Esther Jiménez, dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences and vice-rector for the university community, welcomed students, family members and friends attending the graduation ceremony for the Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education in the Aula Magna.

The dean was accompanied at the presiding table by two vice-deans of the Faculty, Dr Mónica Fernández and Dr Salvador Vidal, in Dr Vidal’s last graduation ceremony before his retirement. Both vice-deans spoke a few words to the new teachers by comparing the four years of training with preparation for a marathon. They both highlighted the “demanding physical and mental preparation needed to carry out this long-distance race that has led them to become teachers.” Dr Vidal, clearly touched, did not want to end his speech without sharing with the graduates just how rewarding the teaching profession can become, since ‘‘being a teacher enthrals you. After more than fifty years as a teacher, there has not been a day that I have not entered the classroom motivated.” 

Later, Dr Meritxell Bacells, teaching director of the Colegio SIL, patron for this year’s graduation, in her keynote speech reflected on the role of the teacher. As she explained, “Being a teacher goes beyond teaching. Being a teacher also means learning every day and never ceasing to be amazed in every moment.” She also encouraged the new graduates to enjoy the experience of being a teacher and to take pride in the mark they will leave on their students.

In conclusion, Dr Bacells congratulated the graduates. First for having reached this point in their education, also for having managed to fulfil their dream and, finally, for the path that awaits them where they will support, help and encourage their students.

After the awarding of diplomas and the placing of sashes on all graduates, Dr Esther Jiménez, vice-rector for the university community and dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences, on behalf of the Faculty Board awarded the Extraordinary End of Degree Award of the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education to Ms María Carrasco Pérez.

Next, the student representatives in Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education spoke: Maria Canals, Patricia Lorenzo, Laura Medina and Paula Sánchez.

The ceremony was closed by the dean of the Faculty, Dr Esther Jiménez, who insisted the new graduates place their students front and centre of their teaching since ‘‘when you love someone, learning becomes easily.’’

The ceremony ended with the traditional singing of  Gaudeamus Igitur.