UNITY IN DIVERSITY: QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL

[Present first persons with higher designations]

(Name, position);

(Name, position);

(Name, position);

Vibrant and energetic members of the faculty and the non-teaching staff;

Supportive and loving parents;

Our young and motivated graduating class;

Dear friends and honored guests who are with us today;

-- a blessed and unifying afternoon to all of you.

I am both humbled and honored to speak in front of you, my dear young minds, for I was once
like you who had a dream, strived for it and now claims it.

Before I begin, look at the person at your right (pause), now at your left (pause), how about the
person in front (pause) and that seated behind you (pause). Do you find them the same as you
are? Or are they far different from who you think you are? (full stop)

My dear graduates, you are all different. (pause and look at the audience)

But believe me when I say that amidst the differences you see in others – their color, religion,

beliefs or abilities –we are grounded by a common force that gathers us all today, education

(emphasize this part).

Education is a gift, it is a right and most importantly, it is a must.

You may not realize it but education unites and ties our bond amidst the gap and differences

we have. It is that binding force that gives us wider perspective on things and opens

unimaginable opportunities. It all leads us to that universal aim of becoming better individuals

who are values-oriented, competent and ready to the 21st century demands.
PERSONAL SHARING ABOUT THE THEME

As we pursue the next level of education, we will face more challenging situations like

meeting deadlines, resolving conflicts or even making ourselves stand out. Regardless of the job

that we will pursue in the succeeding years, the education inculcated to us during basic

education will manifest on how we manage ourselves toward other individuals. Education also

teaches us to become a better person in order to unite participants/share people holders

despite of their walks in life. One good example is the free education, which does not only

provide a free education up to tertiary years to build a better future among the new graduates

of this curriculum, but also unites every citizen to become literate.

After I graduated in college, I took the board exam, passed it and after that, I have to

find a job. I also applied here, but it was not for me. So my father encouraged me to enrol in my

master’s degree. At first I was hesitant because I’m just a new graduate and don’t have much

experience in teaching. But he was too determined that I can pursue my graduate studies. So I

enrolled, I met different people, some were teachers, others were teachers in charge of their

respective schools, some were working in offices, and some already have the highest position in

their work. Ryan and I (my batchmate in SSC) were the youngest among the group, but they

welcomed us with open arms.

While studying, I applied and was hired at Sorsogon State College with the help of Papay

George and Ninong Bebot. I started in July 2006. I worked as a secretary in the Office of the

President. It was a very exhausting yet happy job because I met different persons- rank in file,

politicians, well-known personalities, not only in SOrsogon but form the other agencies and

depatments. Every day was challenging, some days were smooth sailing but most of the days

were rough.

After being in the office of the president, I also worked in the college library, cashier and

graduate school. It was hard because of the hectic schedule. On Mondays to Fridays I’m

working while in the evening, I served as a part time teacher at the technology department
from 5-8pm. Every Saturday, I had go to school. Sunday was my only time to rest but

sometimes sacrifice it for office work.

I was already a full time teacher in June 2007. After I obtained my master’s degree in

2009, I stopped for 2 years and continued my doctorate in 2011. During my stay, I was the

youngest in class. My classmates were principals and heads. It was really tough, especially in

writing my dissertation. I was handling 11 sections during that time, meeting deadlines for the

write up, attending meeting/seminars within and outside the school, checking papers,

attending the needs of students and working in the wee hours. But it all paid off, I graduated in

2014.

Being a teacher is very challenging but very fulfilling in nature. It is the same as the

other job maybe. Being a teacher takes patience, dedication, passion and ability to do more

with less. It is a treacherous journey filled with just as many valleys as there are mountains.

Those committed to do the profession do so simply because they want to make a difference.

To the graduates, learning in school is full of challenges and difficulties that sometimes

affect your knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. With the help of the teachers, school and

our parents,- they help us to overcome those challenges and reach success. Some of you will

go to college, others will go straight into the workforce. Remember this, you must try to excel in

everything you do; strive for excellence in every task, whether big or small.

ENDING PART

Before we end this occasion by taking selfies with our parents and relatives or even

group pictures with our friends, let us express our gratitude to every teacher in our alma matter

who passionately extend and share their efforts even beyond their working hours so we can

learn and develop our skills. Despite of their different views and academic achievements, our

teachers continously learned to efficiently convey the curriculum contents to every classrooms

along with their strategies and techniques of instructional delivery. In a micro-context, teachers
leave their diversity behind and unite on situational process and implementations to achieve a

quality education that all students deserve. Lastly, their unconditional love for their job makes

it possible to be here at this occasion.

Again, Kudos to you graduates and completers as well as to our mighty parents and

teachers. I hope that you will rise to the challenges of our times and will succeed not only in

your academic preparations but also in the performance of your respective roles in the future.

Thank you and Good afternoon/evening.