The Commencement speaker, Dr. Sonia dela Cruz, University President, Dr. Corazon C. Osorio; Vice President, Dr. Alberto R. Domingo Jr.; High School Principal, Dr. Rebecca S. Supan; Asst. Principal, Bro. Orlino S. Caoagas; Academic and Administrative officials, teachers, parents, friends, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon!
I am feeling great and excited seeing each and everyone in this graduation day. And, just merely thinking of this very momentous event, I could hardly sleep! My heart is full of joy and gratitude that we end up our high school life victorious, beating all the trials and obstacles along our way.
Today, we will reminisce our four-year studies at New Era University. It is indeed a nostalgic feeling remembering our school days we spent, yearning to graduate and the remaining days spent with classmates and friends together.
Let me start about my first year in high school. On my first interview, I got threatened by what I had read in the Kasunduan. Actually, I was reluctant in signing it, doubting, if I could abide all the things that were written there. Through the Kasunduan, we, NEU students, have become good followers of any rules and regulations, in and out of our campus. Who wouldn’t learn them, anyway? Once we violated any rule, we had to explain both in oral and written. When we lost an important document, we had to ask signatures from different officials before we can finally get another copy. And, if we had to go inside the campus but were in inappropriate attire like shorts or backless, well, we had to go back home and wear the proper one. Over those years of abiding rules in Kasunduan, we have greatly changed and become positively grown-up young adults. We learned the value of being disciplined by the rules that governed us.
My fellow graduates, discipline enables us to follow instructions which provide a conducive environment for all to learn. Without it, we might lose self-control, possess laziness, lack respect to others and to one self and eventually, may become the problem of the society. According to the recent survey from Rochesters Teachers Association, an international research center for educational concerns, 58.81% of teachers agreed that classroom instruction is interrupted by students’ inappropriate behavior. With this, the mission of each school to raise education standards is being hindered as well. Nonetheless, our beloved Alma Mater has established concrete rules and regulations for us not to be in the same circumstance. Contrary to common belief, the discipline that NEU has taught us was not the limited behavior or restrictive lifestyle that we first thought. Rather, it is a very useful attitude and power which enabled us to persevere and not to give up. Discipline is inherent in us. The knowledge we gain from NEU has firm foundation on godliness. These Christian values that have been instilled into us made us different and stand out from others. Truly, the strong leadership of our school made a monumental difference in us.
On my journey to this day, I have also formulated my own secrets of winnings. These are hard work, discipline, inspiration, and the most powerful, faith. It was seven years ago when my grandmother gave the most remarkable answer to my childish question, “Pano po ba maging Valedictorian?” She said, “Bakit hindi mo ipanalangin ngayon pa lamang?” Those words encouraged me to entrust my dreams to God. Beginning from that day, I didn’t stop praying to be the Valedictorian. And, as years went by, I discovered the other formulas needed to be incorporated with my prayers.
I can never forget when we had consecutive long tests. I went home as early as 4 pm so that I could start reading the thick pages of our lessons, and at the same time, start working on our projects to be passed the day after. I studied at 5 pm and I stood up only at 3 am. On the course of those hours, I felt so tired and burdened. I was crying all through out that night but I just kept on telling myself, “Don’t worry Maeryl, God will give the rest.” I call that perspiration. Even if I wasn’t able to get the perfect score in all of those requirements, at least, I got the fulfillment because I gave my best shot. Nevertheless, I still always target the 100% because, I believe, the higher your goal, the greater the possibility to achieve it. Together, these are hard work but without discipline, it means nothing.
My discipline in life is “time management”. I used to make a weekly schedule. Then I post it in my cabinet so that I won’t miss anything. Cellphone can only be used during weekends and Friday nights. And if really busy, I prevent myself from turning on my cellphone for weeks. I prioritize my studies. My second best secret is inspiration. I’m always inspired by all the people who work hard for me, my family. Their love gives me the strength in working hard and in keeping myself on the right track.
Lastly, faith packages them all. I held on to my prayers and trusted that God will make a way. In my seven years of praying, He taught me the ways on how to be the Valedictorian and why I wanted to be. Hard work, discipline, and inspiration are only the elements winnings. The most essential is faith in God. As we are taught, “Nasa tao ang pagpaplano ngunit nasa nasa Dios ang pagpapatupad.” The planning is in our hands, the choice is ours. However, in everything that we do, let us involve God Almighty. Let Him be our guide. He knows what’s right for us. Indeed, the root of all our success is only in God’s hands.
My co-graduates, today is also an opportunity to speak out our wholehearted gratitude to the persons who are dear to us.
Para sa aming mga magulang at mga mahal sa buhay, na walang sawang sumusuporta at nagsasakripisyo para sa amin, maraming salamat po. Sinamahan niyo kami sa mga paghihirap, pagtitiis at tagumpay at inilayo sa mga maling daan. Kahit alam niyong mahirap, at minsan pa’y kayo’y nagkakasakit na, kinakaya niyong bumangon dahil kami ang inyong nasa isip. Kami po ay mapalad at kayo ang mga magulang na ipinagkaloob sa amin ng Panginoong Diyos.
Kami po’y mahirap lamang. Ngunit ako po’y nakapag-aral sa pribadong paaralan dahil sa pagsisikap ng aking mga magulang, mga tito at tita at ng aking lola. Lahat po sila, kayod dito, kayod duon. Kapag wala pa akong panggugol sa matrikula, hindi sila magkanda-ugaga sa paghahanap ng pangtustos. Nakita ko po ang lahat ng iyon. Naramdaman ko po kung gaano sila nagtiwala sa aking kakayahan. Ayaw ko pong mapawalang kabuluhan ang kanilang paghihirap, kaya ako po ay nagsumikap.
Sa aking mama, salamat po sa lahat ng inyong pag-aaruga at pagmamahal sa aming magkakapatid. Papa, kahit kayo’y naghahanap-buhay sa malayong lugar at bihira namin kayong makasama, naniniwala kaming hindi ninyo kami nililimot. Hindi po lingid sa amin na kayo ay nasasaktan sa tuwing hindi niyo nabibili ang aming gusto. Pero pa, nais naming malaman niyo na masaya na kaming nasa maayos kayong kalagayan. Sa aking mga magulang at mahal sa buhay, kayo po ang aking inspirasyon. Mula sa kaibuturan ng aking puso, lubos po akong nagpapasalamat.
To our dear friends and classmates, thanks for the unconditional love and overwhelming acceptance. Without the memories we’ve shared together, we can’t be as strong as what we are now. As we go on our separate ways, may the thread we sewed for long years tie us together no matter how far we would be from each other. At sana’y wag nating kalimutan ang lahat ng ito.
Our warm appreciation to our teachers for being our candle through the years. We salute you ma’am and sir for your constant advices and fruitful endeavor that shaped our well being. We love you so much.
Our sincerest acknowledgment to the school administration for the excellent guidelines and rules that molded us with godliness. We thank you for the steadfast security and discipline that steered us on the road to progressions, for breaking our latent potentials that made us better citizens of our country.
And of course, we will never forget to thank the Church Administration headed by Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo for the wisdom you have provided us, for bringing the greatness of our spirit, for teaching us to recognize the Almighty in all circumstances.
Today, as we successfully close the curtains of our high school years, we would like to thank and glorify God for His genuine love and care to us. All of these that we have accomplished were made possible by Him and only to Him we lift these honors and praises.
Batch mates, soon each of us will go forth, in his unique direction, seeking to make a mark upon the world. As we take our next steps in college, let us show and share our common legacy - Eraians where great men are shouldered. Yes, we seek excellence, yet, the utmost aim is to serve God. And with Eraian Pride, May We Go Forth to Prevail!
Congratulations, and God bless us all!
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