A slightly mild and windy day by the coast in Bournemouth, I had the privilege of receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at Bournemouth University. Over the years, I have developed a strong relationship with the staff and professors, through lecturing students on sports, resilience, inclusion and leadership, but also joining a relationship building visit to China several years ago, as connections were forged with academic institutions in Beijing, I was told earlier in the year that I had been nominated and of course, I accepted. To join the 400 graduates on the final day of their graduation ceremony week in November, I gave a speech to encourage and support them in their next steps in the world. My own graduation was a mixture of feelings at the time. I wasn’t sure where my life would take me or what I would do with my language degree, but I assured the students, that life will take you on an interesting ride, if you stay open to opportunities and find your purpose, whatever that may be. At the time, I was scared, but I look back twenty years later and realised, I had my life ahead of me and that I shouldn’t be scared but rather embrace the potential. Yes, there will be difficulties and challenges, but there will also be moments like the one today, where you celebrate your achievements with your loved ones.
A huge thank you to Bournemouth University staff and colleagues, who treated me and my family so well, and to all the graduates who generously and joyfully allowed me to join their ceremony.
Proud to be a BU alumni and here’s to many more engagements as I continue to support the staff and students in the future.
Yours,
Dr Rodgers!
