What Do Students Say About SERM?

During the recognition ceremony students Kevin Muscat and Kim Robertella were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on their experiences in the program.

Kevin Muscat

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ProRectors, academics, fellow students, ladies and gentlemen; we are truly honoured by your presence here this evening for this first recognition ceremony. Rather than marking the end of a chapter, we are here to commemorate the beginning of a long journey which reaps the fruit of a year's work and strong commitment.

In these few minutes I would like to speak not only of forthcoming opportunities, but also of our experience throughout the last months. Months of enthusiasm, also times of occasional discouragement. Yet, we look back with pride and realise that our fear of failure was the key to success. We have enhanced our academic capabilities, enriched our intuitive competence, and stimulated our critical abilities thereby becoming even more assertive decision makers. All of these, coupled with our determination to fulfil a long term vision, have brought us here this evening.

Today we appreciate much more the role of education in formulating sound environmental policies and strategic plans for nations. Education is key in fostering environmentally-conscious societies and is a fundamental pillar of healthy communities with an appreciable economic growth. Education should be the tool which instils ideas and provides a structure which encourages people to think beyond their comfort zones and territories. A Native American proverb states "we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children". If we students have come to understand and believe in the meaning of this statement, then the SERM programme's mission has been accomplished and another milestone has been reached by both university institutions.

We cannot be optimistic about the future unless we appreciate our past. What we have achieved throughout the past months is not attributed solely to our own merits, but also to all of you present here this evening as well as our respective societies at large which have invested their resources for us to exploit our full potential.

Today, both universities enjoy worldwide repute. This is not only attributed to the quality and exceptional performance of students or graduates from both institutions, but also to the multicultural value which both universities embrace. The SERM programme is undoubtedly an explicit expression of this multicultural value.

While having successfully completed the first two semesters of this programme, we would still like to bring forward our recommendations to make the SERM programme a greater success in the years to come and an even better experience to all prospective students. We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and commitment put in by the board of studies, lecturers and administrative personnel for us to reap the maximum benefits from the master's programme. However, we do believe that there are a few aspects which can be improved, particularly in areas pertaining to formulation and content of course modules, as well as the synergy between the two university institutions. Nevertheless, we are grateful to all those involved in establishing the SERM programme; the first of its kind here in Malta. Let me emphasize that it is the expectation of all of us gathered here that this programme will serve as a model for other faculties and institutes to emulate.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of this programme. Our deep gratitude goes to the rector of the University of Malta Professor Camilleri and the President of James Madison University Doctor Rose, as well as former US Ambassador Ms. Molly Bordonaro, for their commitment in embarking on this ambitious new venture. We thank all lecturers and academics for their invaluable efforts and for conveying their knowledge and experiences to us students. Last but not least, we thank our families and partners for their continuous support throughout these months.

I wish all fellow colleagues, as well as those who are to read for this degree programme in the years to come, to exploit all opportunities in their own interest and in the interest of others. It is up to us to put into practice the principles and knowledge imparted to us. If our primary objective is exclusively one of personal gain and interest rather than being of service to the needs of society and humanity at large, we shall not be deemed to be recognised as professionals, or even more so carers of the environment and communities. We therefore have to do our utmost to offer our services with dedication, generosity and care, and to transfer our knowledge in contributing to the sustainable livelihood of humankind. Aiming for perfection is essential; as is the need to possess the courage to maintain our respective identities and values. High-calibre professionals are needed more than ever before to raise the level of education and nations' conscience on environmental matters. 

Let us keep in mind that the award which shall be presented to us in a few months, is not only a recognition of our academic qualifications but also a symbol of the responsibilities which each one of us has to shoulder at places of work, leisure, and in our everyday life. We are to be identified not merely by academic credentials, but also by the way we think, speak and communicate our thoughts. Societies need our contribution; the contribution of integral people who are competent, responsible and sincere, and with a positive attitude towards life.

Today we are proving that we are achievers; we shall now be entrusted to deliver and maintain our strong efforts to make this place a better place. ‘Saving our planet' is not an abstract or superficial motto, but a commitment which we need to undertake maturely and without delay. The least thing we can do for the future is live responsibly in the present. This is truly the best gift we can give to our children. 

We shall not forget what we've been taught throughout the past months and shall cherish this experience in future; because we are the future, we are responsible for tomorrow's generations.

Thank you.

Kevin Muscat MSc SERM 2009/0

Kim Robertella

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We come from different backgrounds, and different countries.But together, we have formed our own sort of family.

We are the inaugural class of SERM - and in the words of my friend and colleague, Ruth - "We have worked hard, and we have played hard."

We have shared together an experience no one will have again. From the Americans, to our Maltese friends and colleagues: you have opened your lives to us, you have shared your country with us, and we are blessed for this experience.

So, thank you - on behalf of all the Americans - for this Malta experience.

Kim Robertella MSc SERM 2009/0