Graduation season and congratulations to all who have succeeded in their particular rite of passage!

One valedictorian stands out for this wonderfully modern image. Yasemin Özdoğan, a SEV Üsküdar Elementary School grad, Robert College grad and now valedictorian for Koç University Class of 2015. She embodies Business Administration with panache. At the lectern, relaxed, with a succinct speech; she turns, raises her iPhone just so, and shoots. 21st Century in a frame. Brilliant. It should go viral.

How well do we know our students and colleagues? Every few weeks, I find out that a colleague is a guitarist in a band, another has published his fourth book and yet another is a rock-climber. In the past week, I have discovered that a student is the number one chess player (under 17) in Europe and has just won 7th place in the world. These people are exceptional because they have a passion rather than a need for glory.

Yesterday, I found out that another student won Best Cinematography at the THIMUN Qatar Film Festival 2015. Quiet in class, new and passionate about film-making, Furkan has the eye of a budding expert. I am motivated and recharged by knowing these quietly passionate people with hidden talents. His six-minute film can be viewed below or on YouTube directly.