Lessons in Life
Full Circle: The Day I Returned to Celebrate My Students in Perth
A few weeks ago, I was invited back to the college where I used to teach to attend the 2025 graduation ceremony for a group of international students and to give a short speech.
To be honest, when the invitation arrived, I felt both honoured and a little overwhelmed. What could I possibly say that would inspire them. What wisdom did I have that could genuinely help them as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives.
This particular cohort will always hold a special place in my heart. They were the “Covid Class” the group caught in that bizarre global mess. Some were stuck in Perth with no way home. Others were mid-transit from their home countries. We began with online classes (which, let’s be honest, were an adventure and not always a successful one), then gradually transitioned back into face-to-face learning. Through all that chaos, we bonded. Somewhere along the way, I became part teacher, part mother, part unofficial crisis-management hotline.
So being invited to their graduation. That meant the world to me.
To make it even more special, we decided my appearance would be a surprise. In the age of social media where secrets last about as long as a Tim Tam at a kids’ party this was no small feat.
The ceremony was held at a lovely function centre in Perth. The students looked incredible dressed in their finest outfits, wrapped in graduation gowns, colourful sashes draped proudly around their shoulders. There was an official photographer snapping away, and a livestream beaming their big moment back to families and friends around the world.
One by one, the students were called up to receive their well-earned diplomas. There were cheers, laughter, and more photos than a wedding reception. You could feel the pride in the room the air almost hummed with it.
Then… it was my turn.
My job was to inspire them. (No pressure!)
I’ve never been the traditional kind of teacher. Years of working with Scouts teaching youth and adults all around the world taught me that real learning happens when people do things, not when they stare at a PowerPoint slide wishing they were anywhere else. And my classes Always a bit unconventional.
Take my Critical Thinking unit. While most teachers delivered lectures, I got my students to design protective structures around a raw egg and drop it three metres to see if it survived. The teamwork, the concentration, the competitive spirit You’ve never seen young adults so emotionally invested in the wellbeing of an egg. But every requirement of the unit was met with laughs, learning, and a whole lot of creativity.
So as I stood up there at the graduation, looking out at their excited faces these young people who’d endured a global pandemic, academic pressure, homesickness, and a teacher who made them drop eggs off balconies I knew exactly what I wanted to say.
And that’s where my talk began…
After a few heartfelt words the kind that come straight from the heart, not from a script I shifted into something a bit more me. My classes were never about stiff formality, and I wasn’t about to start now.
So I asked the entire graduating class to stand up.
They looked confused for half a second (which, to be fair, is exactly how they used to look at the start of most of my lessons). Then I told them to turn to their right and place a hand on the shoulder of the student in front of them.
A ripple of laughter moved through the room.
Now “Give them a pat on the back,” I said. “A proper one. Because each of you deserves a ‘well done’ and a ‘good job’. You’ve worked hard, you’ve pushed through things you never expected, and you made it.”
Watching them smile, laugh, and gently pat the person in front of them was a moment I’ll never forget. Simple. A bit cheeky. And completely perfect exactly the kind of ending my classes were known for.
There were tears, there were smiles, and for a moment the whole room felt wrapped in something soft and human the kind of connection you can’t script, only experience.
As the ceremony drew to a close, I shared my parting words.
To the students, I said:
“Carry this moment with you. Not the speeches, not the photos but the courage, the resilience, and the heart it took to get here. Life won’t always be easy, but if you can survive online learning during a pandemic, trust me you can survive anything.”
And to the college, I said a quiet thank you.
Thank you for trusting me with these young people.
Thank you for welcoming me back with such warmth.
And thank you for reminding me why I loved teaching in the first place.
Walking out of that room, I realised something simple but powerful being invited back wasn’t just an honour it was one of the most humbling moments of my life.
To stand there, years later, and see who they had become
well, that’s a gift I’ll treasure for a very long time.
About the Author:
Sheridan-Leigh is the passionate voice behind the MyLifestyle Blog, where life is celebrated with vibrant stories and insightful travel tips. With a deep love for slow travel, she believes in truly experiencing each destination, creating connections beyond the surface. Her blog is a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and a philosophy that life is for living to the fullest and is rich with opportunities for growth and adventure. Join Sheridan-Leigh as she shares her journey, inspiring others to embrace life, travel deeply, and live fully.
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