Seven female and one male honor students delivered response messages and valedictory speeches during a series of Far Eastern University (FEU)’s 2024 Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony and Commencement Exercises from July 4 to 12 at FEU Auditorium and Philippine International Convention Center, respectively.
Addressing an admiring audience, composed of FEU’s Board of Trustees and administrative officers, guest speakers, faculty members and staff, family members, and their fellow graduates, the nine honor students shared experiences, triumphs and challenges, and aspirations in their journey in the halls of the university. The eight speakers acknowledged and applauded the roles of their parents and families, professors, friends and peers in achieving their dreams. For these graduates, they found a supportive, inclusive family in FEU. The community at FEU became their home for years.
More so, the speeches covered topics resounding the three core values of FEU—fortitude, excellence, uprightness—and shared experiences, struggles and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are the key takeaways from the speeches during the commencement week:
Fortitude: Reevaluation of redirection, rest, and delay
One of the core values of FEU is fortitude. It is one’s ability to deal with obstacles and problems while demonstrating strength, perseverance, courage, and hard work. This core value resonated with the journey of Tamaraws as they faced the challenges of the pandemic. Christine Kaye D. Hibionada, Reilly Raje C. Angeles, and Rain Aizel C. Angeles shared how they braved the pandemic and how it changed the way they view challenges today.
Christine Kaye D. Hibionada speaks to the FEU Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF), IABF Makati, Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA), and FEU Roosevelt graduating class. FEU Media Center Services
“Just like the first suspension in March 2020, what seemed like an ordinary suspension turned into our worst nightmare,” Hibionada, magna cum laude of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration–Marketing Management Track, went down memory lane as she reflected on their batch’s biggest challenges–being one of the first batches to experience and navigate the K-12 curriculum, and two years of online learning due to multiple lockdowns. “Calling [these] experience[s] ‘challenging’ hardly captures the depth of our struggles.”
But for her there were no missed opportunities and she refused to believe that they were unlucky. They were only just redirected. That with enough mix of strength, bravery, and courage, they weathered the storms with new mindsets and goals.
“We are the generation that bridged the gap[s] between the virtual and physical classroom, proving that learning can flourish in any setting,” said Hibionada.
She viewed these “shared struggles, moments of bliss, and unshakable solidarity” as a transformative experience—proving that fortitude is not a mere word but one that puts people into action, motivating students to stand tall and firm as they face challenges in life.
“Our lives are not races. We are where we should be. You are at the right time and at the right place,” said Hibionada.
Reilly Raje C. Angeles highlights the importance of resting in reaching dreams. FEU Media Center Services
Reilly Raje C. Angeles recalled that their batch was not able to experience a physical graduation during Senior High School. Moreover, their first two years in college were held online—one of the limitations due to multiple lockdowns during the height of the global pandemic. The magna cum laude of the Special Needs Education program of the Institute of Education shared how COVID-19 affected her personal views on rest.
“After almost two years of struggling and striving in an online set-up, we had to readjust once again for the face-to-face classes. But the question is, did you even rest?” said Reilly Raje. She felt like their journey was a roller coaster ride. At first, they had no idea how to deal with online classes as this was quite foreign for many. Not to mention the struggle of poor internet connectivity and limited devices. Then when they were able to navigate the online world, they were told to return to physical classes.
Due to multiple shifts in modality, many students faced difficulties adjusting—prompting physical, emotional, and mental breakdown for many. It was due to these experiences that Angeles found the importance of resting.
“Resting will not slow down our progress because resting, [as a matter of] fact, can help us hold on stronger to our dreams and [can] give clarity to our path,”, she said.
Rain Aizel C. Angeles shares her journey with the FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) and FEU Cavite graduating class.
FEU Media Center Services
Rain Aizel C. Angeles, magna cum laude of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management-Hotel Operation Track, echoed Reilly’s statement.
“Perhaps, for now, you feel pressured to choose your path. But take it easy. Life is preparing special dishes for you that require time and meticulous preparation to reach perfection,” said Rain Aizel.
She also faced adversities, just like millions of students worldwide, during the onslaught of the pandemic. She paused her schooling and did not enroll when COVID-19 forced her family to the edge of financial difficulties. This delayed her college education. But just like many, she found new ways to entertain herself and make the most out of her little time to rest. Baking became her newfound passion. She was able to share new memories with her grandfather before his untimely death due to complications of COVID-19.
“If it hadn’t been for the delay [in enrolment], I wouldn’t have had [a] chance to make more memories with my Lolo before he died. It’s just amazing how life’s twists and turns can lead us to places we never imagined,” she said.
Two years ago, delays were setbacks for Rain Aizel. Delays were a source of uncertainty. But by embracing it, she became motivated to further her studies and graduate with honors. She reminded her batch that humans have options, and it is up to them to choose the path that will lead them to success. A path that despite obstacles placed along it, humans can walk past through it with perseverance and dedication.
“Even if you are tired and have a hard time choosing, you must always remind yourselves that you are lucky. You are lucky because you have options in front of you. Not everyone is given the privilege of having choices,” she said.
Excellence: Failures and pressures drive dreams to fruition
Another core value of FEU is excellence. By excellence, it means the ability to fulfill difficult and relevant work at par to the highest standards of global competence.
Missy Angeli S. Mabulay shares her experience with her fellow honor students. FEU Media Center Services
Bachelor of Science in Psychology summa cum laude Missy Angeli S. Mabulay mentioned that this core value was the most eminent of all.
“The most compelling proof of this is your very presence in this auditorium,” she said when addressing a crowd of fellow honor students during the morning session of the Academic Excellence Recognition Ceremony.
Mabulay shared how she felt the pressure when writing her response message. She said she felt pressured when she remembered how her CASE and Retorika professors taught her the importance of a strong thesis statement and giving depth to a speech, and also she feared to not properly attribute quotes from other people in the same fashion as how similarity reports used to warn them in Canvas Turn-it In.
“Perhaps, the pressure to write a splendid message stemmed from the pressure to be excellent,” said Mabulay.
Those pressures were some moments of doubts during her college years. As she grew older in the university, and as she continued to collect new knowledge and experiences, she learned how to deal with pressures by continuously persevering while believing in the power of her own dreams.
Medy M. Balanay Jr. highlights the importance of believing in one’s dream. FEU Media Center Services
Medy M. Balanay Jr., magna cum laude from Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Financial Management Track, also mentioned the importance of believing in one’s dream.
“Dream because someday you will become somebody,” he said.
Balanay recognized the importance of hard work, taking chances, and determination in fulfilling personal goals. For him, the journey was not an easy route as it was exhausting and full of roadblocks. But he remained steadfast and persevered to give the greatest reward to his parents’ hard work and sacrifices. He also reminded everyone that opportunities come and go.
“So, take those chances and make calculated risks because getting to where you want to won’t be easy,” he said.
Anna Cecilia A. Olgado appreciates how her failure led her to excellence. FEU Media Center Services
Meanwhile, the summa cum laude of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Anna Cecilia A. Olgado shared how her personal failure pushed her to excellence. Like some of her peers, Olgado’s life trajectory follows that of a typical overachiever. She was class valedictorian from elementary to college and a consistent scholar. Behind her numerous successes, she had one great regret—the failure to let herself fail.
Olgado was candid in sharing the stories behind her successes. She is from a broken family and since her elementary years, she hoped and longed for her family’s reconciliation. This prompted her to believe that she needed to patch up the flaws of her family with personal successes. She thought that through her achievements, she could talk to her father, and she could see her mother attending parents’ meetings in school. While continuously striving to succeed, she forgot to enjoy the process and she feared failure. Until she lost many things along the way.
“I also have less time nurturing my most important friendships outside school, which have weakened imminently. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. But I say, too much absence makes the heart forget. Is this diploma we hold right now worth everything we lost along the way?” she said.
For Olgado, failures are recognized more when they are told with subsequent success story. She was living proof of that. Olgado fulfilled her dreams of seeing her family as one again at her graduation. Now that she is en route to redeeming lost connections, she no longer views failures as setbacks but as redirections and enlightenment toward greater successes.
“Let this be our goal—to not only try but be happy in trying,” said Olgado.
Uprightness: Stepping into the real world
Lastly, a core value highlighted by moral and ethical integrity, selflessness, commitment to fairness, and acknowledgment of greater good. Tamaraws proved that more than the academics, FEU taught them the importance of applying their knowledge and experiences in building a better society for everyone. Bachelor of Science in Nursing cum laude Chloe Faye C. Cruz gave a powerful message for her fellow future health care workers.
Chloe Faye C. Cruz speaks her realizations with her fellow future health care workers. FEU Media Center Services
“The pandemic may have defined the start of our college life, but it will not dictate our future. Not this time. Let us celebrate the moments of self-doubt that blossomed into unwavering self-trust,” she said.
Cruz shared that during the pandemic, she realized many things regarding the overall condition of the healthcare system in the country and doubted herself. Being part of the medical world was her childhood dream and she never prepared to see the dark side of it.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the sad reality of our healthcare system, including the disheartening state of our healthcare workers. Despite this sad truth, we still pursued our goals to [become] healthcare professionals, all the while still clouded by doubt,” she said.
The pandemic influenced her to doubt her dream—raising personal questions if whether she is pursuing the right course or if she is ready to experience the real-life situations of local healthcare workers. Her experiences during online classes, hospital duties, and community work opened her eyes and mind to a much wider perspective of self-trust. She found a new meaning to self-trust.
“Despite the setbacks, we emerged victorious on the other side. The future may be uncertain. But one thing is for sure, the world needs our brand of strength and adaptability,” she said. Cruz is hopeful that one day her batch will contribute to the improvement of healthcare system in the country.
Hazel Mae F. Segovia emphasizes the importance of grit to her success. FEU Media Center Services
On the other hand, Hazel Mae F. Segovia, Juris Doctor second honor, addressed the graduating class of Institute of Law by reminding everyone of their future duties as flag-bearers of justice and inclusivity. Segovia mentioned grit as her driving force in her four years in law school.
“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. It’s having stamina sticking with your future, day in day out, not just for the week. Not just for the month. But for years. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” she said.
Just like the graduates of bachelor programs, this batch of future lawyers started their law school journey at the comfort of their own homes, forcing them to adapt, evolve, and confront adversity head on. Despite the obstacles, their grit propelled them one step away from their dream title.
She sought to ease their fears and doubts by reminding her fellow graduates of the grueling case studies they needed to read and recitations they needed to pass. While encouraging them to never forget the greatest lesson they studied.
“We study the laws so we may be able to become advocates for justice and champions of inclusivity. Let us use the knowledge we have gained in law school to build a brighter, more equitable future for all,” said Segovia.
Mabulay also echoed these statements of becoming future leaders and change-makers. She encouraged the graduating class of 2024 to continue to be excellent beyond theoretical learning. She encouraged everyone to be more educated about what is happening in society and to be brave to take a stand against injustices. She reiterated their future roles of leaders meant to address poverty in all of its forms.
“And so, for our life’s next chapter, may we use our knowledge to persevere and take a stand for others so that they, too, will have an opportunity to be excellent someday. My fellow graduates, take a stand for jeepney drivers, fishermen, farmers, LGBTQIA+ members, and children in the shadows of genocide. Batch 2024, use your power to make changes because we are more than just graduates. We were forged by challengers, and we were raised as change-makers,” Mabulay said.
Commenti