MARCH 1998 TIM Raw 15 10-ri Y, J,04~0 Atmk As f stand before you this morning, I am reminded of an old tradition in the Orient where young bulls are tested for the fight arena in a certain manner. Each is brought to the ring and allowed to attack a matador who pricks them with a lance. The bravery of each bull is then rated with care according to the number of times he -demonstrates his willingness to charge inspite the sting of the blade. In like manner, we graduates have undergone a series of tests which we were able to overcome. The test of determination inspite of material inadequacy. The test to succeed inspite of financial resource handicap. The test and willingness to finish a given task in the midst of voluminous homeworks and assignments under time pressure. Today, after four years of persevering struggles for the quest of secondary education, we are formally proclaimed graduates. However, it is undeniably true that this academic success that we have attained can be attributed not only to our persistence but also to many contributing factors. One of which is the unceasing parental guidance and support of our parents who would like to see us realize our dreams and aspirations. We can just imagine a contract overseas worker who does not complain to. his employer the subhuman work environment and pressure that he is subjected to plus the nostalgia he feels just to help his family and to educate his children. We can just imagine an office worker who earns a very meager income yet is able to make both ends meet including the education of his children. We can just imagine our parents' hopes that someday, somehow we may be able to achieve far better than what they have attained disregarding the toils, hardships and sacrifices, that they are investing. . On the same plane of recognition, we can envision the patience and dedication of our teachers guided with the very basic ideals of being able to develop and mold us, as learned and responsible members of the studentry while preparing for another bigger mission to be overcome after graduation. If we try to look back from the very first day we entered the folds of our beloved alma mater, the Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School, each one of us has a story to tell on how we were able to make it today. Some can think of the joys of topping the exams. On the contrary, others can remember the agony of getting a failing score. Some may have also experienced crushes' and puppy loves which inspired them to deligently attend school while cramming for a departmental exam or pressing it hard to finish an assigned project. These may be part of it, but diffinitely not all of it. While in- school, we., also learn valuable virtues in life. Among these are the virtues of hard work, persistence, humility and compassion. Today, as we receive our diploma, we merit it to the things that we have done and the things that we have failed to do in the last four years., This is the product and the subtotal of the lessons we learned and the ones we failed to understand. We cannot relive the errors of yesterday and correct them. We cannot anymore turn back the hands of time and wait a single moment in trying to redo the things hastily done and the lessons we failed to understand. This diploma is the product and summation of the victories and -failures, the pains and joys, the sacrifices, hardships and dedication of our parents, teachers and ourselves. We cannot however, afford to discount the guidance and blessings of our Heavenly Father for He is the source of all wisdom and 9 enli htenment of our minds, for us to be able to overcome the difficulties in acquiring secondary education. My fellow graduates, allow me to relate to you the words from an inspirational writer Og Mandino, "Let us set our goals for the day, the week, the month, the year.and our li."e. Just us the rain may fall before the wheat will crack its shell and sprout. So must we have objectives before our life will crystallize." In setting our goals, let us consider our best performance of the past and multiply it a hundred fold. This can be the standard by which we will live in the future. Never will we be concerned that our goals are too high. Is it not better to aim our spear at the moon and strike only an eagle than to aim our spear at the eagle and strike only a rock?" So in closing, we, members of the graduating class reiterate our heartfelt thanks and undying gratitude to our nanay and tatay, the rest of the family, our teachers and above all God. Mabuhay kita tanan.