Don’t Give Up

Motivational Speech at the Gonet Academy Cohort Six Graduation Ceremony

By: Joshua H. Russell, Graduate of the Effective Communication and Public Speaking Class

The Guest Speaker Mrs. Doris Idahor, Development Specialist, Top Consulting Inc. Liberia. Mr. Mohammed Kerkulah, Founder and CEO of Gonet Africa and Gonet Academy Liberia. Mr. Wilcom Duncan, facilitator, Effective Communication and Public Speaking Class, Cohort 6, Platform Guests, Esteemed faculty, The outstanding graduating class of 2023 Gonet Academy Cohort 6, ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honor for me to be the class motivational speaker for today’s remarkable and unique occasion.

Let me recognize the graduating class of 2023 at Gonet Academy, Cohort 6, especially the effective communication and public speaking class, for sufficiently completing all the training modules as required for the course. Certainly, we all deserve to be honored today. From the bottom of my heart, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you.

To the administration, faculty, support staff, family members, friends, parents, and guidance, let me also use this opportunity to say a big thank you for all the support in making us who we are at this moment. Absolutely, we highly appreciate all that you have done for us.

For the next 4 minutes, please permit me to speak to you on the topic: DON’T GIVE UP!

Graduating from Gonet Academy marks the unlimited beginning of a new chapter in our professional careers, and it also opens new doors of opportunity and networking. We have demonstrated our dedication, perseverance, commitment, and our ability to overcome challenges during the last five to 10 weeks in order to reach this point.

For the 2023 class, I have a message for you: stay hopeful. Regardless of where life takes you, don’t give up. 

The path to success is not an easy one. I am advising you today that at some point in your life, things will become very challenging. There will be times in your life when it appears that life is impossible to sustain and that it is not worth living. Although you may feel tempted to give up, I encourage you to persevere.

Today, we are excited not only because we are graduating from Gonet Academy, but in the midst of the many challenges of economic hardship, an increase in the prices of basic commodities, and the increase in substance and drug abuse, we remain hopeful and determined to not give up.

We were both focused and courageous. Our strength and determination were the hallmarks of our studies.

 Roy T. Bennett, a Zimbabwean politician, writer, and author of the book ‘The Light in the Heart, says, and I quote: “When the going gets tough, put one foot in front of the other and just keep going. Don’t give up. 

Mistakes will occur along the way. Don’t give up. With consistency and perseverance, you will succeed. Do what you feel passionate about and take chances. Do not be afraid of failure. Failure will come, don’t give up. Keep pushing until you reach where you want to be.

At some point in your life, you will fail. Please accept your failure. Every time you fail, keep trying. You are one step closer to success. You have to convince yourself each and every day until you succeed. Do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams positively. Don’t give up until your dream becomes a reality.

As I conclude, I challenge each and every one of you as we leave Gonet Academy this day, be very patient, focused, and consistent in achieving your goals. Stop making excuses and shifting blame. Take a minute and think about the kind of person you would love to aspire to as you walk out of here at this moment.

Don’t worry about how many times you’ve tried; try again. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear no; ask again. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall; get up and don’t give up. 

Frustrations and disappointments will come; don’t give up. Numerous opportunities will be denied to you. Don’t give up. Challenges will come. Don’t give up. Setbacks will come. Don’t give up. 

Finally, I urge you to remain determined and consistent in all that you do. Do not take no for an answer. Follow your dreams with courage and passion. The world is waiting for your talents and contributions. Use your achievements wisely and don’t give up. May your journey ahead be filled with purpose and never-ending success. Believe in yourself; believe in the future. Don’t give up, and you will find your way.

 Thank you.