MONROVIA, Liberia — “Your beginning does not determine your ending. Your circumstances do not define your destiny.”
With this message, S. Berto Monger challenged the graduating Class of 2026 at the Samuel Slewion Doe Memorial Institute (SDMI) to look beyond their present circumstances, pursue meaningful opportunities, and use their education to help build a better Liberia.
Delivering the commencement address at the institution’s 27th graduation exercises in New Kru Town, Monrovia, on Friday, Monger spoke on the theme “Never You Be Complacent, Keep Pushing On,” emphasizing education, responsible leadership, and community service.
A son of New Kru Town, Monger said returning to the community as a guest speaker held special significance. He recalled growing up in the area, where his late father, Elkanah Monger, lived within walking distance of the institution.
Reflecting on his journey, he told graduates that their backgrounds should not limit their ambitions.
“If a young boy from New Kru Town can return to this community to address its graduating class, then every graduate here today should believe that your dreams are possible,” he said.
Monger reminded the graduates that their diplomas marked the beginning of a new chapter, whether they pursued university education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, or employment. He encouraged them to continue developing their skills, seek mentorship, and treat setbacks as opportunities to learn.
“Celebrate your achievement today, but never stop preparing for tomorrow,” he said.
Education and leadership for a better Liberia
Turning to the country’s future, Monger called on graduates to embrace integrity, accountability, compassion, and hard work as they assume greater responsibilities in their professions and communities.
He said Liberia’s natural resources, resilient communities, and talented young population offer significant opportunities, but national progress depends on citizens who are prepared to serve the public interest.
“Liberia needs leaders who place service above self-interest,” he declared.
He urged graduates to measure success not only by income or professional status but also by their contributions to education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and human dignity.
“The Liberia we dream of must become the Liberia we are willing to work to build,” he added, stressing that national development requires the participation of citizens and institutions alongside government.
Reaffirms commitment to District #16
Monger also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting educational institutions, children, community groups, religious organizations, and individuals across District #16.
He said his contributions reflected a collective spirit of community support involving leaders and members of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), including the district’s representative, party executives, women and youth wings, zonal heads, the CDYO, and other chapters and groups.
Describing community service as an ongoing responsibility, he said his efforts to support local institutions and residents would continue.
“My presence here today is not simply a personal achievement. It is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to give back,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to remember the communities that shaped them and to use their knowledge and opportunities to create lasting benefits for others.
“Let your success become someone else’s inspiration,” he said.
A message of responsibility to graduates
Monger concluded by thanking SDMI’s administration, Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff for inviting him to address the graduating class. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents and guardians in helping students reach this milestone.
He reminded graduates that their achievements carried responsibilities to their families, communities, and country.
His closing appeal returned to the central theme of his address: pursue excellence without becoming complacent, remain humble as opportunities arise, and make service an essential part of success.
He congratulated the Class of 2026 and invoked God’s blessings upon the graduates, their families, SDMI, and the Republic of Liberia.
