I AM

Understanding the virtues of a Bosconian Graduate

It was already seven years ago when I first stood up on this same podium to give my valedictory speech. But now it is different, this year, I am to perform a similar act of what Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB our guest speaker then has done: and it is to inspire and at the same time to challenge.
Graduation always gives me the feeling of fulfillment, a certain sense of accomplishment that attests to years of struggling and striving in order to attain a stage of acceptance. It is true that graduation protrude to an end which recognizes what was done and finished. However it also entails a beginning thus graduation is also known as commencement which means to start.
My dear graduates this is not the last course but rather you are here to initiate a new phase of your life; another chapter of your own book; a harder journey to complete.
Allow me to delve more deeply to the theme of this graduation. “The Filipino Graduates: Celebrating Achievements, Pursuing Opportunities”
Achievements, what are achievements? Are these things confining only to the citations received from an exemplary work? Or perhaps for a noble deed that resulted for one’s advancement? Or rather these are simple things that we ought to neglect after being deceived by the allurements brought to us by pride of being an all-knowing.
As I reflect on my own personal achievements, I always look back to the three things of which I consider as most valuable.
First, are the people whom have supported and guided me all throughout my life. And I don’t mean here only those whom have helped me or who gave me consolation but also those who brought me pains that it took some time to get healed. It also includes those who have hated or calumniated me in any sort.
Graduates, be thankful of your fathers who work hard to finance your education though at times they became indifferent and insensitive because they were already tired; to your mothers who diligently wakes you up in the morning while showering you with overflowing sermons, to your teachers who keeps on scolding you on your misdeeds; to your friends who will always be at your side but resulted to be your best enemies but then it taught you the value of forgiveness; and to everyone else whom without them you will never be here. Regardless of what and how much they have contributed on your life they still played a role on your existence.
My second achievement is my Salesian Education. The preventive system I have learned from this institution is the main framework of my core values. Don Bosco’s way led me to become more vigilant on my actions, to be sensitive on my dealings and to persevere more to become virtuous.
On the other hand, the challenge of being a saint that was promoted by Don Bosco is something that should permeate from within us. What he stressed about admiration which does not only entail as mere appreciation but rather a conviction for imitation is indeed a basis for following Christ.
Lastly, what I know as my greatest achievement is my knowledge that there is a God. A Father who listens but at the same time castigates, a God that showed as that true love means sacrificing oneself for others. Indeed the Lord alone sustains everything; He completes anything that is lacking. Without God we are nothing, He perfected us and made us worthy. And I don’t think there is still a need for me to elaborate on this more.
My dear friends, gratefulness to them are vital. They are the founders of our values, the builders of our characters and our authentically good relationships towards them are our only response to celebrate these achievements. They have been our treasures and they will always be our precious. To look back won’t give us any hurts but rather this shows an exemplary trait that will aid us to pursue more the opportunities laid by destiny.
All in all, these three achievements can be summarized on one single phrase and it goes: I AM A BOSCONIAN GRADUATE; an achievement in itself. Nevertheless, this achievement will not end this way alone. It curtails proof, evidenced not just by mere words but actions that represent it.
After this graduation, how many from you dear graduates will keep attending mass on Sundays or go to confession often? How many of you will have the eagerness to pray the rosary every day making Jesus and Mary your true best friend? Moreover, how many among you will live up on struggling towards sanctity?
Opportunities are rampant and now what is asked to you is to make a choice: a choice that will make your life; a choice that will test everything that you have learned. Yes, we draw our futures and from these achievements, we can attain more.
Graduates, be proud for you are fruits of the Bosconian Spirit, be proud and stand for it.

Pre Novice Marc Will R. Lim
March 29, 2008