Monrovia – American based Liberian Medical Doctor, Dr. Jacqueline A. Wulu has challenged graduates of the Richard M. Nixon Institute to continue pressing forward to become who they want to be.
Serving as guest speaker at the school’s 54th annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, August 11 in Monrovia, Dr. Wulu called on the graduates to determine their future by making the right choices.
And if they fail in the process, she encouraged them to ‘never give up’ but keep on trying.
“Do not give up. Life is all about choices. Make the best decision for yourself. Make the choice that you will be proud of,” Dr. Wulu urged.
Referencing her late grandfather’s favorite quotation, she stated: “If you don’t use your head, your body will suffer. That is the phrase that the late John Wulu Sr. would say. In life we should all have choices. You all made a choice to go to school and get an education. Don’t stop now, keep rising to the top. Make smart choices and decision and do not be distracted by those around you who may not want you succeed. Push yourself always to be great because I know you all can be great.”
Dr. Jacqueline Wulu is the daughter of Dr. John and Josephine Wulu, Chairpersons of the John & Minnie Wulu School System (JMWSS), the parent body of the Richard M. Nixon Institute.
She is a Chief Resident Physician in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts, USA. She will be continuing her training as a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery Fellow at the University of California in 2020.
She is also a graduate of the University of Illinois at the Chicago Medical School where she was recognized as the Student National Medical Association Region II Member of the year.
In addition she is a recipient of the Urban Health Program Student Servant Leadership Award.
Prior to Medical school, Dr. Wulu obtained a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science at Drexel University. She earlier received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Emory University where she majored in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology.
Dr. Wulu has many journal article publications and book chapters. As a leader and mentor, she is hopeful to leave her own positive impact on Liberia and other countries in the future.
In her motivational speech, she lauded the graduates for their exceptional performance in the West African Secondary Senior Certificate Exams (WASSCE) and called on them to lead by her example of always striving for excellence.
“Continue pressing forward to become who you want to be. Do not doubt that you are smart enough. I have to convince myself to be who I am today. You also have to convince yourself. You are more than enough. If I can make it, you too can make. Use your head always, never give up. Try again and again no matter how long it takes. Life is not a race; it is a journey to be enjoyed. And to enjoy, always make the right choices,” she enthused.
Meanwhile, all of the 36 students who sat the exams made a successful pass. The principal of the school, Aphonso Goll attributed the success of the students to the dedication and exceptional performance of both the students and teaching staff.
The valedictorian, Joan P. Morgan, encouraged her fellow graduates to keep aiming high and thanked her parents and teachers for the sacrifice.
Also, Speaking, the Chairman of JMWSS, Dr. John N. T. Wulu, Sr. revealed that the institution will be rebuilt within the next two years and pledged to pay the registration fees for all of the graduates at any tertiary institutions: vocational or academic.
He added that he was glad to come to Liberia with his family to witness this year’s exceptionally commencement exercise. He thanked the parents, graduates and administrative staff for the ‘remarkable’ sacrifices.
The Vice President of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Dr. Franklin Dalieh, Sr. offered a one year scholarship to the best performing student of the graduating class at any university of her choice.
About the Richard M. Nixon InstituteThe Richard M. Nixon Institute, named in honor of former United States President, Richard M. Nixon was founded and built by the late John Wulu, Sr. and wife Mrs. Minnie Wulu in the mid-1960s. The school is part of the John & Minnie Wulu School System. This year, the school recorded a 100 percent pass rate in the regional exams, WASSCE, with all of the 36 candidates passing.