Speech by Garri Raagmaa, Director of the University of Tartu Pärnu College, at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony

Dear graduates, esteemed dean and deputy mayor, dear colleagues and guests,

The format of the following speech is more of a mini-lecture — a tradition by now. My very first group of students, back in 2001, asked me to avoid the usual clichés like “Spread your wings and fly.” Since then, each year’s speech has tackled whatever topic is currently most relevant, in the hope that you take away something more than just a sense of relief — “Phew, it’s finally over!” — and pride — “Yes! I did it!”

Over the past year, one hot topic has undoubtedly been artificial intelligence — or, more precisely, text-generating robots. Playing with abbreviations, we might even say “AITA” (which sounds like a lovely Estonian woman's name and literally means "help"), which is indeed designed to assist. Some refer to AI as a kratt, a mythical creature from Estonian folklore and especially familiar thanks to Andrus Kivirähk’s Old Barny. A kratt had to be kept constantly busy, or else it would turn on its master. Fortunately, AITA doesn't need to be forced to braid ropes from sand or carry water in a sieve. No need to make a deal with the devil at a five-way crossroads either — most tools are available for free. Just download and use! Still, there are some tricks to mastering this e-creature.

In fact, it’s the social sciences and humanities — and especially teaching in these fields — where a real revolution has already taken place. Raise your hand if you didn’t use ChatGPT or other tools during your thesis work. Don’t worry, the diploma is already issued — it can’t be taken back. 😉

Where it used to take days to transcribe and summarize interviews, AITA now handles that in minutes. The time will soon come when even the interview itself is conducted by an avatar. The trouble starts when another AI answers the questions. That’s when we might find ourselves living out Raivo Mänd’s 2084 utopia from Trinokel, where robots have peacefully taken over the world. Let’s hope it won’t be like The Terminator — though the drone swarms in today’s war zones seem to suggest otherwise.

Lauri Mällo, a biology teacher at Tartu’s Jaan Poska High School and an avid user of AITA, has divided his students into three groups: those who use AI very well, those with mixed habits, and those who use it in a very simplistic way. According to him, the gap between the high-performers and the rest is widening. So now we’re not only facing the digital divide between young and old, or the EU’s largest gender pay gap here in Estonia, but also a growing AI divide.

I dare say this divide is largely shaped by our entrepreneurial and innovative mindset. Are you familiar with Rogers’ diffusion of innovations theory? A key part of it is the normal distribution — the bell curve — where 2.5% are innovators and 13.5% early adopters. Together that’s 16% — roughly the same proportion of entrepreneurs in the world. Of course, these percentages vary by country and region, depending on the entrepreneurial environment and education system — in other words, the attitudes instilled in students. Are we raising people who think independently and act entrepreneurially, or obedient followers of instructions?

Yesterday, during the celebration of the British monarch’s birthday, two of my conversation partners expressed genuine surprise at how entrepreneurial Estonians are — a strong compliment to our education system.

So, why am I telling you all this? Because now you are entering the workforce. Although, to be fair, over 90% of you are likely already working.

Joosep Toots once said: “Work is for fools and horses.” I asked ChatGPT to analyze that quote. It correctly recognized it from Oskar Luts’s Spring and replied that the quote could be interpreted in several ways:

1. Toots as the playful rebel: He preferred fun over labor and likely used the phrase as an excuse to dodge work.
2. Work as a burden: In rural life at the time, work was hard and constant. For Toots, it likely symbolized a loss of personal freedom.
3. Social defiance: It could also be read as youthful rebellion against adult authority and societal expectations.
4. Comparison to horses: Horses were the main work animals then. By saying that work is for horses, Toots implies that labor is beneath him — that he is smarter or more dignified.

Work can indeed be divided into three types: boring work, good work, and exciting work. Who among you wants to do exciting work? And who wants to do boring work? Unfortunately, you’ll need to do all three.
But AITA — our helpful AI — will gladly take over the boring stuff and even much of the routine work, no complaints.

We are still learning how to best use AITA. At the college, we plan to quickly deepen our expertise in this area. So, if you want to do more exciting work and less of the dull, keep an eye on what the college is up to. Once the building renovations are done this autumn, come back and join us — for a master’s, a microdegree, or just to stay in touch. Let’s learn together how to work with AITA.
Next year marks the college’s 30th anniversary — a great reason to invite you all back more often.

By the way, after writing this speech, I asked ChatGPT to write a version of its own. Two, actually. I must admit — they’re not bad. But they include exactly the kind of “Spread your wings and fly” clichés that my 2001 graduates asked me to avoid. 😉

In conclusion: we still need people to guide this powerful new creature called artificial intelligence.
Good luck to you all — and now I look forward to the next speeches. 😊

Speeches Generated by ChatGPT

Of course! Below is a formal and inspiring speech well-suited for the 2025 graduation ceremony of Pärnu College — for example, it could be delivered by a dean, lecturer, or alumni speaker.
Graduation Speech – Pärnu College, 2025 – Version 1

Dear graduates, esteemed faculty members, family, friends, and guests,

Today is a day that represents countless hours of work, sleepless nights, and a journey filled with both doubts and small victories. It’s a moment to look back — but also to look ahead. One chapter ends with dignity, and the next is already waiting to begin.

Pärnu College is more than just an educational institution. It’s a place where personalities are shaped, mindsets are developed, collaboration is practiced, and — most importantly — where people gain the knowledge and courage to change the world. We don’t just teach professions; we pass on values: humanity, openness, initiative, and responsibility.

You, dear graduates, have studied in an era where the world is changing faster than ever. Artificial intelligence, the green transition, and flexible working life — these are no longer ideas of the future but part of our daily reality. Your knowledge will not stand still — it is only now beginning its real work: adapting, evolving, and creating new paths.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Great ideas are often born through small failures. Be ready to experiment, but don’t forget to question — yourselves, the world, and especially the answers that seem too simple. That’s the true value of education: the ability to ask better questions.

I sincerely thank everyone who is here today — and those who may not be present but whose support has been invaluable. Parents, partners, children, friends — your role has been quiet, yet essential.

Dear graduates — you are the story of Pärnu College. Now it’s your turn to continue writing that story — in your workplaces, communities, families, and the world. Never forget where you come from, but even more importantly — don’t limit yourself by where you think you belong.

Congratulations to you all — and may your journey ahead be meaningful.
Thank you!

If you'd prefer this speech to be more humorous, shorter, or tailored to a specific field — such as tourism, social work, or entrepreneurship — just let me know, and I’ll be happy to adjust it.

Naturally! Here's another ceremonial speech for the 2025 graduation of Pärnu College. It can be adapted for delivery by a graduate, lecturer, guest speaker, or rector. The version below is warm and uplifting, ideal for a festive graduation event — for example, by the head of the college or a special guest.
Graduation Speech – Pärnu College, 2025 – Version 2

Dear graduates, respected faculty, parents, friends, and guests,

Today’s significance goes far beyond diplomas or graduation certificates. It is a day to pause and reflect on the journey each of you has taken — a path filled with hard work, dedication, sleepless nights, personal growth, and also joy, new friendships, and a broadened worldview.

Pärnu College is not just a place of learning — it is a community where every voice matters, where ideas are born, and where the courage to think differently is nurtured. Here, you are allowed — even encouraged — to ask “why?”, “what if?”, and sometimes even “do we really have to?”. These are the questions that move the world forward — in society, in science, in business, and in life.

You have learned not just your field of study, but also about yourselves. Through every presentation, internship, exam, and group project, you’ve grown into professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, communicative, and creative — and that is invaluable.

The world has never been simple or finished. You’re stepping into it at a time when society needs people more than ever — people who can think critically, act responsibly, and notice those who need support. Your education does not end today. It simply transforms — into lifelong learning, open-mindedness, and wise curiosity.

Allow me to share a thought that has always stayed with me:
“Don’t fear big dreams — fear a small mind.”
Your opportunities are limitless. Your potential lies not just in what’s printed on your diploma, but in what you are willing to create and believe in.

Dear graduates — be proud of your accomplishments. Thank those who supported you. And remember — while the road ahead may take you in different directions, one thing remains:
You will always be a part of the story of Pärnu College.

Warm congratulations to all of you — and spead your wings and fly!
Thank you!

Let me know if you’d like either speech formatted as a printable handout, adapted for a specific field, or shortened to fit a stricter time limit.