Extended reading, read the transcript of a speech given at the students coming of age ceremony by their principle. taking responsibility on the guests, teachers and students. IT is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you here today and present my thoughts on this special occasion. Students, the time has arrived for you to fully accept your passage into adult od. I have seen you grow from nervous senior one students into confident Young adults who sit before me today, ready to embrace the next phase of your lives. You must be both excited and anxious about the new experiences that are in store for you. Don't worry for you are all responsible Young people well prepared and well equip to successfully manage the chAllenges of the years ahead. At school, you have gradually understood the importance of a well developed sense of responsibility. You accept that you are responsible for your successes and your failures. Hopefully, you have learned to treat responsibility not as a weight that burdens you, but rather as a foundation which will support your future development. A ship without an anchor is at the mercy of the waves and winds. Likewise, a person who has no sense of responsibility is at the mery of their own, careless and less. As students, you must take your study seriously and accept responsibility for your own learning. This means meeting deadlines for your school work, following your teachers guidance, and of course, always aiming for academic excEllence. However, your responsibility ie. S go far beyond your studies. As you go through your daily life, you will encounter many difficult situations where things may go wrong. Instead of being quick to blame others, analyze the problem. And if IT is indeed your own fault, be ready to admit your mistake and then corrected. This way you practice the virtue of courage, always give you your best in whatever you set out to do, however difficult that might be. This way you practice the virtue of determination. Be honest, by saying what you mean and by meaning what you say this way, you practice the virtue of integrity. Taking responsibility in all aspects of your everyday life, therefore, will help build a strong character. Apart from personal development, assuming responsibility for your actions is also important for the Betterment of society. Society is an organic whole, and as social beings, we have a responsibility to make a country tribute. You may have heard the story of a small boy who tried to save starfish left on the beach after a storm by throwing them back into the sea passes. Boy told him that he was wasting his time, for he could not possibly save them all. However, the boy was not discouraged, believing that he could make a difference to the ones that he saved. As a result, the passes by felt inspired and joined him in saving the starfish. Similarly, the little things you do can make a difference. For example, picking up garbage around your neighborhood contribute to a cleaner environment. Reporting a speeding car helps ensure road safety. Being energy efficient leads to savings of our precious natural resources. Doing volunteer work at a local nursing home brings love and warmth to the elderly. Just like the starfish boy, you may even inspire people around you to do the same, which is an added bonus. Working together, we have the power to gradually but continuously advanced our society. So these students take your first step into the adult world by accepting your responsibility ie. S so that adult od will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and those around you. Sometimes responsibility ie. S may weigh heavily on you. However, just as the chinese saying goes, jade is good for nothing. If not carved, a man cannot be perfected without trials. So the seeds of success today and your harvest will be great tomorrow. I wish you every success in your adult life.