IT IS GRADUATION season. Cameras will snap, parents will grin and sigh (of relief), and graduates flaunt their togas along the aisle of success.
It is graduation season. Speakers will tell the graduates that “today” starts not only the rest of their lives but their "real" lives.
With this, we congratulate them—and their families—on getting to this day, finally.
Alongside congratulating all the graduates in 2016, allow me to express my happiness as the special person of my life, finally, walks on the aisle of at-long-last-I’m-done and Oh-what-will-happen-next.
To Rejah Igen Sumadic Corvera, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Xavier University, congratulations for making it to the finish line.
With so much happiness and pride, I am honored to see you finally overcome countless impediments that, at long last, you’re here. You’re done. Oh yes, finally.
I look at you every single day, wearing your all-white nursing outfit, hearing stories about how your day went in the hospital while juggling several assignments and paperworks from different subjects you’ve had, yet you still managed to be at your best in service, smiling despite the stresses, sincerity despite the insults you get.
I, for one, saw and felt your sincerity in helping others. It is not easy to wake up in the morning, getting stressed out with the kind of atmosphere you see, hear, and feel in a public E.R. yet you’re there, still holding on to the value of being the woman for those who are in need of your help, serving them with all smiles and authenticity.
It is really true that Filipino nurses have been known to be among the most caring nurses in the world – the kind that many local and foreign nationals would prefer and trust. This is why this brand of excellence became the Philippines’ banner for sending its nurses to the world market.
I just can’t fathom the happiness I saw from your parents knowing that their eldest is finally graduating this day. Though there were hiccups along the way, yet still, parents will always be parents. They will always be your comfort zone. To Tita Janette and Tito Rene, congratulations for graduating as well.
As you jump on to the next step, I hope and pray for the best outcome. You are not made to see less of what you’ll become, rather you’re made to seek His glory for the success of you’ll achieve in the next few months. The thought of taking the boards will either make or break you, but think the former for His grace is upon us.
I’m writing this for all the world to know how happy I am you’ve reached this far. All the hard work, the cries, the long queues, and unexpected exams paid off.
Now, continue to strive to be the woman of excellence our community needs. Continue to soar. Continue to serve the Filipinos to the best of your ability. Again, congratulations, love.
To all the graduates of 2016, go out and conquer the world!