CGB IB Ceremony Speech to the Class of 2025
19 September 2025
Good afternoon,
I’m so exicted to be on this stage. We have been part of the CGB family for three years and I feel the difference now between being an audience and being on the stage.
I would like to thank Mr. Joe Jalil and Mr. Jamie Regan for inviting me as a speaker. I feel priviliged for availing this opportunity.
When I was a young student like you, I had no idea about the IB. However today, as a CGB parent I am trying to learn everything about IB by heart. I know that IB is a very demanding programme and therefore I admire the hardwork that all of you have done. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
I have been living and working internationally, as a diplomat for the last 28 years. Since you’re in CGB, it means that your are already living an international life or you are willing to or about to.
International life is not easy but opens many doors. Getting to know new places, new cultures, new people, new language are all positive parts of living internationally.
Today I am not going to give you any advices because I’m aware that you have received a lot and maybe bored with that. Instead, I am going to tell you about what I have been doing to stay in the streamline.
I have never given up learning: Whatever… new languages, playing instruments, handicrafts, coffee making..For instance I tried to learn how to play golf during my first post in the Philippines. I found out that it was not suitable for me and I did not continue. But at least I tried. These days for example, to realize an old dream, I am learning how to play the drums. I even had a small concert. I am also taking courses to become a barista, since I am living in a coffee country I wanted to take the advantage.
I have always put an aim or dream in front of me. This has helped me to keep motivated. As a well known Turkish poet, Yahya Kemal said “People live as long as they dream..”
I have always been curious, about anything. Curiosity may kill the cat but has not killed me yet!
I have always loved to travel.. Travelling alone or in company has always taught me. Not only about the places I visit but also about the people that I travel with.
I have always had a hobby. I think it’s essential that everybody has to have at least one or two hobbies. It’s a perfect therapy or get away from the stress/boredom and an excellent way to enlarge network.
As an internationally living person, I have always tried to be not too rigid in my thoughts and opinions. Throughtout the years, I realised that I need to develop empathy towards different situations, different poeple.
I have developed my ability to adopt to changes. This might be one of the most important aspect of living internationally. I have always tried to make the best out of the situation that I am in and tired to enjoy what I have.
I have never been scared of making mistakes. Those mistakes have contributed to my development. But I tried not to repeat the same mistakes.
I have always tried to listen to those who has more experience. I’ve come across to a phrase recently: Smart people learn from their mistakes, wise people learn from the mistakes of others.
I have always tried to reach higher on my feet, not on other peoples’ shoulders.
I have never been proud my money but of my skills and knowledge. Money may not permanent but skills, knowledge and wisdom are.
I have always been proud of my background because that’s what has made me today. And I’m proud of myself. This may be my only advice to you today. Please be proud of yourselves and your backgrounds.
I was raised by hearing two advices; first one is: One language makes one person. Today I consider myself 2.5 people with my Turkish, English and humble Spanish.
The second advive was that every young person should build skills in learning new languages, learning to drive a car and touch typing. I listened to this advice and now I know more that one language, can drive and I can touchtype. All these skills provide me my freedom in my daily life and work.
These are the steps which helped me to build myself that I am happy with today.
I congratulate the new graduates of the IB programme and I wish success for the Years 12 and 13 for the current programme.
I thank CGB again for giving me this opportunity.
Thank you.