04/07/2024
๐๐๐๐ || ๐๐ก๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐. ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ณ, ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง, ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ 2024
Jhia Nica P. Lluz, Cum Laude and class valedictorian, shared her message on behalf of the Class of 2024 during the 43rd Commencement Exercises held at UEP-PRM Campus, DAL Gymnatorium on June 25, 2024.
Lluz reflected on the challenges faced by their batch, especially the transition from distance learning to traditional face-to-face classes.
"In 2020, the pandemic hit like a sudden storm on a summer day and changed everything. As graduating senior high school students, we missed out on the traditional graduation rites. Hence, this moment is especially meaningful as it is the first time that we are experiencing the traditional graduation rites."
Moreover, she emphasized in her speech the importance of perseverance and finding fulfillment in their journey, quoting a line from the song "Karera" by BINI: "Huwag mag-alala buhay ay โdi karera," emphasizing that life after college is not a race.
She also urged her classmates to not be overwhelmed by societal pressure and discover their own paths in life after college. "No matter how much the world may try to convince you that you should have achieved more by now, never undervalue all the efforts and sacrifices that brought you here."
Lastly, Lluz left her classmates with a message: "As we bid farewell to the familiar sights and sounds of our college days and step into the great unknown, letโs do so with open hearts and open minds. Letโs embrace the journey ahead with all its twists and turns, knowing that itโs ours to navigate and cherish."
Words by Kristine Lim
Layout by Gabriel Gregory Osal