A dream come true - after 24 years

Sunday, April 10, 2011

It was far from my imagination to become a commencement speaker but the wishful thought had crossed my mind . I am glad there were persistent angels around. Time fly so fast, after 24 years, I am back to my alma mater. It brought me back to the sweet and childhood memories where I started to dream of a bright future. I was a silent child then but very keen and full of spirit. I always knew I had a guardian angel with me. I only hope that what I learned in life I was able to bring meaning to the occasion. My training in Toastmasters also helped me know how such speech should be delivered. 

Below is a transcript of my commencement speech for the grade six graduation. I have rewritten it (per mother’s advice) to fit for grade six students. I am glad to see teachers, students and parents attentively listening and smiling as I delivered the speech. The intensity of the moment almost brought me to tears. Kudos and Good Luck to 2011 graduates. You made my childhood dream come true.

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Theme: The Graduate: A Partner towards transformational society, an answer to societal change.

Dr. Dolores Alcantara, Dr. Sitti Sarahadil, Mrs. Carmen Saculingan, Dr. Teresita Sacrado, First Honor Macy Gicelle Bunao, Second Honor Krufelson Balmes

Dear Teachers, parents, Barangay Officials, our partners in education, students and graduates of batch 2011, a pleasant and good morning to each one of you.

Today is a very special day. It is with pride and privilege that I stand here as your 2011 commencement speaker. I am happy, honored and humbled. Putik Central School will always have a soft spot in my heart. I was also a graduate of this school a very long time ago. I remember all the sweet and happy memories. As a graduate in the past, I remembered clearly the steps I took when I got up to receive my diploma, the small stage you see to your left now, the warmth sun of the afternoon and the pictures taken with my parents, classmates and teachers. People were very happy and parents are proud of their sons and daughters. These are memories I keep for life. Life was also very simple then.  There was No internet, no cellphones, no cable TVs and no computers. I was only excited to spend the vacation playing with my friends and then take my entrance exams in high school. I also felt sad because it means I will not see my usual classmates in the next school opening.  But don’t you worry, just enjoy as much of this day and make it memorable for you to remember.

After my elementary graduation, I learned that Life is like a movie. You can make many things. You have the power to make the best of your life, make a good story, and have a happy ending. How? The formula is easy. Live a simple life, and help others whenever you can. When we were born, God has already given us the most important gifts to live our life the way He wants us to live - our mind, our heart, and our body. You think with your mind, you feel with your heart and you do things with your body. It is the most important things we need to make our world a better place. If we think, feel and act in the same way, then the world will be a paradise of happy people willing to help each other. We trust ourselves for we are gifts from God.

When people say “You are the future of the world”, believe it!  Because what you think, feel or do now is what you will make of the future. You have the power to transform our society. As new graduates, young as you are, you are the young partners that our society needs. You are born to this world with a Hero within. Unleash the heroes within and reach your potentials. Just Think right, feel right and do what is right.

Efren Penaflorida is a good example. He lived a simple life yet he transformed society by helping others with all his heart. He was made 2009 CNN hero of the Year and became successful. His story was simple. He was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things.  He lived near a dump site; his dad is a tricycle driver and his mom a vendor. He was having problems as a child but he believed that discipline in studying will help him become successful in the future. Together with his three friends, they formed a young company called the Dynamic Teen Company. They were 3rd year high school then. Their purpose was to help local kids from joining gangs, notorious fraternities and doing drugs or crimes. They helped children in the slum areas. They gave books, and helped them read the books.

Efren as a person also felt discouraged from time to time but he did not give up easily because he believed that doing something right is not something to be ashamed of. Being poor was not a hindrance to achieving success. With His right attitude, He has been rewarded a Hero and is now helping more and more young people achieve their dreams.
As new graduates, you can also be like Efren, you are in your first step as young people to make this society a better place to live. You have the power to unleash the Hero within. You can transform each day with simple beginnings. You can Start by giving a Smile, greet each other, choose to do good things in everything you do like keeping our surroundings clean, not throwing garbage anywhere, saving water and planting trees - Making random act of kindness.

Before this day, your teachers have taught you well with much knowledge, you learned many things. You learned to discover new ideas, observed your surroundings, and express opinions. You learned to question and learned what is right from wrong. You made many friends. Your teachers helped you to become intelligent and better individuals. They protected you from harm. Thank your teachers, remember them and use the knowledge and learning wisely. Teachers, please rise. Graduates, please give your teachers a very loud and warm applause for their love, dedication and time they spent with you. Thank you.

Most importantly, thank your parents. Parents, please stand up. Students please look at your parents. Thank your parents. Without them, you will not be here. Always obey them and respect them for they love you more than anything in this world. They work hard, day and night, to take care of you, give you everything and only want what is best for you. Make them proud of you all the time, do only good things and love them for the rest of your life. Give them a big thank you and embrace after. They will always love you.

Remember too your classmates and friends. Look at your seatmate on your left and on your right. Keep in touch even as you go your separate ways. You will never know when you will meet them again, maybe the next day, the next week, in a year or perhaps the next 25 years. Bid farewell now but always say hello tomorrow.

Finally, keep in mind that God gave us our gifts to build our life the way He wants us - to help others. Be the Heroes He wants you to become. Be the young partners of the world and help change our society today.

Students and new graduates of 2011, enjoy this day, live happily, love and trust yourself, feel excited, help generously and take graciously with courage the next journey ahead. Congratulations!  Long life Putik Central School.