Farewell Speech by Sali Said from Syria

Dear my friends and fellow graduates,

Allow me to congratulate you all for taking such a huge step forward towards success on a personal and academic level. I have no doubt you have worked so hard to achieve what you wanted so you can contribute to the development of your countries and the international society altogether. On this day, we are encouraged to reflect upon our past lives in this lovely country. For me, it was one of the most important and unforgettable experiences in my life so far as it has helped change my view of the world and taught me many lessons in life while establishing myself as a person.

As I come from Syria, I have had many difficulties in life, but I was lucky enough to have been given the chance to continue my master studies in here. However, the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme is not only important for scholarship holders but also for the host and sending countries as it opens the gates for more cooperation and dialogue and spreads an open-minded culture that respects and tolerates people of all kinds.

I was honored to have studied in a leading university such as Eötvös Loránd University (aka. as ELTE) which has maintained a democratic policy, making sure our voice is heard, and has endeavored to enhance its performance and services for the wellbeing of both students and academic staff. The teachers have all been highly respectful, cooperative, friendly, and warmly welcoming for all students, maintaining a high level of teaching quality and ensuring all of us are happy and comfortable. In particular, I was lucky to have a wonderful and great supervisor like Prof. Veronika Ruttkay who has supported me in every way she can until the very end. The administrative staff in the university have also been quite understanding and helpful, facilitating all the necessary procedures for me throughout my journey here.

Therefore, I deliver this speech in order to thank first the Hungarian nation and government which has hosted me and paved the way of success for me. Throughout my stay, I have never faced any kind of harassment. Instead, I felt as though I am one of the Hungarians themselves who have demonstrated a highly civil and open-minded mentality with the noblest human values.

Second, I would like to thank all who welcomed me at the University of Szeged which was my first host institution that delivered all kinds of support and collaboration with me to help me settle in the new country. I take the chance here to express my gratitude for the teachers and classmates there who have left a very heartwarming impression in my heart. The staff at the Immigration Office and other governmental offices in Szeged also have received me with a welcoming smile and tolerating attitude.
Third, I deeply thank my teachers and supervisor in the Department of English Studies at ELTE as well as the dean of the Faculty of Humanities and finally the President of the University.
 

Of course, I shall always be indebted to the Ministry of Human Capacitiesfor giving me the golden opportunity to continue my studies here and be part of its success in achieving friendly relations with the international community as well as live in the Best European Destination for 2019.
I finally want to thank my parents, family and friends both here and in my home country for being with me all the time, giving me all the strength and will to stay motivated and persistent in my studies.

I shall always cherish every moment I spent in here at Hungary given the fact that we have come to the end of our journeys here. I promise to deliver this message to the Syrian people and become an ambassador of the Hungarian values in my home country as I shall never forget my days in this most wonderful and fascinating country.
I thank you all for listening to me and may God be with you in every step you take in your lives.
Good day to you all.

Farewell Speech by Sali Said from Syria
Eötvös Loránd University.