Speech for Graduation

Congratulations Class of 2011.

At school you have started to put in place the building blocks of your educational future. You have performed so well and are all outstanding students. You have changed your own lives so much and have leaned everything so well. You have all grown up and we are very proud of you. I look around the room and see the stars of the future.

You have also changed the lives of your friends for the better. There has been great teamwork and support for everyone. You should be proud of the way you have worked together. Also your teachers and parents have had their lives changed for the better. They do love you very much. Thanks to the teachers for creating a wonderful, nurturing environment for these wonderful graduates.
Graduation time is a time of mixed emotions – a time for sadness as you say your goodbyes to teachers and friends who in one way or another have become part of your lives; a day of excitement as you look forward towards a newfound page in your lives- a march into adulthood, independence and self-sufficiency! As you ponder about the happenings of those not so distant past; those seemingly endless nights of work and toil as you struggle for prestige and excellence; the downfalls and the triumphs; the laughter and tears – all have bunched into this thing called experience beckoning you to pause and rest for just a second; and then driving your young imaginations to once again wallow into a renewed struggle for recognition and survival! Indeed, being a high school graduate is an end with a new beginning looming in the horizon in each of your young lives.
Today’s theme is “The Graduate: A Partner Towards Transformational Society, An Answer to Societal Change” (Ang Mga Magsisipagtapos: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pagbabagong Anyo ng Lipunan Tugon sa Hamon ng Sambayanan). It is the great challenge for you graduates – on how you will answer this call for a change; a change that will serve as yardstick as to what will be your contributions to this society in the future. In today’s ever demanding environment, you the graduates must serve as a catalyst in providing a vehicle for societal change. First and foremost, you must become productive and useful citizens!
“Success is by choice not by chance”, you are the ones responsible for the preparation of your future and continuing education is the answer – it is the KEY! With poverty and hardships hindering you to have an access to education; you must steel your hearts and minds, harden your resolves, and bring out your resourcefulness and resiliency yet trusting in the graciousness of the GREAT ALMIGHTY! These attributes for sure will serve as your guide and beacon in order for you to safely charter your course in any “brewing storm” this life can offer.
My dear graduates, you must remember that the right kind of mindset is very important in order for you to be where you want to be. Having the right kind of mindset enables you to focus on the right dreams and aspirations, a necessity in forming the right kind of attitude and habits and in return enabling you to make all your longings and your dreams become a reality. True enough today, these are yet but dreams; but if they do come true – imagine the exhilaration, the happiness… the sweet taste of success all yours for the taking! Therefore you must be in the forefront of change – never tiring of making things work and click, unmindful of all the hurts and failures encountered! My friends there is a saying that as we walk in our journey through life we encounter three different kinds of people; those who make things happen, those who watched what happens and those who wonder what happened! My dear graduates where do you belong?
I remember, 1995 when I started my years of school, I was so excited for what would I learn in school. Also with every closing program I am so excited also with awards that I would have. For 6 years in elementary, I have gained the confidence that all throughout my school life I would have awards every closing. Graduating from elementary, with our status in life, that didn’t prevent me from striving more and still I continued with my endeavor. I even remember my tito’s and tita’s convincing me to take my high school in Tuguegarao, but then I decided just to study here in mangga high school. From buyun, I walked going to school even during heavy rains and the mud that we walk on, I still enjoyed it and those instances in my life didn’t hinder me from pursuing my dream to finish school and attain my dream in the future. For four years, I endured the hardships and trials that come along my way. Going to school with just enough money on my pocket and not even having the most delicious snacks in the canteen, not experiencing the life of the rich students in the city, made me more think of a better future ahead of me and my family. Ngammin nga ziyat yo paggilammu e talaga pay nga naffut ku tyo appat nga rahun ku kang high school nga nalat ku peba yo salutatorian award. Mas nga netagguk nga atubangan yo college ku maski naziyat kami laman. Y mama anni papak nga kusityeru yo nangitaggu nga makagillammu nak antre maggaradwa kan kolehiyo, antre tyo uffun da angkal ku mas nga nassingan yo nonot ku nga makabalin antre makagradwa. After all those years, I graduated with flying colors again another trial is trying to test me. My review for the incoming board examination is again my family’s problem, but God is so good to me that my uncle helped me still with my fees. With 6 months of reviewing hard, the day for my board came, I really strive hard to make it good and there luckily I passed the boeard examination. And now, still I am just beginning my life to be a real help and a partner for this society to change for the better by providing a better role as a professional.
T his eventful day in your lives and as you go on separate ways; wouldn’t it be nice that one day in the not so distant future you will meet again: some maybe with great tales of exploits and adventure, some of heartaches and pains, some maybe of self realizations and musings… but wouldn’t it be wonderful that in that much awaited reunion you in your selves have found your sense of inner peace? A peace rooted in the fact that you have in one way or another have done your share for the advancement of the society in which you are an essential part? If your answer to this question by that time is a big “YES”; it is only then my dear graduates that you can really proudly say that you, “The Graduate” has become a true partner in transforming our society; that you have become a true catalyst for social change! That my dear graduates is my challenge to you all… Go forth and be the hope of generations to come… become hope of the future… HEAL THE WORLD!
I hope you have a wonderful day today and enjoy all your celebrations.

I look forward to the next stage in your development. You are all ready to go to on to the next stage of your educational journey. Good luck for the future.
Thank you vey much and again Congratulations!