Looking Back, But Moving Forward

Greetings!
 

Indeed, we are so much blessed because God gathered each and every one of us here and gave us an opportunity to witness the Urdaneta City University's 55th Commencement Exercises. 

This Graduation Ceremony connotes a lot to each and every one of us. It may mean: 

First, a success to Urdaneta City University for the realization of its mission: to nurture us, graduates, to become physically sound, mentally alert, morally upright, and socially responsible students and citizens. For four years, UCU have striven hard in order to provide us the best kind of academic service. This was proven in many ways, and the greatest was the humble transition of the institution from a community college to a university. 

For us, graduates, this could be the best endowment to our family and significant others for the sacrifices they painstakingly endured just to send us to this institution and see us fulfill our dreams. This signals the culmination of all the joys and sorrows of college life. But as we close the last chapters of our journey towards academic and skills acquisition, another chapter opens, and this time, we have to learn and pass a tougher and more challenging ordeal- the lessons of life.  

Best of all, this momentous event is another manifestation of God's greatness. A testimony- that in every speck of sacrifices comes an immense fruit of success and blessings. 

What should we do then? 

Primarily, let us give our utmost "thank you" to our family and the rest of our kin. If not because of them, we won't be here. If they abandoned their responsibility to us and didn't have the courage to risk everything they have, we would be sitting somewhere else by now not in those chairs. We would be wearing a different garment- not this dignified toga. Or, we would be singing life as a misery, instead of a victory.  

Also, we have to extend our gratitude to Urdaneta City University and all the people behind this institution, especially our instructors and professors, for they made everything possible for us to realize the beauty and power of our dreams. 

Most of us here would surely "say thank you" first to their friends and  special someone above anybody. Friends and special someone who remained loyal to the bond through the ups and downs and joys and sorrows of not just learning, but of sharing life in general. Personally, I will attest to these, because like you, I am so much indebted to my friends. Without them, I may not have reached this far or achieved this accomplishment. 

Finally, God is the most deserving of all our highest gratitude and praise, because He used all of the above people, in one way or another in order for us to survive amidst the challenges for life's success. 

As we prepare ourselves to leave the portals of our Alma Mater and traverse our own paths towards our own future, we cannot bring anything else greater than this tried-and-tested formula of success: knowledge, skills, and attitude. 

First, always keep in your minds all the teachings and advises of our instructors and professors, either directly or indirectly gained. Use that knowledge efficiently and effectively, not just for your own personal and professional growth, but also in influencing other people's lives. Enhance them further and always view yourself as someone who is always thirsty and hungry for genuine knowledge. 

Second, your skill. Regardless of our respective courses, I know for sure that we were all given enough exposures in different training arenas and scenarios that unfolded our strengths and weaknesses, thereby making us acquainted with our own self. Go therefore and apply those learned skills the best way you can and in the most responsible way. Also, grab all opportunities that will come your way to further enhance them or awaken those that were left dormant for few years.  

But always, bring with you your right attitude. Sooner or later, we will become one of the millions of individuals struggling and competing to win a much coveted job that will unveil the promises of our dreams and aspirations. We cannot deny the fact that graduating as Cum Laude or being a recipient  of  other academic and proficiency  awards from your respective colleges or having a transcript laden  with  high grades will make us a cut- above the rest,but always remember- right attitude will remain foremost. Engrave in the chambers of your hearts the  twelve Character Traits that UCU inculcated in each and every one of us- Enthusiasm, Gratefulness, Initiative, Justice, Loyalty, Obedience, Orderliness, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Trustworthiness, Thriftiness and Wisdom. 

It has been proven for a long time that high grades and an exemplary competence will be a sure advantage to win an employment, but your right attitude will become your most secured ticket to win, not just a living, but a life. Time will come when no one will even recognize you as a graduate with the highest honors, but if you have a sound social interaction and steadfast moral values and standards, you will surely make an impression that will last forever. Knowledge and skill become obsolete, because we are living in a constantly evolving modern world. But if you will nurture right attitude, you will always be confident that you will never go wrong, you will never be outsmart and outdated.

Furthermore, ponder on this passage as quoted by Charles Swindoll:

"Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, than giftedness or skill."

Therefore, put your knowledge, skill and attitude together, with God as your exponent. Surely, you will enjoy a successful life. Keep your faiths burning. Keep your lights shining. Continue believing in the beauty and reality of your dreams.

Thank you.