Arrianne Leigh D. Segovia, Ranked No. 2 with High Honors, delivered the welcome address in behalf of the Special Science Class.

“Cast all you anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” This verse from 1 Peter 5:7 has
been my guide throughout my Junior High School journey. The moment I stepped on the
humble grounds of CPU, I had no idea what the world will bring, simply because I was a four-year old kid. But the moment I stepped on the University High school, at first I was afraid, I was
petrified, kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. Anyway, typical “what ifs”
bombarded my mind and worries punched me on my face. Oh wow, I was starting something new. But all the worries disappeared as I realized one thing, we, the high school students were actually having the same feelings.

As teens who like seeking adventure, most times we think this repeating process of “waking-up and doing the same things at school” is boring. This Junior High school process seems like forever, but as what most sad songs say, nothing lasts forever. High school has taught us a lot of things. It created a sense of unity within us all. It may be through school works, especially on tests and take-home tests, or even through the little surprises for our well-loved educators on teachers+ day and for our friends on their birthdays. We also became more dedicated in High School. We always do our best just to pass school outputs and projects before the deadline — sometimes after the deadline, but it+s okay, “better late than never” we say. I know it+s frustrating to find for x+s when there are no y+s, reasons why Maria Clara died, explanations why matter is composed of atoms, and an answer why he can+t love you back. High school also taught us how to value things we love. Simple things like waiting for a friend after classes, and telling a corny joke to make a classmate smile show that we value friendship. We were always willing to lend our ears, arms, and basically our life for our friends. We were always there for one another. Most importantly, High School has taught us to accept, move on and just let go. I know all of us have faced failures. It may be through an exam we studied for nights, a competition we practiced for days, or relationships we worked on for months, even for years. I know it+s really painful “when we tried our best but didn+t succeed”, as I quote from a Coldplay song — but these failures are not stumbling blocks from reaching our goals. In fact these are stepping stones to success.

As we embark a new phase in our life, let us not forget the people who have guided us along the way. This success would not be possible without our passionate teachers who have selflessly offered their time and efforts, our beloved parents and families who have unendingly gave their love and support, and encouraging classmates who have helped us grow and become the person we are today. I would like to shout out to my Newton family, for being the love of my life.

At this moment, we+re leaving something special in Junior High School, but life does not end here. Life starts here. We are about to face a new chapter in our life. We don+t know what tomorrow brings. As we take new roads and meet new people, we should not forget the
s miles and tears of yesterday, for these shaped us of who we are today. Do not be afraid of the
future, embrace it. God has a plan for us all, and His plan is always perfect.

I would like to end this speech with a quote from the graduation song my classmates
and I wrote for a MAPEH project, “God gave us a paper and a pen, a chance to write a story
from beginning +til the end.” To my fellow completers, write your story the way God wants you to write it.

Congratulations to all of us Centralians. Thank you everyone. God bless us all!