It’d been a decade since I had started entering those hallowed gates. And on 25 February, 2005, most of my friends, including me, had an acute feeling on what was about to transpire within that compound at St Xavier’s, Jawalakhel because it was for the last time we were about to spend a day as students at that place, that place we had accepted as our second home for the past decade.

We, the outgoing batch of students of 2004/2005, have learned much more than just our academics but through each other’s influence and our experiences together with friends and teachers, we have learned a lot about life from the times we spend at that wonderful institution.

When I think of my fellow classmates passing out from the school, I think of more than just a group of class 10 students, I see a group of young talents waiting to exhibit their brilliance to the world. Our teachers have taught us all the techniques we need to embrace a bright and beautiful future, and now with this, we must face the world waiting our arrival.

The question now for most of the students awaiting the SLC examinations is how do you go from where you are to where you want to be? I don’t think there is a universal answer to this question, but I do think that you’ll find an answer for yourself once you understand that even though life may appear to be the highest mountain, you can walk over it taking one step at a time. Each day of your life stretches ahead of you waiting to be exploited, and there you are, the person who gets to do the exploitation.

What everybody must remember, however, is that sometimes you’ll be on top of the world, sometimes you’ll be at the bottom, and sometimes you’ll simply float along. Through out you must remember your experiences at your school, in my case at St. Xavier’s, for these memories will give strength and comfort. Remember the times at school as an adventure they were set out to be, because it’s only a matter of time before you will need them.

Friendship, by every meaning of the word, is the most important part of anyone’s school years that is cherished the most. Every good friend that has come our way leaves us with a different perspective of who we really are.

We have enjoyed class sizes so small and intimate that classes often felt more like studious discussions between friends than like structured, formal seminars. We have enjoyed each other’s company — we are a diverse and passionate group of students, with an amazing array of interests and strengths. So, I return to the question, what have we been doing here for the past few years? We’ve been learning — at its best, this learning has not been a mere exercise in career preparation. At its best, it has been an energy-giving meeting of minds that has involved our hearts and bodies and souls as well as our intellects.

I’m sure that I speak for everyone when I thank all of the faculty and staff of this inexplicably brilliant institute for their deep commitment to our education. Whether we have learned the most important lessons has yet to be seen, meanwhile the best proof of our education would be to bring our society out of an age of injustice and turbulence.

Apart from the school and the teachers, there is an elite group of people that should be thanked immensely for their contribution in making us what we are today. These are the men behind the scenes. These are people who have created us, made us fine lads, inspired us, helped us at times when required, admired us, blessed us, helped us grow and the most important of all, these are people who have provided us with the opportunity to excel in life by providing us education. If words provide any serious appreciation then they deserve it all. They are none other then our parents and remember to thank them because it is the least that you can do for them.

St Xavier’s has helped me beyond imagination and I do believe that your school has done the same and in future you too will help your school in whatever way possible. I wish all of you the best in your lives after school.

Farewell Xavier’s…but we will be back!

— Ankit Rimal & the whole batch of 2004-2005, St Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel.