Commencement Speech: Jedidiah Daniel L. Herbilla
Commencement Speech: Jedidiah Daniel L. Herbilla
Commencement Speech: Jedidiah Daniel L. Herbilla
Right now, I believe that if not all, some of you are feeling really scared
and anxious about what comes next after this. It is also really
challenging to pursue our dreams in this trying times. Yet here you are,
you survived those challenges and that means you already have the
stamina to survive the next ones.
Now, let me tell you something about me. In my high school days, I
started out as a young student who is really confused and timid. My teen
and high school life is very non-typical. Fun was just a little sideline. At
such a young age, just like most of you, I have been carrying my own
burden too. I remember always being emotional about everything.
I was sensitive and I’ve got my own problems. However, I stood up
from those emotions. I stood up for my self and my ambitions.
I did not let my self drown from my own pain. I did not let anything, any
circumstance to hinder me from reaching my goals. With courage, I
learned to extend my hands to newer heights. So, I started joining clubs,
hopped on the student council, made a lot of friends and improved my
study habits. The passion to pursue my dreams is what pushed me to be
a better person. In the end of that specific journey, I finished high school
triumphantly. The drive and passion in my heart did not stop there.
This is me telling you to not let your pain, hardships and problems stop
you from pursuing you dreams. Don’t let these hard times affect your
decisions. Make your passion even bigger than the bag of burden you are
carrying right now. We may not be having the same journey. We may
not have the same story. But take this as a driving force to push yourself
to success. If you are anxious, pressured or worried right now, learn to
turn it into courage.
A courage to lift your self from whatever situation you are in right now.
Learn to reflect about your actions and try to balance your priorities.
Years from now, some of you may become part of the workforce as
teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers and so on. So, as early as
now try to set your dreams as your sole priority and it will all be worth it
in the end.
Just like what the phenomenal Ms. Sass Rogando Sassot remarked,
“Destiny may be written in the stars, but it’s what you do with starlight
that turns destiny into reality. You are made of stardusts, a point in
infinity, a moment in eternity, inside you is the spark of will.”
So dear graduates and completers, you must live your lives as a statue to
your souls! Always say a prayer of gratefulness. Today is just another
chapter of your story. Write the next chapters as victorious as it can be.
And what will keep you writing the next chapters of your life is
COURAGE.