Making your mistakes young are true investments in yourself, says Trump Jr

It was a moment of pride for 440 students of the American University Dubai as they received their degrees at the university's 20th graduation ceremony on Sunday evening at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Sheikh Rashid Hall was jam-packed with about 5,000 people, including the family members and friends of the students and senior dignitaries.

The students received their US-accredited degrees from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum while son of the US President, entrepreneur and real estate specialist Donald J Trump Jr was also present.

Take the risk Whether or not you are successful is far less a marker of one's character than the fact that you were willing to take the risk in the first place and that you were willing to put yourself out there against all odds, said Trump Jr to students. "When I look at what my father did in this past election, and the risk he took, I'm far more impressed with the fact that he tried, than by the fact that he actually won. For a billionaire to step away from a pretty amazing life, to spend $75 million of his own money to fight insurmountable odds. Why? Because it was time. What we were able to endure and learn from the experience because one man was willing to step up was 'find that passion in yourselves and you will be unstoppable'."

After congratulating the fresh graduates, Trump Jr said: "I'm also excited to be here today as it's a unique experience for me to be talking to a crowd like this. I've gotten to speak in Dubai over the years but always in a business setting and as of late, all of the speaking that I have done has been largely related to politics. So I truly welcome this break."

Motivating the students, he said: "It's ok to make mistakes because if you aren't making some, you're not challenging or pushing yourself hard enough. You will make them anyway, plenty of them, but at least now you can blame it on me. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes, but learn from them. Use these mistakes and the subsequent lessons learned as the foundation for your continued education throughout your lives.

"Concluding his speech, Trump Jr said: "In the end, with hard work and passion, you can surmount the most difficult obstacles. You can defy all the odds, but you won't be able to do that from the sidelines... You have to get in the game. You now have all the resources at your disposal, use them and put them to work for you and for good. You don't have all the answers now, but you will learn and you will continue to learn. Hard work is not often a glamorous thing, but if you're passionate about your choices and decisions and if you believe in them, that makes it truly fulfilling. One last thought before you take on the world, last but certainly not least, Take the time to enjoy life. This life is not a dress rehearsal. There is no reset and once you miss the chance there is no going back."

After the conferral of the degrees, done by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed and Trump Jr, AUD president Dr Lance De Masi concluded the event saying: "Graduates: Just like the lights in an operating room shine not on the surgeon but rather on the patient; just like successful flying is not so much about the pilot, but rather the passengers who are brought safely to their destination, this ceremony is really about the thousands of people who throughout your lifetime you will touch, influence and lead."

Talking about the importance of service to society, Masi said: "Serve through the profession you have been prepared to exercise, but also through the patriotism that bonds you to your country and the ethics you have the courage to uphold; Serve through friendship that heals, through parenting that nurtures, through the causes you believe in. And especially in this year designated by the leadership of the UAE as the "Year of Giving," serve by giving and giving back; Graduates of the Class of 2017, step outside yourself. And through service to others that outlasts your lifetime, be the candle that conquers darkness."

saman@khaleejtimes.com