(The following is a tribute to the 2013 graduating class of 68 Jamaicans from the University of Medical Sciences, Santiago De Cuba. The doctors graduated on July 16 and have all returned to Jamaica to help bolster the health system.)

I want to laud and applaud all 68 of you medical students who graduated from the University of Medical Sciences, Santiago De Cuba, recently. This is a milestone in your lives which is of great significance.

I applaud you today because seven years ago you embarked on a journey – a journey which seemed long; a journey which at times you wondered if you would see the end or even realise your goal, but through it all God has kept you. He never left you nor forsook you.

I applaud you today, because, having the privilege to experience your environment, I recognised that you withstood the test of time and came out victorious. Your experiences, though humbling, brought with it all the facets of character building. It’s an experience which taught you to be appreciative of little or much.

I applaud you today for your stick-to-itiveness, which you demonstrated amidst the situations which confronted you.

I applaud you today for your drive and passion to realise your dream amidst your challenging circumstances.

I am encouraged today by your commitment and dedication to have stayed focused in spite of the many distractions which surrounded you.

Today, you have made us all proud to share with you in this milestone achievement.

Deep in your hearts you can echo the words of the songwriter who said: “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. It’s grace that brought me safe thus far and his grace will lead me home.”

As you close this chapter in your life, the next chapter which you are about to read will be the new beginning of the rest of your life. It will be exciting, it will have its ups and downs, but with God you can make it.

You have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to go out and practise, but as you practise, do so with humility, do so with a deep commitment to serve your fellowmen and a strong motivation and passion to become climate changers, that is, being someone of influence who will bring about some change wherever you go.

I admonish you today, don’t take this journey alone, but rather allow the hand of the Great Physician, Jesus, to be your constant guide. Let him guide you every day for the rest of your life, not only as you practise, but also in your own personal life.

As Proverbs 3:6 states: “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.” You will never go wrong when you allow the Lord to lead your life and guide your feet every step of the way.

I applaud you today and say to you all, the world await you. So embrace the challenges which it will present, step out into the new experiences which await you. I implore you to become effective climate changers, that is, persons of influence. Celebrate the positives in all you see around you and effect change in the negatives which exist.

Today I say to all 68 of you, you have made us proud, so go forth, go forth, go forth in the strength of the Lord. May the Lord richly bless you in all your endeavours.

Dr Elaine McCarthy is a human resource and training specialist. She is a member of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2. Over the years, she has served as Director for several Ministries within the Church. She is currently the Principal of the Jamaica Apostolic Bible Institute (JABI), Kingston Campus.