VALEDICTORY SPEECH
Keren Graine C. Mallari
William Bennett, an author once said that happiness is like a cat. If you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid you. It will never come. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you'll find it rubbing against your legs and jumping into your lap. With an array of talented and high-calibred line up of batchmates like mine in the field of academics- and mind you, most of us not having acquired our own taste of heaven for the first three quarters, with the kind of academic standard Divine Light Academy has challenged us all to keep, one I guess, should just follow what this wise man has called for. Incidentally, with this thing called, luck and with my own full concentration upon my tasks, the "cat" has picked on me. Our school administration, our beloved school head, Mrs. Leonila D. Sese, our administrative head, Engr. Atnonio D. Sese, our school assistant principal, Mrs. Layla P. Padolina, Atty. Ildrian Aseron our guest speaker, our school coordinators, to the DLA faculty members, parents, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a peaceful evening to all of you.
For many instances for the past few days, I would be stunned, looking over the walls of our school institution that I have been grown accustomed to for the last thirteen years. Still at awe and unbelieving in between rehearsals, that the reality of leaving will be at hand. Tonight, it has taken shape. In the process, we have finally gone in full circle. Most of us may be having the sense of excitement yet a bit apprehensive as to what must be anticipated for at the other end. We have all waited for this day- to let lose and let go- but I believe that deep within the privacy of your thoughts, most of us still share a certain feeling of wanting to ask for the last time, a single moment- to stay- and breathe fresh air- with you- the same familiar faces- taking for the last couple of hours, the nurturing friendship that we have built over the years. But in order to move on, one must look ahead.
We shall take our glorious exit with jubilation but with a heavy heart. The day of graduation is a remarkable event to celebrate and all at the same, the pain of goodbye shall go with it. Nevertheless, we know that even this little "hurt" we must endure to strengthen our spirits to grow, so that seeing again may be certain, bringing along with us, our promise of hope.
To my fellow graduates, I raise this imaginary hat of salutation for having won your own battle to make it to this day. The truth of the matter is that despite the head and the heartaches we have inflicted upon our parents, the mere sight of our persons on stage must have been more than enough compensation for the sacrifices that they, themselves have made. Tonight we can just hear the pounding of their hearts for great joys and giggles. Thus, we pay tribute to our dear parents- for in the midst of life's enormous crisis, you have not given up in assuring us of a brighter future that is now mostly deprived of other young people like us- the gift of education. We pray that the good Lord shall keep you, as we will soon take our turns in gratitude by loving and serving you well. And to our mentors- with the special commendation to our dear teachers. Your living by example, guidance and resilience have given us so much inspiration to serve others too without conditions. Your devotion to your noble task has made us realize that there is no other way to love but to work with dedication. Fellow graduates, let's give the DLA faculty members their much- deserved standing ovation with the resounding applause.
Finally, allow me to offer these modest and most humble achievements to my family. To my two siblings- ate Kay and Jem- I give you this piece of victory- for whatever I have, I shall share with you- my own case of happiness will be yours as well. To my devoted father- Pa, my heart overflows with so much love of you- the fulfillment of my piece of sky has been more meaningful because God gave you to me as my father. In return, I just truly hope that I was able to bring honor to your name being the top graduate of my batch. And to my mother- Mama, your living presence tonight is the best graduation gift that I have received. I just pray that whatever amount of pain you may have, will be eased even for this moment as you look at me from a distance- proud that from your womb, you have made me what I am today.
My dear batchmates, there is a sudden call for us to take an immediate course of action. To serve willingly- in view of attaining peace and progress. In a country like ours, the gravity of such responsibility may be too heavy to bear. But every little step will seem to create bigger ripples going toward successes just like what we have all obtained today.
For my parting words, let me quote Arthur Schopenhauer who wrote that each day is a little life; every waking and rising a little birth; every fresh morning a little youth; every going to rest and sleep a little death. And every little death gives more meaning to another life- Batch 2005, rise- go forth and conquer!
I bring back all the glory to God- the Giver of all talents! Thank you so much and good evening!
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