Dear Graduating Class of 2021: a letter by the Director of Anees Hussian, Salman Ghaffar.

Dear graduating class of my Alma Mater,

You are about to embark on the next step of your life, hopefully, one that is going to be full of enriching experiences, adventure, joy, love, and laughter. However, you will encounter many challenges along the way, and how you overcome those challenges will determine your long-term success. Meet every opportunity and every challenge with enthusiasm, and maintain a childlike wonderment towards learning. Don’t take life too seriously, but also try to make informed decisions with a long-term view.

Soon, many of you will embark on careers, some interesting, some not so. However, take every opportunity to learn, as you never live twice. Moreover, some of you will face difficult bosses or demanding peers – let these make you stronger. Furthermore, learn to be cautious with your words, and reverential in your attitude. Remember, no man is an island, and your network is going to be one of your most valuable assets, so invest in building a good one.

Travel as much as you can, and as often as you can. No school can teach you as much as visiting a foreign land. God has made this a wonderful world; visit as many places you can, as quickly as you can.

And finally, remember this. Your success will depend largely on your skills and your attitude. Invest in your skills fervidly, passionately, zealously, even fanatically. Once you are the most skillful in your vocation, lady luck will always smile at you. So never stop learning.

I end with one of my favorite quotations: “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.”

All the best to you, forever.

With love and prayers

M. Salman Ghaffar
CEO, Anees Hussain Institutes
IBA, Class of 1999