Honorary Doctor Elena Leontjeva Delivers Speech to UFM Graduates (May 2024)

Marcela López  | 04 de mayo de 2024  | Vistas: 70

Honorary Doctor Elena Leontjeva delivers a commencement speech to the graduates of Universidad Francisco Marroquín, emphasizing the impact of education and the significance of choices made along their academic journey. She uses a metaphor, making reference to a “special key” that the graduates have, one that has the power of both professional knowledge and the understanding of how market economies operate.

Leontjeva emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between professional expertise and a comprehension of economics, in addition to the professional education provided at UFM. She notes that it's becoming increasingly rare to find this equilibrium in professionals today. While there are many outstanding doctors, architects, and nutritionists, there is a scarcity of individuals who possess a deep understanding of how the market economy functions.

You received not only professional knowledge at UFM, but also you received an understanding of how market economy operates.” — Elena Leontjeva

According to Leontjeva, the world we live in is full of relationships built on money and market exchange. She emphasizes that this isn't inherently negative but rather something to understand and be mindful of. There will be occasions when you must negotiate your salary and contract, and without prior knowledge of market exchange, these situations might seem contradictory. However, learning about market exchange at UFM teaches that it generates new value and benefits not only for individuals but also for their colleagues.

I never thought I would ever become a doctor, but life is full of surprises.” — Elena Leontjeva

Additionally, Leontjeva shares her personal experience of transitioning from a doctoral student to a key figure in creating a free-market environment in her country following its independence. This experience serves as a testament to the transformative potential of education and highlights the responsibility these graduates now have in carrying and shaping their communities.

She extends gratitude to the graduates' parents, acknowledging their sacrifices to provide their education at UFM, and highlights the continuity of love and sacrifice that passes on from one generation to the next one.

This makes life not a dumb place but a place where free market principles create wealth.” — Elena Leontjeva

Leontjeva motivates the graduates to continue the legacy of their alma mater by spreading the values they were taught. Whether in their professional or personal lives, liberty, responsibility, and respect should be integral. In doing so, she emphasizes the importance of approaching the future with bravery and resilience, alongside the knowledge and values acquired during their time at UFM. Additionally, she encourages the graduates to navigate the complexities of market economies and the world with confidence and integrity.

With those special keys you open the doors and even the gates of professional success of peace, happiness, and personal fulfillment.” — Elena Leontjeva

As the speech concludes, Leontjeva symbolically passes on the "key" of knowledge to the graduates, signifying their readiness to unlock the doors of professional success and personal fulfillment. Her inspiring words resonate as a call for the graduates to embrace their roles as wardens of economic and social change, both for a common future people are looking forward to living in. With applause, the graduates depart, embarking on their next chapter with a profound understanding of the transformative power of education and the possibilities that lie ahead.