Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

Only three days ago I arrived back in South Africa after the most remarkable trip to Bali. And yes, the movie, Eat Pray Love was indeed the main stimulus for me choosing Bali as my selfish, all on my own, travel experience.

Each and every one of you should view your three years at The Aleit Academy (and also the Institute of Culinary arts) as a journey, in which you will truly discover who you are, your true essence. You will see fascinating places and meet inspiring people. You will be presented with astounding opportunities. The three elements:

Eat – We are so incredibly proud to be associated with the ICA. They are without a doubt, THE leading culinary school in South Africa. The experience you will gain is wicked, in all senses of the word. Absorb and savour every moment.

Pray – Be thankful for what you have and never take the small things for granted. Always stay humble and acknowledge your source. Whenever the pressure rises (and believe me it will), just take a moment, close your eyes and reflect on the dreams and personal goals that you have in your own heart at this present moment.

Love – There is so much I can say about love, love for our students, love between our students, and love for our passion, tangible and intangible for this amazing industry. Every single year I witness amazing bonds being formed. Friendship and love that will be treasured for a lifetime. I am truly overwhelmed by the caliber of students in this room and I have high expectations and big dreams for each and every one of you.

I leave you with a quote to live by and carry with you:

“you were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”  Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love