Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them. Henry Steele Commager
Several months ago in November 2008,
change was intimidating. For five years, I have what my fellow students aspire after college: a stable job. The recently concluded semester left me no option but restructure my fixed pattern as a fulltime employee by day and part-time student by night. The daunting concern then was basically losing my steady revenue. Whether or not the study leave was granted, it would mean burdening my mom not only with scholastic expenses but also my personal expenses despite chopping off the non-essentials.
Those times change was inevitable and not reassuring for even though my leave was granted, I still had several units left to take. And so I embarked on the change while the progress I was hoping for still lies faintly at the distance. I knew very well that I risked losing my job after the 5-month study leave expires by the end of April. Still, I pursued the direction that change led me to.
Today, I am elated and still surprised on what great progress had transpired. Graduation day was just an event I looked forward to indefinitely as I inched my way toward it. Four years, 2 courses, 2 curricular revisions, and 3 graduation ceremonies prior this… it seemed endless. Like a worm’s, my progress was gradual until I did that little extra bend that enabled me to lunge myself farther and eventually to the finish line.
Now friends, as my tenure as a student end, allow me to share with you few things that kept me through and to not speak of them is wasted privilege.
The entire experience had demonstrated to me in many ways the virtue of trust. It is trust that teachers can leave you on your own as you take exams and they don’t doubt your scores. Trust is why you’re appointed to various orgs and chosen to compete in contests. Trust could sometimes give you privileges and make things easier for you like for example, extend a deadline. Trust is how you make people listen and oftentimes agree with you. Most importantly, trust is the only loyal ally we have for ourselves.
Let me thank these people whose trust served as pillars that upheld me all along.
Foremost of course is my family. And considering how extensive Filipino families are, my gratitude extends to each of them who expressed support even just through short emails and IMs. But most especially to my immediate family who were there with me all the time… mom and dad for believing in my potentials even though sometimes we differ in strategy; we’re both aiming for the best anyway. And to Shep, my sister, who had made me famous among her peers; I know you’re proud of me although I may not the best sibling one could have.
Secondly, my mentors who have become more like colleagues and friends to me.
Mr. Bert Casabal, Head of Academic Affairs; I don’t know what else is left to say to commend you as an educator, coach and a friend to us.
Ms. Sam Dizon, Head of Computer Studies; I am greatly indebted to your unequaled support for me from the very start. I’ve always admired your diligence and your assertiveness.
Similar commendation to the esteemed college heads; I wish that you’ll be aptly recognized for being the true prized assets of the school
The present and former instructors especially of the CCS, your patience and tolerance are impressive… Nestlé for bearing with me during my last 30-hour tutorial class… Of course friends from the Gen Ed: Brye, Agnes, and Aby, my adviser for the school publication; I’ll definitely miss all the sensible and ‘not so’ sensible fun we had and I hope we could lunch again with Mama Ann soon.
My employer, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority especially to my colleagues of the MIS Office currently in the leadership of Jeff Salazar, thank you for the opportunity that has given me the advantage to be ‘extraordinary’ as a student. Similar gratitude for the two previous managers who held office since I was hired, thank you for the trust and encouragements... DA Doc Martinez, Deputy Administrator for Admin, for recommending approval of my 5-month leave… And my closest friends at work, you make the workplace seem less stressful than it actually is.
I’ve also fortified the value of friendship. There are friends who won’t mind feeding us while others would just teach us to fish. Personally, it is my joy to share with a friend our catch after a day of fishing. We shouldn’t oblige our friends to work with us during exams because that would be parasitic rather than mutual. But it’s reassuring to know that someone is there to give us a hand or a shoulder when it seems we are just too exhausted.
To my schoolmates and friends, the present and the past 3 batches prior ours regardless of our courses, every moment with you was worthwhile and fun.
My special thanks however to the original Batch 2009 IT students, for making me feel really one of you even though my graduation came earlier than expected. Gerald Rankin, my constant pair in group projects… Aie and Nikki, I’ve always admired your persistence… the IT experts, Je and Alvin, you are the pride of the class, and Paul – the three of you; thank you for volunteering as layout artists for the school paper.
And to the incoming senior IT students, my best wishes…
And should I forget to thank my work colleagues, Ryan and Alfred? You guys are unselfish to render technical support when my PC malfunctioned on weekends and even though I was officially on leave; big thanks!
Now let me quote this section from the famed “The Road Not Taken” that describes quite well the journey it had been but I want to believe that mine’s not the regretful interpretation of Frost:
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Finally, I’ve learned that writing could take us places and make us what we want to be – even a class valedictorian.
