Writer’s note: This is the full transcript of my speech during the recognition day of my beloved Alma Mater where I was invited to be the guest speaker.

---

I’m going to make this quick so as not to prolong your excitement in receiving the awards you solely deserve to receive today. First of all, your presence is much appreciated.

To the ever vigorous Principal, Sir Norberto Galiza, and of course the teaching staff of the Alma Mater I am always proud to be a graduate from, let me express to you my heartfelt congratulations; to the loving and supportive parents, guardians, and family members whose hardwork are once again being paid off today, you also deserve this recognition; and to the students, to everyone, especially to you dear blessed brilliant and wonderful students who will be receiving tokens of your hardwork .. good afternoon and thank you for your dedication; thank you for working harder.

I am honoured and humbled to be speaking in front of you because the day I was asked be to be the guest speaker, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Kayak ngata? 22 nak pelang. Awan pay napatunayak. Kasanu nak ngata nga maka inspire kanyada?”

And I was reminded of my daily motivation. The motivation that makes me go the extra mile in every waking day. Jay motivation ko inaldaw tapnu agbalin nak dijay kayat ko nga pagbalinan. So now, let me start by saying, BECOME YOUR DREAMS.

You are never too young to dream big. But I’m here to remind you that the road to honor and excellence is a long, winding, and bumpy one.

Haan nga asi-asi nga kunada. Ngem adda lima nga banag nga kayat ko nga panunuten yo kanayon if sometimes you feel like giving up on your dreams.

1. You will likely fail often.

It is a part of life and it is okay to fail. It is impossible to live without failing at something. At 20, I travelled to local destinations I always dreamt of visiting while consequently helping other people through humanitarian works. At 21, I was travelling alone to places nga haan ko pay napnapanan, and at 22, haan ko pay naabot tay dream ko nga agbalin nga lawyer, as I promised myself when I was your age.

But at 22, I still travel to places and talk in front of a larger crowd. Ti kakadwak nga agsarsarita ket Directors ti PAGASA, ti Phivolcs, and other prominent people from different government and private agencies and it felt surreal.

It gives me the satisfaction that it’s okay to fail and take another path as long as you work it out and learn to solve your mishaps in life. Keep moving forward because life itself is not fair. Problems will always be there but never quit. If you stumble, get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters.

Today is another day so get back on track and move closer to your dreams and goals. You can do it. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re going to fail at everything. You are never too young to become your dreams.

2. 1 Timothy 4:12. Do not let anyone look down at you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

This is a bible verse and it comes true with all of the young people here. This may be spiritual but remember that when we take this message literally, we will win life.

3. Always remember the lessons you’ve learned from your high school teachers because they are most likely the ones who are preparing you into the battlefield called adulthood.

Narigat agbasa ti college kasi adda dagijay oras nga agmaymaysa ka agar-aramid projects and papers mo. Narigrigat man agubran ta ubraem ti banbanag nga hanmo met inadal idi agbasbasa ka ngem always remember the lessons from your high school teachers.

In lessons, I do not only mean your subjects, but also dagijay life lessons nga nasurwan ken masursurwan yo kanyada. You will always turn to them for questions, guidance, and even counselling when you feel at lost with life. Turn to them because they are equipped with both knowledge and a strong heart and they will never fail you.

4. Your family will always be there for you when nobody else will.

They will be your number one supporters in everything you do so spend quality time with them and consult them in every decision you make. Personally, I depend on my family no matter the situation may be and how sever the situation is.

My family is always there to pick me up when I’m down. Knowing that I have such a strong support system behind me makes me want to push myself and be better in everything that I do. I have been able to thrive due to the positivity and the encouragement that always come from them. Much of my building success has come from their support.

Do not forget that they always come first.

Lastly..

5. Be your best self. Believe in yourself, rather. Stop your self-doubt. Always, always believe in yourself, because of you don’t, then who will? So do it.

Decide. Is this the life you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? More kind? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out and decide on how you can be your dreams. Everything is going to be alright. DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS.

Work hard and dream big and surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinker, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself. Continue reflecting upon yourselves, building your physical strength and cultivating your hearts while trying to strike a balance.

And to the adults who are here who now know how hard it is to live the adult life of paying bills and taking care of other people before your own, the same message goes to you. It is never too late to become your dreams. If you want to take that masters and doctorate degree even after you’re forty, do it.

If you dream of being called doctor, or attorney, or simply Ma’am and Sir, work harder. With faith and God’s guidance, make it happen, shock everyone, including yourself.

So let me ask every student who are here today to grab the hand of the person next to you and repeat after me: TODAY, I PROMISE TO BECOME MY DREAMS. HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES, WHATEVER PROBLEM LIFE THROWS AT ME, I WILL STAND FIRM, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. I WILL BECOME MY DREAMS.

Thank you.