By Yvonne A. Lin
Valedictorian, Senior High School Batch 2022
Delivered during the 5th Commence Exercises of the University Senior High School last July 15, 2022.
Yvonne A. Lin delivers the Valedictory Address.
To our beloved president of Central Philippine University, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles
To the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa
To our guest speaker, Councilor, Pavia, Iloilo Hon. Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol
To the President of CPU Alumni Association, Incorporated, Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II
To the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio and Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia
To our ever-supportive principal, Dr. Rene T. Estomo
To the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Benjie Ne F. Gallinero,
Our dear parents, guardians, and distinguished guests,
A few months ago, I came across a study by Dream Project PH that stated “8 out of 10 Filipinos do not have a dream.” Among the reasons why the Filipino youth are not dreamers are the limited resources and opportunities. What a dispiriting speech for a joyous occasion, I know.
For myself, I can identify with the other 2 out of those 10 Filipinos. However, having a dream does not spare me from the possibility of losing my dream. When the wrath of the pandemic started taking over, that dream became uncertain. It was like a dead star–from a distance, it still twinkled and shimmered, but in all actuality, it had long lost its significance.
However, the pandemic was not the only thing I had to deal with–we had to deal with. As students, one of our biggest adversities was not just the online classes but the overall environment and condition of the society we live in.
Living in a period where press freedom is in danger, where justice only favors the rich, where history is revised and denied, and where truth is distorted by people in power, it got me thinking to myself: “Is it still worth it to dream? Why do we have to work so hard for a future that is certainly uncertain? Can this place still nurture and foster dreams of young minds?”
It was a few months before the election, a very critical period for the Filipinos. I saw a lot of my classmates, friends, and relatives whose familiar faces are now right in front of me, fight for a future where they could pursue their aspirations. I remember most of them freed their time to do volunteer work, take part in campaigns, and go to rallies while keeping up with their academic responsibilities. I witnessed people from different walks of life gather together and spark a revolution amidst adversity. That very movement became an eye-opener and created a ripple effect for students like me, who also once had a dream.
The dream that was once swept by the waves into the ocean found its way back. I had perfected the art of girlbossing, gatekeeping, and gaslighting myself into thinking that suffering built character and that the universe was just testing me. Kidding aside, I did start to pick myself up from where I last left off and walked again. I decided not to dwell on things that are beyond my control and focus more on the things that I can change. Sometimes, the face of resilience doesn’t have to look like a bamboo forcibly resisting the harsh blow of the wind. Sometimes, it can mean gracefully bowing to the breeze, finding strength and pleasure in the smallest of things. It could be as simple as just waking up, taking a sip of tea in the quiet morning–taking care of our well-being, being kind to ourselves.
We may have different roads to take, and different dreams to chase. Some of us want to be doctors not only for the prestige that comes with the title but because we want to help those who are sick. Meanwhile, others want to become teachers to educate and guide the younger generation. Yet we still find our roads converging in a common goal: to positively contribute to an environment that could foster dreams.
We have already survived this far. We have nowhere left to go, but to move forward. We must continue to pursue our dreams, even if it means studying harder, staying up late to finish a paper, and stripping off every last shred of dignity we have for a Tiktok project in PE. And when we feel burnt out, allow ourselves to cry. Learn to validate our own feelings and stand up again, whenever we’re ready.
However, dreams remain only as dreams if we don’t take action. Currently, we are facing another adversity, where truth is no longer based on research and evidence. I hope that we don’t let this challenge become the reason why our younger generations have broken dreams. I know this is a huge responsibility and may sound ambitious to some, but if we try to change the numbers, one dream at a time, where 2 out of 10 dreams are fully realized, and where 8 out of 10 Filipinos can find their own, then we are able to build and protect a place where dreams can be fostered as well as flourish.
Going back to my questions:
“Is it still worth it to dream?” Yes it is.
“Why do we have to work so hard for a future that is certainly uncertain?”
We have to work hard now/ to make our future certain.
“Can this place still nurture and foster dreams of young minds?” Absoutely, because I am here, you are here, we are here. We are the ones that make up society and we have the power to build a place that fosters dreams amidst adversity.
As we move forward, let us not forget to look back on the people who helped us and showed resilience. To all the teachers and staff, we thank you for sharing your expertise and imparting your wisdom to us. (And also for extending the deadlines.) We know that online classes were equally hard on your part. To my classmates, especially my friends, who forced me to include them in my speech: Mariel, Kelly, Xim, Mayf, Angelie, Ricci, and Cassie, let’s get this bread! To my research groupmates, thank you for making this school year a bit bearable for me, although you guys sometimes gave me headaches. To my family, for always supporting me and for always looking after my mental health. But above all, I bow my head before God who gave me strength and served as the truth, the way, and the light.
Wherever our paths take us, may we always bleed blue and gold – a symbol of excellence and spirituality. Once again, congratulations, fellow graduates! Carpe Diem! Seize the day and make your lives extraordinary!