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‘Don’t be copycats, be yourselves’ …Educationist tells youth
A Deputy Director of Education, Mr Samuel Blankson Adjei, has urged the youth to resist the temptation of copying others because “the world does not need another version of someone else.”
Speaking at Hilltop School’s 20th graduation ceremony on Saturday, Mr Adjei warned the 78 graduating students against becoming replicas in what he described as ‘an age of replication.’
“We are living in an age of replication from fashion trends to social media, from career choices to personal beliefs,” he told the ceremony marking both the graduation and the school’s 28th anniversary.
The event, held under the theme, “In the World of Copies, Remain Authentic,” saw 71 Junior High School students and seven Senior High School students receive their certificates.
Ms Abdul Ilham Rahman emerged as the ceremony’s academic star, sweeping awards in Physics, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Chemistry and Elective Mathematics.
Ms Boakye Josepha Akosua followed closely, topping English Language, Management in Living, Clothing and Textile, and Social Studies.
Mr Adjei challenged the graduates to cultivate their own identities rather than succumb to social pressure to conform.
“Being authentic is not merely being different, it’s about being true to your values even when compromise seems convenient,” he said. “Choose to be original and not be a carbon copy for history does not recognise perfect people but originals.”
The Deputy Director warned that while imitation might offer comfort and social approval, it robs people of their ingenuity and therefore, encouraged the graduates to embrace their uniqueness.
“Be brave, be authentic because your uniqueness is what makes you special. Your authenticity might be the spark that lights another person’s courage,” he added.
Mr Adjei reiterated: “Don’t be a carbon copy because the world does not need another version of someone else. It needs the full untainted, unapologetic version of you.”
The ceremony featured cultural displays, a fashion show by pre-school pupils and choreography performances
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi