By Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS:
STUDENTS GRADUATING from high schools have been challenged not to sell themselves short, but to make good use of the available educational opportunities that will allow them to realise their full potential.
The challenge came from President of North Jamaica Mission of Seventh-Day Adventist Churches, Pastor Joseph Smith, who was delivering the main address at a graduation ceremony for 228 students of Marcus Garvey Technical High School.
The ceremony was held at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort last Thursday.
Pastor Smith pointed out that the world has become very competitive and with the growth in technology, high school graduates would have to move on with their education to equip themselves with the necessary skills, so that they can become more marketable. "When you have education you have option," he advised. "I beg you graduates, don't sell yourselves short."
Pastor Smith said he was very concerned over the many graduates who had chosen to become baby fathers and baby mothers before choosing a career and warned the graduates against following a similar path.
He reminded the graduates that they were the architects of their destiny and that they must not allow themselves to be shackled by the circumstances in which they now found themselves.
"Decide where you are going, don't give up because of temporary setbacks. Be prepared to work hard, avoid drugs, drugs will destroy you and, finally, commit your lives to God," were among his charges to the 228 graduates.
Principal of Marcus Garvey Technical, Leslie Riley, described the year 2002-2003 as very successful in several areas, but vowed to work with the staff and students to bring about improvements in all areas of operation in the coming year.
