Students were encouraged to find the environments that helped them grow, even if they came with uncomfortable moments, as they graduated from Bermuda College today.

Gino Smith, an independent consultant with the Bermuda Monetary Authority, told the Class of 2026 that he grew the most during difficult and humbling experiences.

Graduates heard that they might feel unsuccessful at first — but would find their way soon enough.

Mr Smith said: “Make sure you choose the right environments because that choice will shape how you think. It’s going to shape how you grow and ultimately who you will become.

“That means sometimes choosing a path where you don’t have all the answers, you’re not the most experienced person in the room and you’re not even sure you’re ready.

“But those are not the signs you’re in the wrong place — they’re often the signs you are exactly where you want to be.”

Mr Smith, an alumnus, joined several proud invitees.

Rain forced the 107 graduates, including ten dual enrolment students, into Athene Lecture Hall, while families and faculty watched the livestreamed ceremony in different rooms.

Eight were the first in their family to go to college, 11 looked after children or family members during their studies and most had worked during their time.

More than 30 planned to continue their education overseas.

David Sam, the college president, credited them for persevering through “hard work, passion and determination”.

He reminded graduates that the faculty “taught you, supported you and ultimately instilled in you the knowledge and experiences you needed to reach this point”.

He added: “They wanted to be here with you in the same location and though we couldn’t accommodate them here, they are cheering you on.”

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, attended the final graduation of his premiership.

He told students: “You deserve this moment.”

Mr Burt recognised Bermuda College as “a crucial first step in higher education” and welcomed graduates into “a proud line of Bermuda College alumni”.

He added: “Whether or not you go on to further your education or enter the workforce, I wish you all the very best of luck — and I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in your lives and in your dreams.”

Callahj Simons, the student speaker for the Class of 2026 and a dual enrolment graduate, told the crowd her time at the college had been a “full-circle moment”.

She explained she first came there as a six-year-old while her mother was a night student.

She said: “The community I discovered at Bermuda College was greater than I could have ever imagined because I was connected to the college before attending the college myself.”

Ms Simons said her time there taught her that education was a continuous process — and how to be humble enough to let herself learn.

She added that she was amazed to see all walks of life at the college, from high school pupils looking for a challenge to adults seeking a career shift or degree.

Ms Simons reminded her colleagues to take risks, give back to their communities and to stay in touch with one another.

She added: “Enter this new chapter with the expectation that if we have the knowledge, skills and meaningful relationships, we will have so much in place to help us get to the various milestones ahead.”