To the class of 2018
THIS week, I am choosing to share with all of you excerpts from a speech I was supposed to deliver at the high school graduation of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon. Due to unforeseen circumstances however, I was unable to be physically present at the ceremony, and instead, sent in a video of myself delivering the speech to be played to the graduates. I am eternally grateful to Fr. Gerard Deveza for the honor, invitation, and kind understanding. To the graduates of the Divine Healer Academy, and to all the members of the Class of 2019 wherever you may be – this one is for you.
Portions of the speech have been translated (for the purposes of this article) from Bikolano and Tagalog to English, and thus, may not be identical to the manuscript of the speech that was delivered.
A good and blessed morning to everyone!
First and foremost, I would like to extend my apologies to all of you for not being able to be physically present on this most special occasion. I thank Fr. Gerard Deveza for giving me this honor to share some of my thoughts and insights with all of you today, and I am especially humbled by his kind understanding and support always. I was really planning to deliver this in person, but due to some unforeseen logistical problems, I am unable to. Nonetheless, I do hope you know I am with you all in mind and in spirit, and I am extending to all of you my most heartfelt congratulatory wishes!
When I think back to my high school graduation, I remember it to be one of the most bittersweet moments of my life. I was happy, because I felt that all my perseverance and studying had finally reached a pinnacle. I was sad, because my classmates and I would part ways – some of them, I would probably never cross paths with again. But I was excited – for what lay ahead, and for what was to come. As I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, I remember feeling invincible. I thought at that very moment that I had mastered all the twists and turns of this world. I thought then, that I was ready to face the world, and that nothing could get in the way of my dreams. With all the grief and loss, I had suffered that year, not to mention, the lead up to my first ever heartbreak, I thought at that moment, that all the hardest hardships I was to face I had already faced. Turns out, I was wrong. I was very, very wrong. I merely had a glimpse of what life had in store – the good, the bad, the bold, the beautiful, the bitter, the unique and the ugly.
What you learn in school are simply ingredients for your security, and to the plethora of life’s multiple recipes, but this is not what will solely better your life and secure your future. Your constant gratefulness to our Good Lord for the opportunity He has given you, looking back at everyone who has been a part of your journey, giving credit, constantly thanking and respecting your parents, fellow classmates, and teachers – that is what will solidify your identity, image and character. That is what will give you the dignity and seal the integrity you need to set you apart in a world that can be harsh. Those are what will open the doors to enable you to continue threading on the path to achieve your dreams. It is what will anchor you to fight through challenges with your values in place. Never give up! Ride with the waves, and slide with the swerves and curves of life, but always remember that you were blessed with a gift – the best gift – that can never be taken away from you – your education.
Your education thus far, the upbringing of your parents, and your faith has instilled in you the values that you need for the rest of your life. These are what root you to your very core, and what you will always have to look back at for the rest of your life. As you embark on a new journey – whether that be in college, or in a whole different realm – never forget where you are rooted, and never forget to look back at where you came and started from. To look back, constantly recall, and give credit to where you started is what will ground your success. Never ever be ashamed of where you came from, for that is what will establish, identify and give color to the beautiful story of your life. It is what will make it your very own.
Lastly, never give up on your dreams, but most importantly, aim high and DREAM BIG! Your dreams are your weapons for these are the only free seeds of investment that exist with no price tag attached. Remember though that even if it is free to dream, this is not enough for fruition. You need work hard in the direction of your dreams. Your dreams need to be broken up into attainable goals – ones that you can reach and work towards on a daily basis. Your dreams will take you places, and it is your dreams that will set you apart from the rest of the world. As award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’O said, “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”
Now, if I can ask all of you… Look to your right, and look to your left. Look behind you, and say thank you to the person beside you. For they have all been a part of your journey. Never forget to be grateful for everything you have, and for all those around you. Gratitude is a cycle that must never be stopped. Give, with a grateful heart, till you can give no more, and blessings will find their way to you. One last time, look back, to your right, and to your left, for this is probably the last time you will all be together, at the same place, at one time. Remember this moment, and remember everyone who has taken you to this very moment. All together, give thanks to the Lord for his guidance, and promise Him that you will continue life seeking his word. Soar high, class of 2018! The sky is your limit.
Thank you, and God bless you all!