Valedictorian
Doreen Wahu Wainaina, MA DJ
Our Pro Chancellor,
AKU President,
Provost,
AKU Kenya Council Chair,
All protocols observed,
Honourable guests, distinguished members of the faculty, family, friends
And my fellow graduates, good morning.
Our journeys to AKU were as diverse as all of us who are graduating today. For some of us, joining this institution was a lifelong dream that we worked towards, applied to and crossed their fingers for that acceptance letter.
The Aga Khan brand for me is woven into my DNA. I was born at Aga Khan Hospital on a Saturday night; my father spent the better part of his career working within an Aga Khan institution. When he retired, I, coincidentally, joined an Aga Khan company. Today, on yet another Saturday … this time, a warm morning, that journey comes full circle, bringing me back here as a graduate of the Aga Khan University on the grounds where my life began. And who knows what destiny has in store with this journey with the Aga Khan institutions for me and all of us.
Our paths, though different, were all leading up to the same destination … the relentless pursuit of excellence.
When we joined our respective AKU programmes, it was exciting, new and promising. I know it sounds cliche, but it truly was a cocktail of excitement and uncertainty, but we had a goal set; we felt unstoppable.
I, for one, was confident. Not even the warnings of our faculty about the level of self-discipline required, the sleepless nights and the copious amounts of coffee needed to get this programme done fazed me. Reality quickly volunteered to humble me right from the proposal writing stage. But, I think the moment of true realisation came when I spent Christmas week locked in the study refining my final document as everyone made merry. And just when I thought ah, yes, I’m finally done, in came formatting!
We’re often told that sacrifices are necessary when chasing our dreams. It usually sounds abstract. But this journey made it very real. Sacrifices had to be made. Difficult choices followed. And of course, your lecturers, supervisors and the institution checking in regularly did not make it any less daunting. I am sure my fellow graduates can relate given the sleepless nights, and the endless document reviews.
Still, this journey has taught us invaluable lessons. How to work together, when to seek help and how to build a community that carries you to the finish line. I mentally quit more times than I care to admit, but my community brought me back, reminded me why I started and challenged me to get it done.
To our professors and supervisors, you challenged us, pushed us and I am sure we can all agree we mutually frustrated each other. But your mentorship, guidance, support has brought us here, as the new class of graduates. And perhaps when we recover and settle in, we will become the next class of professors. You did, after all, inspire us to work, and as my supervisor would always remind me “to think”.
To my fellow graduates, we are stepping into a very powerful phase of our lives where our knowledge, skills and convictions will shape more than just our own careers. We can influence policy, redefine leadership, and contribute meaningfully in health care, education, media and communications. We must also carry forward the opportunity that was accorded to us here at AKU and become its multiplier. As the true measure of opportunity is not what it gives us, but what we choose to give back as a result of it.
No matter how often it is said, it still rings true, the future is now and we stand at its centre. We are the present. We are the change makers.
Together, we are building a powerful network rooted in our shared values, shared struggle and shared purpose. And let us carry on the legacy established and championed by His late Highness Aga Khan IV and one that lives on through our Chancellor Aga Khan V.
And because no speech is complete without a great quote, I will borrow the words of Mahatma Gandhi “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
To our families, friends, faculty and the institution, we thank you for standing with us.
Congratulations Class of 2025. We did it!
