I was raised in a state of poverty, yet we managed to have three meals a day. My father, Generoso, worked as a mechanic for a company and did not complete elementary school. My mother, Saturnina, is a homemaker. Together, they were fortunate to have eight children while I was in high school. After relocating three times, they succeeded in purchasing a plot of land and constructing a machine shop.
Then, another child was born, bringing our total to nine. With so many mouths to feed, it became increasingly difficult to maintain three meals a day. Our birthday celebrations consisted of just two family-sized soft drinks and some bread, yet we found joy in those simple treats.
During the summer, I traveled to Davao City to sell newspapers, magazines, and comics at bus stations. By the end of the summer, I had saved enough money to purchase school supplies for myself and my siblings. The remaining funds I earned were allocated to cover an entire year’s tuition, ensuring I would not face any issues during exams.
When Amafe L. Donaire learned of my experiences, she promptly approached me to inquire if I would be willing to serve as the commencement speaker at the school where I completed my elementary education nearly forty years ago. “Are you certain?” I asked, to which she responded affirmatively.
Actually, I recounted my journey to becoming a journalist to the school teachers of Davao del Sur, who serve as mentors to journalism students in their respective institutions. I conveyed to them that poverty did not prevent me from achieving my current status. “You will motivate many graduating students,” Donaire remarked to me.
Initially, I was reluctant, but she continued to encourage me, and eventually, I agreed. A week prior to the graduation, I discovered that my niece, Audrey Anne, who was set to graduate, had achieved the highest honors among the five Grade VI sections at Villa-Doneza Central Elementary School.
Audrey Anne continued the legacy of distinction established by my nephew, Gerry, Jr., a decade earlier. The daughter of my youngest brother delivered the thanksgiving address for the entire graduating class, highlighting the unwavering support of her parents.
Now, I would like to present some excerpts from the speech I delivered at the 51st Graduation Ceremony, which was themed: “Ready to Face Life’s Challenges.”
I am a print journalist, and our role is to be read rather than to be heard. However, since I have been invited to address this graduating class as a guest speaker, I must speak and inspire all of you, including the parents and guardians, to pursue the next level of your education.
Allow me to present five points that you can apply as you continue your journey in this endeavor called life:
Search for what you really want in your life. This is crucial. Without a clear objective, you will not progress significantly! You may find yourself satisfied with your current situation. There will be no challenges to overcome. Often, you might follow in your parents’ footsteps, and before you realize it, you will be older without having achieved much in life.
Strive to achieve your aspirations. It is futile to have ambitions without putting in the effort to realize them. Do your utmost to reach your goals. Indeed, there will be obstacles along the way, but these experiences will help you grow into a better individual. Many of the lessons learned will be valuable later in your professional life.
Seek employment to achieve your aspirations in life. At times, the college education you pursue may not align with your true desires. Some individuals select a particular course due to parental influence, while others may choose a field because their friends are enrolled in it. Alternatively, it could be that the only course your parents can afford is the one you end up taking.
You might not currently possess the profession you desire, but you can attain it once you have completed your education. Secure a job to sustain yourself. Keep in mind that the decisions you make today will shape your future identity.
Secure your future by not being complacent of what you have achieved so far in your life. For instance, you aspired to be a doctor, and now you are one. You are employed at a highly regarded hospital and have already had a significant impact on many lives. So, what comes next?
Frequently, we fall into a state of complacency. Upon achieving a goal, we may cease our efforts. When you receive a commendable grade, you might relish the moment without considering future implications. In reality, if your current grade is satisfactory, you should strive to improve it further.
In my situation, I have received awards consecutively. Overall, I have now accumulated 31 journalism awards. However, I view these awards merely as a bonus for my work. My motivation to write is not driven by the desire for more accolades, but rather by my commitment to keep the public informed about the news and features they need to know.
Share your knowledge so that others may also achieve their aspirations in life. It’s a form of payback! That’s what they refer to it as. We do not exist in isolation; we rely on the support of others: your parents, siblings, teachers, friends, colleagues, and many others. This is why it is essential to share our blessings with others – through our time, talents, and resources. Honor God, the originator and creator of all things in this world.
We only live in this world once. If you work diligently, consider those who work even harder. Remember, success is not solely defined by material possessions such as cars, large houses, power, and fame. It also encompasses happiness, peace of mind, and the absence of worries when you go to sleep.
How you will be remembered is determined by your actions. No one else can shape that for you. Will the memories of you be positive or negative? Only you can provide the answer!
