Brief Summary
Pastor Jermaine Johnson delivers a motivational speech to the Manchester High School graduating class of 2024, emphasizing the importance of passion, purpose, and integrity (PPI) in achieving success. He encourages graduates to pursue further education and skills to avoid settling for mediocrity and to become trendsetters who contribute positively to society. The speech also touches on the realities of life, the need for financial independence, and the significance of making informed decisions to avoid exploitation and maintain dignity.
- Passion, purpose and integrity are key to success.
- Don't settle for mediocrity, pursue further education and skills.
- Be a trendsetter and contribute positively to society.
Introduction by Miss Radika Da
Miss Radika Da introduces Pastor Germain Johnson as a highly accomplished pastor, motivational speaker, and personal and professional development strategist with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with various organizations, delivered keynote speeches, and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations develop their leadership skills and reach their full potential. He has received awards, served his country in various capacities, and authored books. He is currently the senior pastor of the monig district and 7-Day Adventist churches and the CEO of Johnson motivates.
Opening Remarks and Acknowledgment
Pastor Johnson expresses his delight in sharing this grand opportunity with the Manchester High School graduating class of 2024. He acknowledges the distinguished guests, faculty, proud parents, and the graduating class. He mentions his anticipation to return to Jamaica for this graduation and expresses his happiness to be able to share in this occasion.
The Jamaican Dream and the Cost of Success
Pastor Johnson reflects on the theme of soaring to greater heights with passion, purpose, and integrity. He notes that people yearn for success and that Jamaicans love success. He describes the Jamaican dream as having a nice spouse, a nice house with a swimming pool and walking closet, a double-door refrigerator, and a nice ride. He emphasizes that all these things cost money and that graduating high school is a big deal because many young people waste the opportunity to make something of their lives.
Success as a Journey and the Importance of Honey Making
Pastor Johnson states that success is not a destination but a journey, and it is important to celebrate milestones along the way. He shares a story about bees and wasps to illustrate that all accomplishments are just the foundation to position individuals to move to the next level where they can make the honey, which gives them the money to sweeten their lives.
Adulthood and Responsibility
Pastor Johnson emphasizes that being an adult is not just about passing a certain age but also about attaining a certain stage of responsibility. He notes that many people reach the age but not the stage, despite having access to education. He encourages the graduates not to settle and to get qualified so that their lives can be dignified.
Passion, Purpose, and Integrity
Pastor Johnson explains that purpose is the guiding light that beckons individuals towards their destiny, but they will never get to purpose unless they have passion. He distinguishes between those who are fashionate and those who are passionate, emphasizing the need to take action to make dreams a reality. He advises against being dependent on others and encourages the graduates to get qualified to avoid hardship.
Challenges and Opportunities
Pastor Johnson discusses the challenges along the way, noting that some challenges depress while others position for success. He encourages the graduates to enroll in college or university or to get skills, emphasizing that they should not stop until they get to the top. He urges them to be real trendsetters and to make something of themselves so that they can be celebrated in the future.
Future Success and Empowerment
Pastor Johnson envisions the young ladies as guest speakers at future graduations, driving nice cars and looking good because they passionately pursued their purpose and operated with integrity. He advises them to spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to direct them in their purpose. He encourages them not to hold back and to remember that life will keep going whether or not they are qualified.
Changing the Status Quo and Taking Responsibility
Pastor Johnson encourages the graduates to change the status quo and not to expect society to take care of them. He emphasizes that life is miserable even for those who are successful, so they must work hard for what they want. He advises them to surround themselves with people who motivate them to be the best version of themselves.
Empowerment and Financial Independence
Pastor Johnson shares a story about a nurse who was financially empowered by her father's legacy, illustrating the importance of financial independence. He advises the graduates not to put themselves at the disadvantage for people to treat them poorly and to make something of themselves.
Final Reminders and Laws of Farming
Pastor Johnson reminds the graduates that it's not just an age but a stage, and growing up is optional. He encourages them to be passionate about their purpose and to remember the laws of farming: they reap what they sow, more than they sow, but later than they sow. He emphasizes that if they want it, they have to plant it and be passionate about it.
Musical Summary and Encouragement
Pastor Johnson summarizes his message with a song, encouraging the graduates to continue their education and not to stop until they are qualified. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and putting God first. He concludes by urging them not to be trend getters but true trendsetters, standing out and being the standard.
