By Axl Rose A. Sarrosa
Class Valedictorian, College of Medicine, Batch 2022

This response was delivered during the 16th Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine last July 27, 2022.

Axl Rose A. Sarrosa, Class Valedictorian, delivers her response on behalf of the graduates.

To our Honored Guest and Commencement Speaker, University Officials, The Dean and Faculty of the College of Medicine, Parents, Guardians, Relatives, Invited Guests in person or virtual attendance and Fellow graduate, a pleasant afternoon.

Today marks the end of the four-year journey – an arduous and grueling one through a challenging and difficult times amidst the worst pandemic in recent history as well as the beginning of a new chapter of our lives.

The journey started four years ago with students of diverse personalities and competencies who are graduates of several health related and allied courses from different schools and various places of the country coming together to CPU College of Medicine sharing the same personal ambition and aspiration to be a future medical doctor guided by the Hippocratic oath, and the profession’s code of conduct and ethical standards in the service to God, country, and people.

During our first year, we all faced with sheer determination the challenges, despite the difficulties and the struggles that went with them. It was exciting at the start – new faces, friends, professors, environment, and even crushes at school. However, as time passed by, we experienced the rigors of reading volumes of books, numerous researches, notes to study, case presentations, and loads of quizzes. No matter how prepared we thought we were, the study of Medicine as difficult hit us hard in the face. It resulted in numerous breakdowns, self-reflection, and pitch-black moments. There were times when we asked ourselves, is this what we really wanted? Is my decision, right? Should I continue or just give up? We were in a quandary and didn’t know what to do. Yet in the end, I and my classmates believed that the challenges were just part of the process that we must undergo. Our circle of friends helped us to be relieved of stress including going on TGIFs, eating out after exams, samgyup parties, and night-outs occasionally.

Our second year and third year happened during the peak of the COVID 19 world-wide pandemic that tested our resolve and resilience since everyone was affected. For me and my classmates, the suspension of the face-to-face classes also prohibited us from doing our clinical exposures. The lock downs and restrictions made the situation worse and precarious. Personally, I found it hard to return home to General Santos City. The poor, unstable internet signal or power outages in tranquil and scenic Lake Sebu, South Cotabato posed a great technological problem as well as on how to cope up with the lessons and activities. However, despite the odds we encountered and setbacks we experienced individually and collectively, we firmly stood our ground, and today, more than ever, we are proud to say that we finally made it.

Our success is made possible because of our collective effort and perseverance as well as the unwavering and invaluable assistance, support and understanding of those who made us what we are today.

On behalf of the Class of 2022, we would like to convey our sincerest thanks and express our profound appreciation and gratitude to the following who made our sojourn meaningful and successful:

The administration of Central Philippine University headed by President Dr. Teodoro Robles, our College Dean, Dr. Henry Gonzales and Associate Dean, Dr. Diadem Pesrl Equina, to all our Professors and Staff of the College of Medicine, who have molded and helped us in our journey to becoming the “magaling at mabuting doctor”.

To our Classmates for the assistance and understanding. Thank you for putting up with our rants, anxiety, and life stressors. Allow me to appreciate my Circle of Friends, Lourie, Kate, Inok, Lea and Marianne. Thank you guys for making Med School fun and less difficult!

To our Class Officers throughout the years, especially Ms. Greeny Joy Perucho, our proactive mayor who have gone extra miles for our class, we are not Victores Valetudinis without you. Thank you for being resolute and loving our class.

To all health workers particularly the medical doctors who died while in service attending to the needs of the people during the pandemic for being models and sources of inspiration to us.

To my parents, who are with me today, Papa Richard and Mama May and to all our beloved parents, guardians, relatives, and benefactors, we say ,’we appreciate you”. I believe some of you might have sold your treasured possessions and properties “nagbaligya sang ila duta, alahas, mga kasapatan o nangutang para ipaeskwela sa ila bata sa medicina”. Damo gid nga pasalamat sa inyo! Thank you is not enough to repay your sacrifices. You have sacrificed your gratifications for us. Our success is yours too. However, we know that our ultimate success is in passing the Physician Licensure Examination.

And above all, we give honor and praise to our Almighty God, who made all things possible. There are times we have doubted Him, but He has loved us deeply and unconditionally. The day after the announcement of the list of graduating students, one of our classmates shared in her Instagram story, “The sweetest thing about Jesus is that He knows that it’s been a while since you haven’t read your Bible. He knows you’re addicted to something. He knows you haven’t prayed for a long time already. He is aware of your sin and your past mistakes. He knows that you are doing something against His will when you’re alone, – but still loves you and wants you the same. Your sin doesn’t stop Him from loving you…This message personally struck me, and it is all true, a “shared testimony” for us all.

Now, as we are about to embark on a new phase of our lives after all that we’ve been through the past four years, we will now again go our separate ways for our internship program. To my classmates, let us perpetuate all the memories, experiences, and learnings we shared together as students of the CPU College of Medicine. Lest we forget, just check our social media platform. The corridors and doors of CPU College of Medicine are always open. This is it, we made it. Kudos sa tanan. Naka survive gid kita. Mabuhay Class 2022!

A meaningful and memorable day to all! Thank you and Godbless us!