04/06/2024
To our distinguished guest, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Josilyn S. Solana, our beloved Principal Mr. Enrico Paler, our dear parents, faculty, staff, and fellow graduates: a pleasant afternoon to all.
Have you ever heard of the saying, "The result of trying anything is either failure or success. If you wish to succeed, you must brave the risk of failure"? This resonates deeply with me as I stand here today, reflecting on a journey filled with challenges, dreams, and transformations.
Many of you know me as an honor student, an artist, a painter, or perhaps a chess player. But in elementary school, I was a below-average student who didn't care much about academics. I remember stepping into the gates of Bontoc National High School, full of nervousness and anxiety, with a simple goal: to become a better student. Back then, I was more interested in doodling at the back of my notebook than in paying attention in class. However, seeing my cousins, older sisters, and brother achieve great things and receive medals made me question myself: What’s wrong with me? Why am I different? Maybe I was just born to be this way, born to be different.
When I first stood at the Bontoc National High School gate, my ambitions were higher; my aim was clear: to excel academically, to become an honor student, and to discover my potential. I adopted a mindset of "If I want it, I will get it, and if I want it, I will work hard for it." But the fear of failure often held me back from trying new things and achieving my goals. I used to do projects alone, not because I didn't want to share my scores, but because I feared my ideas wouldn't be accepted. This fear of not meeting expectations led to isolation and missed opportunities. I avoided many chances simply because I was afraid of failing and disappointing others.
Everything changed in Grade 9 when an opportunity knocked on my door. I received a text from Mrs. Maureal asking if I wanted to join the School-on-the-Air program on Visual Arts at Visayas State University via Zoom. At first, I was hesitant. I remember saying, "What if d nahu kayanon?""d nalang siguro ko mo apil oy" and "What if I disappoint them?" But a part of me pushed me to try, and so, I joined. This experience taught me many things and helped me become a better artist and student. I learned that it’s not about being the best or winning, but about what you learn in the process. This realization transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace opportunities.
From that point on, one opportunity led to another—from participating in SOA to exploring different forms of art, playing the violin, becoming a chess player, and writing spoken poetry, to joining competitions. I began to enjoy my high school journey. I adopted a new mindset: go with the flow, but never forget your goals and don’t be afraid of failing. This mindset allowed me to truly enjoy my high school life, especially my senior high school journey.
Senior high school was initially overwhelming due to meeting new people and being in a new environment. However, as the school year went by, I began to enjoy it. I found a circle of friends—Samantha, Lallyn, and Diana—who shared my goals. They called me "Princess Poppy," maybe because of my troll bangs. At first, I was annoyed by the nickname sa kadaghang ipangan pangan pajods trolls ag gipili, but after months of hearing it, I began to like it and realized that Princess Poppy is an amazing character from the movie "Trolls." She is optimistic, resilient, and kind—traits I strive to embody each day. My high school journey, much like Princess Poppy's adventures, was filled with challenges and triumphs. I faced many "Bergens," obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome, but like Poppy, I kept moving forward, singing, "I will get back up again." My friends were my fellow trolls, always by my side, supporting me through ups and downs, celebrating small achievements with me.
To Samantha, Lallyn, and Diana, thank you for everything. Kaingon ko bag gipang kapoy namo? Nanga honor man lagi mo HAHAHAHAHA kidding. Thank you, you’ve transformed what was once daunting into an unforgettable adventure.
Standing here, delivering my words of gratitude, reminds me of delivering the welcome address during our moving-up ceremony in Grade 10. This achievement makes me believe in the saying, "Failure is only postponed success as long as courage coaches ambition." Not achieving what you have in mind is okay—just don't give up and keep trying. If life were a chess game, a blunder isn't the end—it's a plot twist. Missing the mark or making the wrong move is part of the journey. A misstep is merely a lesson in disguise, offering a chance to alter your course. You can always adapt, shift your strategy, and steer toward your goal. Embrace the mistakes; they're just steps on the path to your future. I’ve also realized what one of my favorite influencers once said: "There's nothing wrong with being ambitious; it just means you are not settling for less because you know there's better." The road ahead won't be easy, but I believe we can all achieve our dreams.
Throughout my senior high school journey, I've learned that achieving your dreams is like solving a complex math problem and believing in transcendence. Solving a tough math problem requires understanding the problem, using the right methods, analyzing data, evaluating chances, and adjusting your strategies. Enjoy the process, learn from each experience, and remember that every step brings you closer to your goal. With the right mindset and formula, the magic of mathematics can guide your path to your dreams.
Believing in transcendence means surpassing limits. Philosophy taught me that we are limitless and have the power to change our future, no matter the physical, emotional, or financial challenges we face. Believing you are greater than your limitations helps you discover hidden strengths and become more confident and powerful. Instead of being discouraged by your limits, use them as inspiration to become the best version of yourself. By embracing this belief, you can overcome challenges and achieve amazing things, turning your dreams into reality. As one of my favorite influences once said, "There's nothing wrong with being ambitious; it just means you are not settling for less because you know there's better." The road ahead won't be easy, but I believe we can all achieve our dreams.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my beautiful mama. Ma, thank you for always supporting me in everything. Thank you for being my mama and dada at the same time. It feels so good to have a mom who says, "If gusto nimo, apil ate" "Ate, ajaw kalimot ug pray before mag sugod ang competition." Thank you for being my number one supporter since day one. Ma, ag imong kujog baboy na bata mo graduate nag high school, ready na mahimong strong independent student sa college HAAH, I love you ma. To Mrs. and Mr. Maureal, thank you for the opportunity that changed my perspective and helped me become a better me. To my advisers in junior high school—Ma'am Rey, Ma'am Guzon, Ma'am Amoroy, Nay Carmie—thank you for guiding me and molding me into a better student. To my senior high school advisers, Ma'am Zee and Ma'am Alampayan, thank you for all the lessons, all the chikas, support, and mga kasaba. I will surely miss manlampaso sa room gamit ang lubi, ang mga yawyaw nimo Ma'am Jhassa kay d manghinlo, ag ujap ug saging ni ma'am. And to my favorite teachers in senior high school—Sir Manlunas, Sir Resos, Ma'am Rochelle, Ma'am Danica, Sir Tambis, Ma'am Montajes, and Ma'am Padecio—thank you for all the lessons and for molding me into a better student. We will surely miss mag hilom basta science time, ag mga luto² sa room ni Ma'am Padecio, mga jokes ni Ma'am Montajes, mag lingkod atubangan sa laptop ni Ma'am Lucin kay d ka klaro, ang portable lapel ni Ma'am Rochelle na gamiton taga klase ug ag tingog sa sandal ni ma'am basta hapit nas room, ang pagka buotan ni Sir Tambis bisag ang siawa na namo, mingawon mis imong " ok class, quiet na" sir, ang mga lessons sa math na himoong sajon ni Sir Resos, sorry Sir kay wa ko ka notes HAHAHAHA.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Today, we have accomplished one of the major milestones of our lives. This is the day where all our hard work has paid off, the day where we put smiles on our parents' faces, and the day where one chapter of our lives closes. The day where can finally say " yes!!! We made it!". Today brings us both joy and sorrow—joy for reaching one of our major goals in life, and sorrow for saying goodbye to the people who became part of it.
Scrolling through social media, I saw a TikTok that hit me hard: "After graduating, we realize there will be no more 'next week,' no more lunches with classmates, no more street food after class, and no more moments of breaking down together. Instead of 'see you tomorrow,' it becomes 'I hope to see you again someday.'" This realization makes this moment bittersweet. I'll surely miss the "hi dol" moment ni Jovebert, no more "tagae kog papel bi kay hapit na science time," or "naa kay assignment?" "ha?! nai assignment?," no more "adto ta agi sa junior high kay naa si-" no more assignments na buhaton sa room, no more chika ni Ma'am Zee, no more saging with ujap ni ma'am, no more jamming sa room, wa nay "Jerson nag batir!" or "go number 3!!" every duwa sa taga baseball, wa nay yawyaw ni ma'am kay na late ta. I will miss using the term "a pleasant morning" in every reporting, ang mga laag kauban ang mga classmate, mag buwag nag love teams sa room, wa nag ship² ni ma'am ug sir, d nata ka tug sa room, wa nag mga example ni Sir Manlunas na wa ko kahibaw if wa ra jud siya'y makit-ang laing examples or tujuon jud tung sir, wa nay kinantahan ni Jake na mala anghel na natagak, and lastly I will surely miss manugsug sa mga classmates na nagka developay HAHAHHAAHA
After this day, we will part ways and may not see each other again, but as we embark on new journeys, let's remember to face obstacles with confidence.. We've made it this far, padayon lang ta. Remember, the key to success is to never give up. As Grandmaster Nakamura says, "The most important thing in life is to believe in yourself regardless of what everyone else says." Whatever path we take, let’s face all obstacles with confidence. And together we say, "No trolls left behind!"
Congratulations to my fellow graduates. Long live our dreams and aspirations. Thank you.
~ Jiza Mamites
With High Honors
Words of Gratitude
Bontoc National High School - 7th Commencement Exercises
May 31, 2023
