Nandini Jagdeesh Kannan

Graduate Diploma in Applied Management

India

New graduate Nandini Jagdeesh Kannan spoke about the value of persistence at OPAIC’s recent graduation ceremony.

Nandini received her Graduate Diploma in Applied Management at the ceremony. She also has a Bachelor in Technology majoring in Bio Technology from Anna University in Chennai, India.

In her speech she reminded her fellow graduates that consistent hard work led to success, and greatness would come.

“Otago Polytechnic has planted a seed in us. It’s left to us to determine how well it germinates.”

Nandini told listeners that nothing that turned out great went through an easy process. She used the example of a public speaking failure early in her life.

“I promised myself never to face anyone again for the rest of my life, let alone speak in front of a large gathering.”

She said that timid ninth-grader went on to give many public addresses.

“The point that I’m trying to make here is that failure is a prerequisite for success.”

Learning from mistakes and persevering through hard times were the ultimate drivers behind success.

Graduates would encounter challenges and even rejections – “but we need to be strong enough to turn these into positives that could lead us to our desired destinations.”

She urged fellow graduates to be tough, never stop, and reach great heights.

“A few years from now, let’s meet at the top.”