Salutatory Address



By Nathalia Lyka V. Montes
IV- Philippians (2012-2013)

 

              Indeed, time flies so fast. Imagine four years ago, I was on my first year. Allow me to travel down memory lane. As freshman student, my academic performance that time was not outstanding. Maybe it was a difficult period of adjustment for me. Just imagine a beginner without new set of friends, new school with entirely different environment compared to the public school system. These things seem unconquerable to my young mind and heart. Thank God I was able to face these challenges head on and fearless because during my second year I made it to the top 10.

   And this is it. Senior photos were taken, college applications were filled out, and plans were starting to form. And yes, we just finished another chapter of our lives. Think about those difficult equations in trigonometry, those challenging problems in Physics, those sleepless nights, cramming and our hard work just to get good grades. And as we hold our diploma today, I can say that it was all worth it.

   Let me begin my salutation to our dear parents. May I request, my fellow graduates to please stand up and let us give our parents and guardians standing ovation. Thank you very much. Without your guidance and support, our education seems impossible. I salute my father for his unconditional love. I am not a Daddy’s girl but I understood he sacrifice so much being away from us for several months or years just to provide us the basic of our needs—decent food on the table, comfortable clothes and roof over our heads. To Daddy, thank you very much. To my fellow graduates, be thankful of the efforts of your parents. Their efforts, wisdom, and inspiration in looking after our needs are incomparable.

  

To my dear teachers, Thank you is not enough phrase to express our appreciation. To my adviser, Ms. Analyn Biñas, thank you for being a good disciplinarian. Your constant nagging reminders made the bullies inside our class sent them scampering quietly into their seats. We truly appreciate your time, sacrifice, and your efforts for us. To my other subject teachers, Maam Gina Estrada, thanks for teaching us the Filipino Language, we will never forget the joyful memories we shared with you. To Ms. Rissa Condes, thank you for teaching us the advanced algebra and complex trigonometry. These lessons somehow help us equipped to face college math. To my other teachers, we will never forget the interesting lessons and mind boggling problems we encountered in classrooms. Truly fourth year Philippians is a class of extremes. The achievers as well as under-achievers compete each other for that proverbial gold medal.
In fact, the big challenge lies ahead—the world of college or university. Some of us feel both the jitters and excitement of college life. But whatever it takes we are ready because of the selfish less dedication and commitment of our teachers.

   To my classmates, thank you for the joys, anxieties, tensions and disappointments we shared together. The happy memories outlast the not-so-good ones yet they are worth remembering because it made me feel recognized and appreciated. The rehearsals we endure give me inspiration to always give my best shot. Thank you for instilling in me the competitive spirit. Without your presence inside the classroom, particularly the boys and some girls, who draw laughter when some of your answers are out of bounds, it seems like impossible. But sadly, we will never see each other in a same classroom again. I will surely miss our bonding times together—the very loud laugh of Reena, the swipe of Cathrene whenever she is happy, our humorous moments with Bouazzi, I will miss the chatting times with the mean girls, Jeremy and Princess, when the boys call me different names like Jessica Soho and lechon, every time we play marco polo and ice water childly, and when we dance and sing our favourite songs. I will miss the funny gestures of Maam Ana, singing OPM songs in Maam Gina’s class, and the gladness we feel every time we understand Maam Rissa’s lectures. Thank you Philippians for everything, I will surely miss those victory and trials that we shared together.

  
And to my Alma Mater, the Great Christian Academy, thank you for instilling in me great Christian values. It made me stronger to resist temptations of the materialistic environment the new generation has to offer. To Pastor Jose, the CEO of this school may your tribe increase. Truly, the quality private education is your greatest legacy in this side of Sun Valley Drive.

  And to the graduating batch of 2013, Education never ends; it is a series of lessons with the greatest for the last. I wish you all the best in all of your future pursuits and all of the happiness no matter which path your life takes.

   The last but not the least, I thank the Almighty Lord for His divine presence in my life. My faith in God made me a stronger person I can be. He’s my inspiration in everything that I do and this is all for Him.

   Let me end my speech by quoting a moving oration of Og Mandino’s “I Will Persist”: (And I quote)
  I will remember, the ancient law of averages and I will bend it to my good. Each frown I meet only prepares me for the smile to come. Each misfortune I encounter, I will carry in it the seed of tomorrow's good luck. I must fail often to succeed only once. I will persist until I succeed. (Unquote)

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   Thank you very much and once again, Congratulations fellow Graduates!