2021 is marked as another COVID-19 year and after 22 months of Safe Management Measures (SMM) and having more than 80% of Singapore’s population being vaccinated, we can see signs of easing up and the hope of life resuming with less restrictions. It will not be like pre-COVID times but we can resume normalcy of life eventually knowing that we are protected.

While our country gets a grasp in managing this pandemic, in Springfield, we focus on preparing ourselves – which include our students – to be ready for the post COVID times. I am glad to know that Springfielders are a resilient lot. I am proud of our graduating cohort of 2021 for I witnessed everyone putting in their best effort possible to learn and train and prepare despite having to change modes of learning, pace of learning and different times to learn.

Many have grown up and understood that in uncertain times like this, one just have to seize the opportunity and make the best out of it. You have taken ownership of your own learning and evolved to be the self-directed and independent learners. You have also grew to make informed choices and choose your own challenges to overcome. And I will say “You are ready for the future!”

Not only must you be cognitively prepared, you must also be emotionally prepared. I like your graduation day theme of ‘The Rainbow’. You have embraced HOPE which is the sustenance of the spirit of life. Only when you have hope will you want to strive to live for the future. I am confident that through your education in Springfield, you have invested well and as you graduate from Springfield, you are poised to seize the world! Many new opportunities are abound. Will you be the new unicorn? That’s a thought. Why not?

With this note to ponder, I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of cohort 2021 a bright future ahead. Go forth and make wise choices for your future.

“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.”

― Shannon L. Alder