By Omar Anderson, Gleaner WriterTIVOLI GARDENS High School's students yesterday remarked how rejuvenated they felt after a compelling speech at their annual career expo by Opposition Senator Bruce Golding.
The students, mostly fourth and fifth formers, told The Gleaner they would be bringing renewed focus to their lessons, following the rousing 30-minute speech which addressed the gamut of preparatory tips for the working world.
"His speech was positive," said 15-year-old grade 10 student Cadrian Thomas. "It was also a bit shocking in that I didn't think he would bring it down to our terms for a man of that stature."
Cavian noted he was also impressed by Mr. Golding's lecture on believing in oneself.
"What rejuvenated me to work harder was the point where he said you must not limit yourself," he said.
IMPRESSIVE ORATORY, CONTENT
His friend Derrick Brown, 15, another grade 10 student, said the Opposition Senator's speech was "fine and amazing".
"I liked the point where he told us to do our homework because many of us don't like to do it," he said.
For his part, 15-year-old Trevion Codner told The Gleaner that Mr. Golding's speech was positive and directly aimed at him, as he always strove for the best.
"He said we must always try to do the best and aim for the top and I respect that position," he said.
For half-an-hour yesterday, Mr. Golding had a captive audience, which not only comprised Tivoli Gardens students, but others from nearby high schools, including Charlie Smith High School and St. Andrew Technical High School.
The Opposition Senator told the students that an analysis of successful countries worldwide showed that young people played an integral role through their creativity, energy and adventure.
AIMING FOR THE TOP
He urged the students not to be tied down through whatever misrepresentations they heard about the community in which the school is located.
"Never put a ceiling over your own head," said Mr. Golding, adding that they should never become satisfied with anything except the best.
"So if you decide to enter the Police Force, you must plan to become the Commissioner of Police aim for the top. And, if you decide to go into politics, you must want to become Prime Minister, and if you decide to become a nurse, you must look forward to the day when you are a matron of a hospital," he said.
Regarding employment, Mr. Golding told the students that the job market, which he described as "fiercely competitive" and "intimidating", is not what it was when he was a student, when employers courted students even before they graduated.
"In those days, if you worked hard, and got good grades, you could pick, choose and refuse jobs. It is not so today," he said, noting that successive generations have failed current students for not providing the enabling environment for gainful employment without much hassle.
