CERTIFICATE GRADUATION 2020

Dear Peace Studies Students!

2019-2020 has been a whirlwind year, filled with unprecedented change and turmoil. We are not only witnessing history in the making, we are actively a part of it. And in this year of cataclysmic, fantastical, and extraordinary social and environmental shifts, you were faced with the normal, mundane, ordinary pressures and stresses of being a student, and had to clear one last hurdle: graduation.

You did it.

In this absolutely surreal world, you graduated—even when uncertainty plagued you the last few months—you graduated. And we could not be prouder of your success.

Before you leave us to write your new chapter, as your final assignment I will ask you to remember:

Remember what you have learnt during your time in Peace Studies. Remember to make conscious decisions and good choices. Remember to engage with others, and to let yourself be engaged.

Remember to always ask questions. Remember not to be afraid of difficult situations. Remember to make your voices heard and your actions seen. Remember that a single positive moment can inspire millions.

But above all, remember to be kind. Remember to be kind to others, and be kind to yourself.

As my final thoughts, I leave you with the words of one of my favourite peace activist and thinker, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

Never, never be afraid to do what’s right […] Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.

I hope that you will carry the lessons learnt here at Dawson. I hope that you continue to thrive and live in the inspiration that is you; that you—in your unique ways and talents—will continually strive for peace, justice, and sustainability. I hope that you will continue to be a force of change.

Never doubt yourselves and best of luck in all you do.

Ildikó Glaser-Hille,
Peace Centre
Interim Programming Coordinator