Samantha Eala presents graduation address

Congratulations to Masters of Public Health graduate Samantha Eala, an Australia Award student from the Philippines, who was selected as the student graduation speaker, (known in other parts of the world as valedictorian), at the University of Melbourne graduation ceremony held at the Exhibition Building on August 9th.

Samantha gave an inspiring speech at graduation joining all University of Melbourne graduands, including 168 from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.

In closing her address Samantha said:

"In the Philippines, we have a word, kapwa, which doesn’t quite exist in English. It roughly translates to “fellow being.” Filipino social psychologist Virgilio Enriquez described it as “a recognition of shared humanity.” At its heart, it’s the idea that you are not separate from me, nor I from you. And even a stranger is never truly a stranger. It reminds us that connection is something we awaken to because it’s already there..... 

However, this connection we've come to know: in classrooms and library corners, asks more of us beyond fond memories. It asks us to stay engaged--not only with each other, but with the world beyond these walls. To use what we’ve learned not just to succeed, but to support. To build compassionate teams, inclusive workplaces, and more equitable communities".