Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone,

First of all, thank you for being here today. This moment is emotional, meaningful, and honestly, a bit surreal.

Today marks the closing of a long, beautiful chapter in my life—a journey filled with learning, dedication, challenges, laughter, and unforgettable memories. After 34.4 years of service, mostly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and as officiating warden at the Students and Staff Nurses Hostel, I stand here with a heart full of gratitude.

🌼 To the NICU Team:

Working in the NICU has been more than a job—it’s been a calling. The tiny hearts we’ve cared for together reminded me daily of the fragility of life and the strength of compassion. Every newborn we helped, every anxious parent we comforted, every long night on duty—those experiences will always stay with me.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done. I’ve seen teamwork at its best, and I’m honoured to have been a part of a team that always puts patients first—even when we’re exhausted. You are more than colleagues—you are caregivers in the truest sense of the word.

🏡 To My Fellow Wardens and Hostel Team:

Being an officiating warden wasn’t just about rules and routines—it was about creating a safe space, a second home for nurses and students. I’ve watched young students grow into confident professionals, and I’ve seen how a supportive environment shapes the future of healthcare.

Sometimes I had to be strict, sometimes a silent listener, and sometimes a big sister or friend. But every role I played, I did with a sense of responsibility, because I believed in the potential of every young nurse who walked through those hostel doors.

🙏 To My Seniors:

Thank you for guiding me, trusting me, and encouraging me. I learned not just how to be a better nurse, but how to be a better human being under your mentorship.

🌱 To My Juniors and Students:

You are the future. You bring energy, ideas, and purpose into this profession. My only advice to you is: never lose your empathy. Skills are important—but heart, patience, and kindness are what make a real nurse. Whether you're in the NICU or managing hostel duties or caring for adults—carry your values with you. Be the nurse you'd want beside your loved one.