Speech for a Guest Speaker in an Elementary Graduation

            Mrs. Corazon C. Tingson, District Supervisor, Miss Cecilia O. Esparagoza, principal, faculty & staff, parents, pupils, alumni, guests and most of all to the stars of today, to the graduates of school year 2012-2013 of Barbaza Central School, my warmest greetings to all of you!

            Before I go further with my speech, let me first express my feelings of pleasure to the honor of being invited and chosen as your guest speaker for this special day.

            “Once upon a time”, as children we are fond of reading stories like fairy tales and most of these stories start with this line. It marks the beginning of an amazing journey, the ups and lows of one’s life, the struggles, challenges and the things the character do to conquer it. Today is a significant day for everyone, for the pupils graduating, for the proud parents and the hard working teachers that made this day possible. Let us look back in the past before we look forward to the coming future, how it all began and the adventure you had.

            Being back here, brings back so many memories of my childhood. How my first day started, my classmates, my teachers and the fun and not so fun things that have happened. Being nostalgic, I also remembered other things from my elementary years, my high school and until I graduated in college. When I was starting as a professional, seems like yesterday but a lot have happened but all I can say is that it was a journey worth remembering and I’ll always be grateful about for I won’t be me if not for those things. Remember the first day of class, you may have started studying here during you preparatory or grade one, so young. (May I ask our graduates or everyone who are here if you are the person I am referring to so just raise your hand.) You don’t know the reason why you need to go to school, why you need to wake up early in the morning, to learn how to drink your milk in a glass and say goodbye to your milk bottle, to start using a bag and have papers, notebooks and pencil than your favorite toys. The logic on saying goodbye to the sanctuary of your home and going out, being with new people, maybe for some the first day was full of tears because lola and nanay needs to say goodbye and leave you with your teachers. Those sad moments which are now funny memories.

            It all started with that first day and six years after, you’re all here, all grown up. But a lot of things happened while venturing your elementary years. The first time you were thought how to count from one to ten, coloring your book, learning to write you first letter, for some it was easy while others find it hard but all of you never stop and instead you continue attending school and learning stuff. Now, all of you know math, not only that you can color but you can draw and you know now how to read, write and speak well but for others who still find it hard, it’s not yet the end. Always remember, my dear graduates, “nothing is constant in this world except for change and life is full of possibilities”. Who would ever think that the silent kid will be a good singer, declaimer, dancer, artist or an athlete? The only thing you need to do is believe on yourself and what you can do and never stop trying. Don’t be afraid to experiment for it’s not only used in your science subject but instead try using it in life, remember that the most important factor in reaching greatness is you.

            Just like in stories, there is always a main character, the “bida” as we say, the one with super powers, the prince or princess or that simple character that battles life no matter how hard it is. Life is simple but it is never easy but it doesn’t mean that we should give up on it. Poverty is very existent but we should not give up on education for as we always say, ‘it is the only richness that could not be taken from one and it is the best foundation in battling life. Thus, my dear graduates, let us be thankful to our dear parents, to your ever supportive and loving nanay & tatay for the effort they made to send us to school and provide us the proper education. Secondly, to the faculty & staff of BCS, you have successfully done great responsibilities in bringing these children to what they are now. And most especially to God, our creator and Father for everything He have given and done for us.

            This is not the end my dear graduates but only the beginning of a new chapter for all of you. Continue pursuing knowledge through education, enter high school and then college. Reach your dreams of being future accountants, doctors, nurses, teachers, religious, military or whatever you want to be. It will be a long road but reaching the end will truly be rewarding and you won’t regret it for only then you will totally feel that “happily ever after”.

            “Building the nation’s future leaders through the k to 12 basic education program.” Is this year’s theme and you will be part of it as you enter high school, embrace knowledge and you will learn to love school and soon you will be able to help not only yourself but the whole country as well. You may not be future political leaders but you are leaders on your own ways for we lead our own life, our own destinies thus always do what is good and proper for what you do affects everyone around you.

            Congratulations to the graduates of school year 2012-2013! Kudos Barbaza Central School! Thank you and once again a pleasant afternoon to everyone!