Valedictory Address

GREETINGS... Graduation day is the realization of ones dream to acquire education. Education is a never ending quest for knowledge. You and I, as graduates have mixed emotions for this is really a very significant occasion. It is indeed a distinct honor that I am in your midst-on the topand I honestly feel I am walking in cloud nine. And on this cloud nine I am excited for you are with me sharing this very special blessing of success. Very soon, we will make our very first leap to an uncertain world. It would be another vision, but then again, the knowledge, learning and values embedded in us by our Alma Mater Bagbag NHS were our most valuable weapons to create a bucketful of change in our lives akin to this years notion: Education: Changing Lives, Indeed, we can make the difference much depend on us. Life is as good or as bad as our plans, and our ability or disability to do things as planned, for Life is what we made it. Apparently, we are all happy and excited that finally we have made it. After four long years, we have reached this day which always seemed an eternity away. It was four years ago when I first stepped into this school as a freshman who had a lot of expectations but didnt know what to expect, a very innocent, very young and so fragile who was very scared but excited of the things ahead of me. And I have to tell you this; I really had a very fruitful and meaningful students life here in Bagbag NHS. But it wasnt that easy. There were so many trials and tough times that almost made me to quit. Sometimes I found myself pressed on every side, with my patience sternly tried but despite tough times I struggled to finish the race and be on the top of the class, experiencing hardships and tough times made me rise above the rest. To finish my high school and to reach my simple ambition these are the fruits of my hardships and patience. Most of the times, I set aside my interests as youth... playing computer games after class, going out with my friends or the usual leisure interests of a youth. I felt pity for myself every time I saw my classmates spending their time together without thinking of anything... home works, assignments, research, projects, outputs and others, while I was pre-occupied of reviewing and scanning my notes from cover to cover. There were also nights that I took a nap on the table because of the home works that I need to finish. Sometimes I want to

give up but because of the gracious support, guidance and love, hardships and sacrifices of my parents, I continued what they want me to become. At one point in time, I told myself that through education I can uplift the status of my life and time comes that I can achieve better future through education, hardships and determination to finish my studies. Our journey through life is one that we dont go through alone. Whatever we may accomplish, those accomplishments were achieved through the combination of our own personal drives and motivation and the love and support given to us by the people around us. Therefore, we must acknowledge all those that serve as an instrument in bringing us to where we are today. First of all, my mentors from first year to fourth year thank you so much for bringing out the best in us. Thank you for guiding and helping us in our difficulties. Sorry if sometimes we are disrespectful and thorn in the flesh, but we really appreciate all the hard work you have rendered to make us a better person. I wish all the teachers here would remain to be dedicated and loving the way they treated us, because I personally believe that one thing that makes us different from others, one reason we constantly rule every competition is because of our loving mentors. Above all, I have realized that our teachers are trying to mold us into a better person, that when the world is sitting, we will be standing and when the world is standing then we will stand out. Secondly, to my brother, my comrade, who is always at my side to help me in my entire endeavor thank you so much? And to all of my friends especially DBRACKLER who have been very supportive to all the decisions I made. You have really made my stay here in Bagbag NHS so meaningful, enjoyable and memorable. I will never really forget that I have friends here who have been there for me amidst the ups and downs of my life. You have given me so much confidence and inspiration. And last but not the least, to all the parents here especially to my father and mother, I would like to extend my heartfelt and sincere congratulations for you have succeeded in building good future for your child. And up to this day, we owe you so much. We shall forever remember that you are the motivating factors behind our success and this is what we have become because of your gracious support, guidance and love. The high school experience is unique. We will never experience anything like it again, and its lasting impression will prepare us for the real world with its new rules, social structure, politics, and memories to be made.

My journey to where I am now all began with a goal I made four years ago, when I entered in the arena of my Alma Mater. I promised myself that I will do my best so that I can cope up with the standards of this school and be able to graduate here. While it seemed hard at the time, it gave me a direction and plan to work hard, to try my best at everything and it paid off. To my co - graduates congratulations to all of us. It only means that we posses much determination, hard work and patience which made us ahead of the rest. So, for those who are dreaming to rise above the rest, its not yet the end of the world for you. You can still prove yourself on the next pace the college life. I encourage all of you to set goals for yourself and to strongly stand for something that can give your life a direction and purpose. Before I conclude, let me leave you the couplet of the poem INVICTUS written by an English writer and editor William Ernest Henley, inspired by former President of South Africa- Nelson Mandela for your perusal. The lines say I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul. Truly, a man who has control over himself is not afraid to face life certainly because we are the drivers of our own destiny and we control our own lives, so we must bear in mind that we should dream and aim as high as we could in order for us to reach the stars of our ambitions. I hope that the next morsel of our lives hold equal promise. Follow your dreams; spread your wings and fly, for God is the Wind Beneath our Wings, and that has made all the difference! May God bless us all? Mabuhay ang Batch 2010! Marami pong salamat.