Buckle up, world

Am not embarrassed to admit I’m bursting with pride this morning, after seeing Sam Nead collect her first class Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences degree in The Great Hall at University of Birmingham yesterday.

As was pointed out many times during the day, this cohort of graduates had to work through a period of unprecedented upheaval and did so with determination, grace and resilience.

Sam being Sam, she not only overcame these hurdles but spent four years volunteering for Birmingham’s Nightline service, including a year as co-coordinator, directed and acted in pantomimes and held two part-time jobs.

After 23 and a bit years we’ve just about got used to the whirlwind that is Sam. The question remains, is the rest of the world prepared for the fireball of energy, passion and single-mindedness that is about to be unleashed on them? I mean this literally, as she is going to be working and saving for 6 months before embarking on a global tour which could take her just about anywhere.

I noted two phrases from speeches yesterday, which sum Sam up well:

“Always go the extra mile”

“Character is destiny”

Sam – best of luck in whatever you do

World – you have been warned