Sam Allen Uy Commented [samsome.

1]: Only my closest friends call

me this.
Grade 10 A

Looking around, I see students staring in awe as my seatmate tell his name, his age, his
hobbies and etc. It made me nervous and jittery. It was the first day of high school, and I’m next.

I don’t know whether to feel happy or sad today, knowing that this is the last time we will all
be together as junior high school students of this institution. Who could ever forget the failures and
disappointments we encountered along the way, the love lost and found, the classes and teachers
worth remembering, the ridiculous adventures that brought wrinkles to our principal, teachers and
officers, the pranks we played on each other, the battles that seem so important to win. It has been
a terrific four years for me here and parting is such a sweet sorrow . But the world is beckoning us,
and as much as we would like to stay in the safety and comfort of each other’s hands, we must now
begin another journey in our lives.

It is a truly a great honor for me to stand here today to speak in behalf of my fellow
graduates. But it is a greater privilege representing the class of 2018-2019 because unlike most of
you, I was not born with a proverbial silver spoon in my mouth. But despite of that my parents’
philanthropy never seemed to stop. The money we had didn’t dictate the flow of the waves. For
nothing is more fulfilling than the fact that I have defied all odds to become what I am today despite
the situation. I may have intelligence, but I am driven more by passion and this means so much more
to me, than all the awards I received today. I am aware that these awards are momentary in
significance, and what you are as a person is a better mark in life. My achievements represent all the
hard work, sacrifices, perseverance and determination I have mustered in my young life and they
paid off handsomely for me. For all of us.

Let me give you a story to illustrate, ever since my freshman years I always wore the Notre
Dame of Dukay uniform in contests the school would participate, but it was not easy as it sounded.
Practice means winning. For most part before of the contest, we have to review; infinite number of
knowledge to be fit on a finite space in ones brain, the delayed time of getting home and the
excruciating pain to endure not being with my classmates. The first 2 years was no good, I was ready
to give up. But still, I joined, and 3rd time is the charm, for me and my teammate won in a prestige
math competition. More than 3 minutes of fame, it was the thought that, I made a difference that
I’m truly proud of. I want to be remembered someday as someone who did not bow down to
adversities, who did not conform to mediocrity. This positive outlook in me opened doors far more
than I could ever imagine. I became fruitful because of that. All of that could’ve not been possible if I
gave up that day. I therefore urge my fellow graduates, don’t be afraid to take risks, don’t choose
the easy route, rather, live life on the edge. An author once wrote that ,”Only the people who are in
the edge made history”. So true. The center is already too crowded with people who chose to live in
mediocrity, who never take up the challenge to stretch their potentials to the max. You will never
know your limits unless you push yourself. The crucial thing in life is finding true satisfaction and
satisfaction comes when you have explored the adventure called life. Do not worry about being
number one, but worry about not giving your best. Everyday is an opportunity to improve yourself. If
we live by this virtue, the top ranking will take care of itself.

Allow me to thank a few people who have, in one way or another inspired and helped me
become an inspiration to others.

To my parents: I doubt if I would have been able to face the challenges if not for you. If the
road to success is filled with parents pushing their children along, my parents would be at the finish
line encouraging and waiting for me to cross it. Today, I pay tribute to them for being my pillars of
strength, for always believing in me when others did not, for indoctrinating me with the virtue that
excellence is a habit and not a goal. To all the fathers and mothers out there who have given me a
ride, welcomed me in their homes, by choice or by force, who have allowed their children to be in
my company, and have given me words of advice and encouragement, thank you, you have enriched
my life in more ways than one. To all the parents present today, you know it was worth every
sacrifice to send you children to Notre Dame Of Dukay. Congratulations to all of you.

To my mentors, my sincerest gratitude for helping me become the person I never thought I
could be. We just don’t become competenet individuals without a lot of different investments from
a lot of people in the school community. The great teachers of this school have taught us to be self-
motivated, active learners and analytical thinkers. I would like to mention all my past teachers but I
know everyone wants to finish me quickly as possible. Nevertheless, indulge me as I mention a few,
Sir Dan, Ma’am Jasmine, Ma’am Althea, Ma’am Geraldine, Sir Johnny, Sir Calong and Sir Nonoy
Igloria. Sir Dan for his tireless support and reviews conducted on the earlier years joining math
competitions, Maam Geraldine and Sir Johnny on the latter. Maam Jasmine and Maam Althea, the
walking dictionaries (grammar Nazis); my academic coaches. Sir Zoren and Sir Art for pumping the
team, as always. Sir Nonoy for always loving us, keeping us well oiled and safe, we love you sir!!!
Forgive me if I fail to mention some of you, but rest assured that each and everyone of you occupy a
special place in my heart.

To my tormentors, thank you for inspiring me to work harder. Let me share a secret with
you… competition is such a great motivator. Kidding aside, I salute you for all your achievements . It
was a pleasure to be in the company of cream of the crops, If only I could call on stage 43 more
students I would gladly do so. I feel that I have no greater knowledge than what you have.For those
who will not graduate without the benefit of one of the many awards given out today, be assured
that absence of these graduation ornaments will not disqualify you from the real race of life. Success
is not measured in awards, it is in knowing that you have gone out of your comfort zone, took the
risks, and conquered and opened new paths. Everytime you have defied the odds, you know you
have been immensely rewared. And for this you all deserve to be rewarded.

Lastly , I would like to give glory to my Almighty Creator for without His blessings and
guidance, everything would not be possible.

And now, it’s my turn to speak again. “ Hi everyone, I’m Sam Allen Uy, I’m 17 years old” , not
nervous but full of confidence to conquer greater heights for I know that the school prepared me
well enough, ready to face new chapters. The school makes you excited in living the actual life itself,
rather than tolerating notions that do the exact opposite.

CARRY YOURSELF IN SUCH A WAY THAT WHEN PEOPLE ARE SITTING, YOU WOULD BE
STANDING, AND WHEN THEY ARE STANDING, YOU WILL STAND OUT, AND WHEN THEY STAND OUT
YOU WILL BE OUTSTANDING, AND WHEN THEY DARE TO BE OUTSTANDING YOU WILL BE THEIR
STANDARD. FELLOW GRADUATES, MY CONGRATUALITIONS TO YOU ALL.