Speech at the OXI Day Celebrations
There are some things you should know before we begin. As part of the class of 1989, we remember a smaller SAHETI than the one you have now and we sit back and admire how the school has grown. At the same time, we also see how you as the pupils of this school grow. We often hear of SAHETI's successes through your individual achievements. Other than the fact that SAHETI is a beautiful school, you make SAHETI what it is. You are SAHETI.
The memories we have of sitting in this Avli on days like today can at times feel as if it was not so long ago. At times, it all feels like a dream since we last sat in an OXI day celebration. We sit and wonder how quickly the last thirty years have passed by.
Time moves forward, and with it so do we. As SAHETI Alumni we continued to grow. Some of us remained here in South Africa while others went on to start lives on other continents. I can proudly say, that the SAHETI class of 1989 went on to realise many significant achievements. In our group we have world famous and internationally recognised attorneys, educators, accountants, artists, creators and engineers which also include a musician, and even a professor.
We have a few entrepreneurs in our class, and to this day remain the driving force behind successful projects both large and small. The most significant thing is that many of us are now parents; this often being one of the most understated yet important achievements of all. Yes, if one looks there are stories about us everywhere: TV, newspapers and the internet, as there will be of you too one day...but now it is our turn to tell you a story...
It all seems just like a dream, and it is on the topic of dreams, that we give you our message. The dream starts here with you today. It all starts in your own imagination. It might seem simple really - possibly a little too simple because it's really just a figment of your imagination. Don't worry if you cannot see it clearly, nobody ever really can - but of course you knew that already, otherwise it wouldn't be a dream!
Dreams such as these that I speak of are not just a story about us, but rather about you too - as what I am suggesting might have started right here in this Avli for us many many years ago, just as it might start here for you today! Dream about the things that you want in life. Dream big! When you have done that, dream bigger! Remember that you are only ever limited by your own imagination.
Some of you might say to us, "But what if I fall?"
To which we leave you with the famous words of the Australian poet Erin Hanson: "Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"
Stamati Lagoudis
Class of 1989
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