“Better late than pregnant.”
Definitely not the quote we expected to see when long ago in a quaint village in our sister island Gozo, The Third Eye executive was brainstorming for freshers’ ideas.
Nonetheless, it is one of our most favourite quotes which will forever be etched upon our little book of quotes filled by students alike and a number of distinguished guests.
President
Starting at the very top of our social cast system, the Maltese President, George Vella wrote with a proper doctor’s handwriting, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” We’re quite sure that he was not referring to anyone in particular during Freshers’ Week, many of whom were sweating and sweltering under the scorching sun.
Prime Minister
Next up, we have “il-Kbir” or “il-King ta’ Malta”, formally known as the Maltese Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat who wrote a short but telling quote.
“Who dares, wins.” I don’t particularly think that this quote needs additional remarks. It tells enough and speaks volumes. Hats off Prime Minister.
Opposition Leader
On the other hand, Opposition leader and current holder of the University push-up champion title, Adrian Delia wrote, “One man can change the world and that one man is you.” Definitely, a motivating quote for any person in any situation looking for inspiration in life. Cheers, Dr Delia.
MPs and MEPs
The gods have smiled down upon us this week and nudged our representatives to grace our stands during freshers’ week and whilst we appreciate their presence on a sunny day once a year, we encourage them to visit and exchange pleasantries more often with this generation of change that is currently trotting university grounds.
Maltese MEP and Politico’s Eco-warrior Miriam Dalli shared with us some of Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom and wrote, “Be the change you want to see”. If anyone knows something about change, it would definitely be Dr Dalli.
Her colleague Alex Agius Saliba went for a short and definitely sweet quote, “Always dream big.”
He also wished the student body the best of luck for this academic year along with a number of MPs such as Aaron Farrugia, Edward Zammit Lewis and David Agius.
UM Rector
University of Malta Rector Alfred Vella paid tribute to the past 250 years of University life by writing, “250 years old and many more years to come.” We only hope that in the next 250 years to come, there will be at least one parking space left assigned to students.
US Ambassador
US ambassador Mark Shapiro surprised us all with an ever-inspiring quote which says, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” A quote by Harry S. Truman, the 33rd American president succeeding Franklin Roosevelt after his death.
The man of the hour, everyone’s favourite president and student of the year, William Farrugia wrote, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
Honourable mentions:
“Poverty is manmade. Therefore, man can undo it.” President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca quoted the beloved Nelson Mandela and continues, “Let’s be the generation to undo poverty as one human family”.
Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina wrote in Maltese, “Not what the country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” (translated)
One unsigned quote says, “Wash your hands (inspired by Pontius Pilate – 33AD) …NB. Use 70% ethanol for enhanced results.” Whoever you are, you have truly changed our lives.