Jason Lewis U. Chan, BSSE, Summa Cum Laude, thanks Central Philippine University for maintaining Exemplary Christian Education and imparting Christian values.

To our guest speaker Mr. Ronald Zack, members of CPU Corporation and Board of Trustees, Dr. Teodoro Robles, university president, to my dear teachers, faculty and staff and to those who are here to support us, to my fellow graduates, good day!

Back then, College felt like a far off dream. I never imagined I would be standing here before everyone right now. Much like most students, I didn’t know which course I wanted to take but I already had courses that I’m sure I didn’t want to take. Out of all the schools here in Iloilo, I chose Central Philippine University. I ruled out all the possible courses and finally chose Engineering. There were a lot of engineering departments but there was one course that I felt was different, Software Engineering. Before, it seemed like a mysterious course to me since CPU was the first and only school in the Philippines that offered this course. So I consulted my friends and family and in the end I finally decided to take that leap of faith.

And here I am 5 years later. I would like to clarify to all of you that I’m Chinese, not Korean. I know quite a few people who have mistaken me for a Korean in my college life, that’s ok. And now some of you might say: “He’s Chinese, it’s a given he’s good at studying, good at math, ‘Asians.’” Sorry but I would not agree with those statements. Why? Because it doesn’t matter what race you are, what nationality you have, your skin can be any color of the rainbow! But you know how we become successful? Because of the One above, our God. One of my favorite Bible verses throughout my life is written in James 1:5 which says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I do not consider myself smart but all the wisdom and knowledge that guided me throughout my life was from Him. I didn’t know if this was the right course for me, some may have the same sentiments, but I know that our God is the one in control of everything. He always has a plan, and as long as we put Him first in everything that we do, He will give us the best.

That’s enough about me. This moment is for all of us, for the graduates! I may not know your struggles throughout this journey. People might have different perceptions of your course. Some may look up to it, some may not. I believe that no course is easy and they all prove challenging, but do not be discouraged by what others say. Be proud of the course you have finished. Be proud of the degree you now hold in your hands. I may not know most of you here, but I can truthfully say that I’m moved by all of you graduates at this moment. I’m joyful to see so many of us graduating because I know of the effort we have all put in, the countless tears we have shed, precious memories of studying with our friends, days of laughter and of sadness! All those unforgettable memories have led up to this moment. Be proud, hold your head up high, we made it, we deserve it!

I know that some of our family members may not be here, they may be working elsewhere to support us. Other’s parents may no longer be here anymore, but I know no matter where they are right now, the joy they are feeling at this moment is indescribable. And as we look back at the help and guidance we’ve received up to this point… no really, please, look back, This is not only our day, fellow graduates, but we also dedicate this day to them, the real stars of this ceremony, our parents, guardians, and all those who have supported us.

To my friends! You know who you are. Thank you for spending my college life with me. To my Engineering teachers and beloved dean, Engr. Dany Molina who have taught me so many math equations, confusing physics concepts, and software engineering skills. To CPU for maintaining Exemplary Christian Education and imparting Christian values. I have certainly learned of scientia in this institution and more importantly, of fides! To my family that has supported me from the moment of my birth. And of course to our Almighty God who has sustained me all these years. Even though I had a rough time, looking back, those were precious memories and lessons that I will keep with me all the days of my life.

To end, I would like to quote what One of my close friends once said: “Life is more of a marathon than a sprint. We do not aim to finish first, we aim to finish at our own pace.” It doesn’t matter how long it will take you to reach your goal, what matters is that you reach it in the end. Congratulations batch 2018!