Dear valedictorians

CONGRATULATIONS! Being a person who hates studying and being made to sit long inside the four corners of the classroom, I can’t imagine your discipline and tenacity.

Imagine, getting those one-pointzero-zero grades when I was never even bothered by a 3.0 nor a 4.0 (incomplete/conditional passing grade). I passed, I’d say, and that’s enough. Or, I just have to take the removal exams and pray that I pass. It’s just school, it’s just grade. But, no. Not for you. That’s why I can’t imagine how valedictorians achieve that.

That’s why, we all are excited to hear your valedictory address... until your speech drags on and on... about you.

Dear valedictorians, we love you, we all do. We even envy you at times that is before we realize the fun you may have given up throughout your college years. Except that, all others are just as excited to celebrate with friends and families and those horrendous togas were not designed for our tropical climate.

Who the hell wears black smocks on top of full attires at 33 degrees centigrade temperature, pray tell? No one else, but graduates. Had it been left to us to decide, we would have marched in in shorts and shirt, and will just concede the closed shoes as our sign of respect for the institutions. After all, it’s the height of summer in the Philippines and we are all dreaming of the beach.

So, please, inspire us with your experience in college, but keep it short. Cut the rhetorics, cut the flattery, because all other graduates are itching and sweating beneath their caps and gowns.

That you are on stage with your medals on your chest is your moment and is more than we can ever be no matter how hard we try. So please, be mindful of the other people’s moments as well.

This love letter goes to graduation speakers as well.