there is pain, courage where there is despair, acceptance
when the end is near, a touch that is gentle with tenderness, patience and love. And always
remember, all nurses are truly blessed.
The biggest thanks you owe however are to yourselves! If you had not taken that leap of faith
and backed yourselves then you would not be here today as graduates. The best things about
being a nurse are the personal interactions that you have with your patients and the day-to-
day challenges that nursing brings and the ability to work as a nurse in many states.
 Remember that you have to earn the respect of your peers and your superiors.
 Be humble and recognise that you have a lot to learn.
 Be flexible and willing to learn new things and new specialities; the experience you
obtain will pay off in ways you may not even recognise at the time.
 Do not be afraid to discuss your observations with the doctor and do not be afraid of
doctors who yell or treat you disrespectfully.
 Stand your ground, you are your own profession and have your own licensure.
 There are endless options in nursing, so know yourself and choose an area that suits
your disposition and your interests.
 Listen to the nurses who have been around for years. They have got some epic stories
to tell and besides being entertained, you will learn a lot.
Congratulations for hitting this significant milestone! You did it all.
Thank you.