05/07/2024
"๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ต๐ถ๐ป ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ ๐ธ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐?"
FULL TEXT | During the recently-concluded 8th Senior High Commencement Exercises on July 1, 2024, Juliana Eunice A. Astibe, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) graduate, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt valedictory speech. She emphasized the significance of perseverance through challenges, the invaluable support from loved ones, and the importance of cherishing relationships while striving for future accomplishments.
Here is the full transcript of her valedictory address:
โTo the honorable, Chairman and CEO of Arellano University, Mr. Francisco Paulino V. Cayco, Members of the Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Principals, Asst. Principals, School Administrators, Teachers, parents, and fellow graduates, a marvelous morning to all!
Today is a day worth celebratingโa day when we turn the pages of our stories unto a brand-new chapter. Being here today is an incredible milestone. After the tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and effort, we have finally reached the finish line of our high school education. Through all the challenges we faced, whether in school or in our personal lives, we have persevered. We all had our struggles, and so Iโm glad to say that we made it. We didnโt just survive; we thrived!
As we celebrate this terrific day, we find ourselves looking back on the years we spent here, the knowledge we have gained, and the goals we have achieved.
For me, these past years in senior high school have been transformative. From exploring arts, animation, and graphic design, to leading teams and winning competitions like the TAUgisan ng Talino quiz bee, Iโve been privileged to learn and grow with the guidance of such dedicated teachers and the camaraderie of clubs like The Standard and Arellano Universityโs Multimedia Club. I would like to thank them for their guidance and overall support.
This speech, however, is not to boast or share a personal anecdote all about my accomplishments. Instead, I want to reflect on what has led me to this point.
In my earlier years, I tended to underachieve, dreaming simply and not working hard. Things changed, however, when I stepped foot into high school, bustling with competition and shaping me to do better. More and more, I started coming out of my shell, gaining more confidence in myself and my abilities. This did not last, though; as with any other teenager, I started caring more and more about what people thought of me. I started getting comments on my weight, my face, my entire appearance, the way I dress, the way I talkโyou get the idea: โTumaba ka yata?โ, โBida-bida na naman siya.โ With these types of comments, I became self-conscious and started doubting myself. But through these, I learned a crucial lesson: These comments don't define us. Remember, your worth is not determined by someone else's words. It is determined by your actions, your kindness, your perseverance, and your love for yourself and those around you.
In addition to this story, whilst on my academic journey, I began to feel pressured to achieve high grades. โSiguradong perfect niya โyan, talino ehโ; โDi โyan babagsak si Jea, talitalino niya ehโ. As I kept improving, everyone expected even more from me, leaving no room for failure. I thought to myself, maybe itโs better this way? However, this mindset led to burnout and exhaustion with every task thrown at me. Even so, I pushed through, and with the help and guidance of my teachers, coordinators, parents, siblings, and other loved ones, I managed to be here now, standing in front of you all and giving this speech. But now, I reflect on everything that happened and wonder: Ngayon na nandito ako, ano na? Ano na kasunod nito? In the end, was it even worth it? Donโt get me wrong, I was thrilled to hear the newsโfor about five minutes. After that, I felt a huge wave of grief over the bridges Iโve burned, the people Iโve lost, and the loved ones I failed to spend time with. This taught me a lesson about priorities and the importance of balancing ambition with nurturing relationships.
Here, I leave you all with one piece of advice that I hope will guide you all in the near future: No matter what your goals are or what feat you want to achieve, never forget about those who have helped you along the way. Take time for yourself, your friends, and your family. These are the relationships that will sustain you through life's ups and downs. They are the ones who will be there for you despite any failures or disappointments you might encounter along the way.
I also want to acknowledge that being here today is a privilege. I had many tools and opportunities to move forward, and I recognize that not everyone faces the same situations. Some of us might be grieving a loved one, while others had to balance their jobs and their studies just to be here. For that, I am entirely proud and grateful to have you all here now.
Each of us has our own unique story, so it's important to navigate life at your own pace and avoid comparing your journey to others'. As we move forward into the next chapters of our lives, let us carry this lesson with us: that while achievements and titles are noteworthy, they are not the essence of our worth. The people in our livesโthose who stand by us, cheer for us, and catch us when we fallโare the ones who make our journey meaningful.
To my fellow graduates, I urge you to cherish these relationshipsโfilial, platonic, romantic, and everything in between. Nurture them, invest in them, and let them grow. Success is sweeter and more profound when it is shared with those we care about. Aanhin natin ang tamis ng tagumpay kung wala tayong karamay? As we strive for future accomplishments, let us remember that the moments we share with others are the true highlights of our lives.
As I near the end of my speech, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, who have been my unwavering pillars of support. They have always been there, concerned about my well-beingโwhether I was eating right, getting enough sleep, or coping mentally. To put it simply, there were times when I wasn't, but their consistent support throughout my life has shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am entirely grateful. They have witnessed me at my lowest points, sleepless nights and all, and have stood by me to celebrate the achievements that followed. Mom, Pa, I hope I made you proud.
I would also like to sincerely thank my adviser, my strand coordinator, my subject teachers, ICT A1 and A6, my old friends, my trio here, my love, and the acquaintances I have made throughout.
In closing, my fellow graduates and guests, let us celebrate this moment not just as the culmination of our hard work but as a testament to the relationships that have brought us here. May we continue to build and cherish these bonds, understanding that while titles come and go, the love and support of our community will last a lifetime.
Congratulations, batch 2023-2024! Here's to the journey ahead with the people who matter the most. Donโt be a stranger.
Thank you and God bless!
Sulong Chiefs!โ
