New generation needs to face challenges of 21st century

US Ambassador James B. Smith said the challenges and issues of the 21st century are on the shoulders of the new generation and they should learn how to deal with them.
He said their experience at American International School of Jeddah (AISJ) will help them find the solutions and grasp unsolved global issues and challenges.
Smith addressed the AISJ students at the high school graduation ceremony for the class of 2012 on Wednesday.
Dr. Mark English, superintendent of AISJ; Jonathan Acker, high school principal; Mohannad Mohanna, president of the board of advisors; and Consul General Thomas Duffy attended the program along with other dignitaries, parents and students.
Smith advised graduates that they have to face and find solutions for the challenges of the 21st century in this uniquely connected world.
“It is a beginning of the next journey and the hard work you did will continue to guide you. To follow up your dreams, overcome your fears and hardships, we need you to be successful,” he said.
He added the students of AISJ have an advantage over their peers as they were able to make friends with the people of different nationalities, cultures and beliefs. He claimed this will serve them well in grasping global issues.
“Your dynamic role, cooperation, understanding and hard work will serve you to solve global problems such as climate change, economic sustainability, food and water security and for establishing peace and prosperity. You have to find solutions for these unsolved problems. These solutions require cooperation among all the countries. You should know what the problems are, how to think, make decisions and build your conscience,” he advised.
He said they are citizens of the world and it is their destiny to focus on world problems. They are connected to the Internet age and destined to stay connected, he added.
“I will leave you with a final thought. As you see, the last 18 months people want their governments to be responsible and transparent and they want to be involved in the future of their own country. I hope you are up to the challenges of this 21st century to succeed,” he added.
The students of AISJ were very optimistic about their role in solving the problems of the 21st century, particularly as most of them said they would work hard and do their best in finding solutions to these issues.
“If we want to change the world we have to put our minds to it and hard work will help in solving global issues. I think we can achieve anything,” said Mira Al-Ekallab, a graduate and National Honor Society Member of AISJ.
Al-Ekallab also addressed the students. “Don’t underestimate and don’t think life will be easy. As long as you work hard and believe in yourselves you can achieve anything.”
Another student, Hanifa Hashmi said it was really an exciting day for her as she wants to study medicine and by aiming to provide the best health care environment for her patients she will try to play her part in overcoming the problems of today’s world .
“I am happy that we are going on to the next stage of life and would love to help our country in its development and make it a better place to live,” said Ahmed Dawood, an award achiever in math who wants to be chemical engineer.
Zara Alvi, another student, said people are living in a very selfish world.
“We need to change this attitude to make the world a better place and by solving its problems and issues,” she said.
Acker, English, and Mohanna congratulated the graduates and wished them all the successes of life in the future.
The SR 25,000 Dr. Osama Zahran Scholarship was won by Nadeen El-Ashmawy and the humanitarian award given to Yousra Al-Mizyen. The top scholar award was won by Judy Bhao and the ambassador award by Fares Al-Aboud. The outstanding academic achievement award was won by Faisal Al-Mobarak.