IT IS again graduation week, and the whole Louisian community are celebrating with all the graduates of Batch 2018. Literally, several thousands just became members of the alumni association of my Alma Mater. They are on their way to the next phase of their lives, the bittersweet, blissfully harsh world of the working class. The phase people of my age say that it is where they truly learned, from actual experience, the real meaning of the word, RESPONSIBILITY.
Graduation is celebrated because it is a pit stop of the amazing race called LIFE. It brings to a close a chapter of one’s life, and it also ushers one to the next chapter almost simultaneously. It is celebrated because one was able to hurdle all the challenges that came his way while studying, and more importantly, it is the cherry put on top of all the small, minor successes during one’s life as a student. It sums up all these seemingly insignificant, uncelebrated successes, that’s why, for some, the celebration can be capricious or grand.
One of the people who made a lot of impact to my life was among those who marched on stage earlier to receive his diploma as a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Business Economics. The diploma he only dreamt, wished, hoped and prayed for several years back.
To say this young gentleman had many challenges is an understatement. The magnitude of his many challenges that time was so gargantuan, that if I were in his shoes, admittedly, I am not sure how to handle them or if I can even handle them.
He reached the point that he can’t afford to dream of a diploma. He lost all hope.
But there were people who saw his potential. There were people who believed in him. They helped him in whatever way they could. He persisted.
He taught me in so many ways how to survive, how to persist. So in honor of this great young gentleman, I dedicate this edition of my column. He is a great example for the young people fo today. You cannot reach your dream if when there are problems you break and stay down. You stand up each time you fall and success will not be far from your reach.
CONGRATULATIONS, AMADO DULAY! Ading, you made it! You make us all proud!