March 16, 2016.

Graduation Day

Our elementary years seem to have passed in a flurry of activities: grades attained, extra curricular activities, social events and lesson learned. It is hard to believe that the tomorrow will see the Graduating Class of 2016 facing new horizons and challenges.

Some of us may stay closer to home, some may move slightly further away and yet others may find themselves in a totally different continent. Where ever you may find yourself and what ever challenge you may have chosen to follow and explore - hold true to what shaped your yesterdays; acknowledge and appreciate what you are today and dare to be all that you can be tomorrow! We need to express our gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that we were exposed to. We are privileged to have attended this school. Ateneo offers a world class education - of that we have no doubt. As we make a relatively smooth transition into life beyond school, I am sure that the fine education that we received will stand us in good stead - time and again.

Our thanks must also extend to our parents and guardians. You have remained committed to our education, but more importantly, you have remained committed to us. You have stood by our sides, even when things may have seemed a bit rocky - steadfast and constant - stability in a time of turmoil, hesitancy and our quest for independence. Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter in our lives. Take a moment to reflect on everything that we have achieved. Take a moment to look back and to see and appreciate just how far we have all come. Tomorrow will be our opportunity to acknowledge our accomplishments.

Some may have achieved more than others with relative ease. Some may have had to work harder...may have had to dig deeper to find the resolve to continue to meet the challenge - and perhaps some may have let opportunities pass them by?

Either way, today, you need to acknowledge where you are. You may find that your elementary years were years well spent. You may find that you regret some of the opportunities that you allowed to slip by. Acknowledge them, accept them and then prepare to move on...to tomorrow!

You need to dare to dream to be all that you can be tomorrow.

Dale Carnegie said, "The person who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to DO and DARE!" This is the challenge that lies before you this evening. Dare to be all that you can be. Dare to chase your chosen career -
Dare to excel -
Dare to go the extra mile -
Dare to show compassion -
Dare to make your mark in the world -
Dare to have empathy -
Dare to be the best you can be... and then DO it!

Overly simplistic? Probably. Within our reach? Definitely!

My thanks and fondest best wishes go with you one and all.
I'm thankful for the people who made it harder for me to say goodbye. You mean so much to me and you made a great impact to the first chapter of my school life.

always, Marga x