Vale Speech 2005

By Sarah Steele, Senior Student

Good evening Mrs Walsh, our wonderful members of staff past and present, high table, freshers (soon to be sophomores), sophomores (soon to be seniors), postgraduates, graduands and valetants. Three years ago when I arrived at Sancta, I knew instantly that I was in for the time of my life but not even my wildest dreams could have prepared me for my years at college. I would never have believed that such passion could be held for a Papier Maché Goose; that nude boys on random rampages would become a quotidian practice (that word’s for you, Ali Lee); that the social calendar could be so constantly jam-packed with awesome events all year round; that you could be dressed as a Zoolander model in one breath and a cop in the next; that the most stressful dilemma on a Wednesday night would be where to start the celebrations (at the Dale or the Sals); that you could play eight sports, debate, sing, dance and act all in one year; that uni stresses could be so easily cured with a cup of tea; that sausage rolls from S’leven could taste so damn good at 3am; and, more importantly than anything else, that I would meet so many incredible people along the way – friends absolutely for life.

Vale marks the end of a very special time in our lives, what people who have left college in years past refer to so fondly as the “Glory Days”, but it also marks the beginning of something new and fresh for those of us who are leaving. We leave Sancta in the hands of amazing young women and we move on to the next phase knowing that Sancta will continue to thrive.

I look to the Freshers of 2005 and I see an incredible group of outgoing Sancta Stars, who shimmy with all the reverence that should accompany the tradition, embrace competition with a fearlessness and sense of fun, and who are all worthy of the title Fresher Legend. I wish you guys the most wonderful 2006 and a continuation of your Sancta careers ... enjoy every, single moment. It has been fantastic getting to know you all and I will never forget your Fresher antics and O’Week 2005. Just remember, when in doubt, its all about the knees, knees, and body roll ...

To the Sophomores: Thank you for two years of your friendship and support – Sancta will thrive under your leadership next year. Look forward to it, enjoy it, and make 2006 count. Continue to be the spirit you wish to see in the college and keep an eye on our goose at all times!!!

To the 4th Years and Postgrads: Thank you for the roles you fulfil at the college; for your duty-tutoring; for your letting us into our rooms at ungodly hours and for the dimension you add to college life. We are so grateful for all you do.

To all the staff at Sancta, thank you for your support of the students and, in particular the House Committee. Without it, our effectiveness as a body is very limited. Thank you for your time, your care, and your hard work. We do not take it for granted ...

And finally, the most massive thank you goes to all the seniors ... Thank you all for being the most wonderful friends and peers; for the support you give to each other and for the countless memories we have shared. I cannot believe it has only been three years when our friendships are as strong as they are.

You are all such wonderful individuals and I am so looking forward to watching with pride as you leave Sancta at the close of 2005 and go on to live your dreams: we are a year group with gifted scientists, some of whom will go on to make the most fantastic dentists and doctors, architects with an eye for unique and original structures, musicians with flair who will take the pubs of Ireland by storm, budding diplomats who are already honing their skills in negotiation on a daily basis, engineers for whom the sky’s the limit, empathic therapists whose care for people inspires, dynamic linguists set for exciting travels in the new year, archaeologists who always amaze with tales of their fascinating digs; and lawyers who strive for greater justice ... I am humbled to be leaving with you all. Even though, naturally enough, many of us will each go our separate ways when we leave Sancta, at least initially, we will always have the tie that binds and share special friendships. I wish every graduand and valetant every success and happiness for the years ahead.

I feel so privileged to have been part of such an amazing college community and I will continue to look on with great interest in the years to come as it continues to go from strength to strength. It is the people who make a college and Sancta is, by that standard, a fantastic place to be; a home away from home.

The times, they are indeed a-changing and next year is the dawn of a new era for the college with Dr Elizabeth Hepburn IBVM coming in as the new College Principal. I would like to thank Mrs Barbara Walsh, on behalf of all here at Sancta for the 5 years she has given to the college, and I wish her well for all her future endeavours.

My fridge quotes have had an absolute work-out this year but there are still a couple left unsaid. To those staying at Sancta next year, I offer an anonymous reflection: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” ... and use every moment of your limited college days.

To the valetants and graduands, I offer Thoreau’s words: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined” ... starting now.

It has been a great honour being your Senior Student for 2005. I thank you all for the opportunity and wish the incoming group to be elected tomorrow night as much fun as we’ve had this year.

One of my favourite blessings is that which I leave you with tonight; my wish for each and every one of you:
 

May you all have comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, hugs when spirits sag, sunsets to warm your heart, friendships to brighten your being, beauty for your eyes to see, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, and love to complete your life.

Congratulations valetants: here’s to a wonderful night of celebrations!!!!