Enchanted Eve 2015 Inspirational Message

I made and delivered this speech when I was a college instructor in Asbury College, Inc. at Poblacion, Anda, Pangasinan. I was tasked to give an inspirational message during the Enchanted Eve program of the said school. This speech was created to uplift, inspire and empower the graduating students of academic year 2014- 2015  and to challenge the next Senior students.  

To our school president, who had just celebrated her birthday last March 9, Rev. Marsha G. Alexander, college dean, Mrs. Angeles D. Otibar, fellow faculty and staff, visitors, friends, students especially to the protagonists of this event, the fourth year students, ladies and gentlemen, a blessed evening to everyone.

It is indeed a great privilege to stand and speak in front of this crowd. When I was given the task to give an inspirational message to the students in this affair, I wanted to decline the offer because I knew to myself that my professional career has just sprouted. I am worried that I might not give you full blast of inspiring and persuading message because of the little experiences I have garnered at my young age. But, I grabbed the opportunity that's why I am here and I do believe that God appointed me to aid my younger brothers and sisters who will face various endeavors in next days to come. 

The reasons why we are here is to salute and commend the graduating students of this academic year and to witness the bestowing of duties and responsibilities by the graduating students to the third year students who are the future leaders of the studentry. 

As we all know, studying in college is not a piece of cake. You need to endure pains, problems and expenses just to finish a college degree. Sometimes, your faith, family relationships and friendships are put to tests because of the scholastic activities that you are attending. 

During my college days, I experienced highs and lows. I became an officer in the highest mandated student body of my Alma Mater. Furthermore, I served as opinion editor for two years and editor-in-chief for two years. However, my health declined in that time and I did not have quality time with my family, friends and God. Amidst the challenges I faced during my studies, I survived and finished a college degree. I thought that I cannot finish the course because of the disappointments and impatience I felt when I was studying. I am grateful to God for helping me in my studying.

I know that the graduating students have also experienced torments and comforts in their respective battles. Now, that your hardships will bear good fruits, this is the time to salute and commend all of you in reaching this stage. Your achievement is not only your victory, but also by your parents and ours. We, the teachers and staff of this institution are also celebrating because our efforts that we have invested in you are not wasted. However, this milestone is just the beginning. There are numerous challenges outside the campus. These challenges may push you to the limits or these may weaken or strengthen you. 

If you will pursue your chosen field, you will observe that the challenges in that field are immense and complicated than the challenges you had in your schooling. The task that you need to do is how to apply your learning to playing this game called life. If in school, you can ask for extensions or beg for considerations, in life, seldom you can get a second chance. 

According to Winston Churchill, "The price of greatness is responsibility." All of you are in the stage of greatness and in this stage, responsibility clings in you. Your responsibility in the school does not end in transferring the leadership to younger students. Outside the school, there are bigger and heavier responsibilities that you need to carry on shoulders. I am challenging all the graduating students to make your alma mater proud of you. Always remember that you always carry the name of Asbury College. Do actions that reflect the vision and mission of the school. You need to showcase excellence and Christian virtues in your works so that the image of Asbury College will be given respect by the people around you. Your siblings are looking up to all of you. Make sure that they can see traits and deeds from you that are worthy of emulation.

For the third your students, you are now entering another dimension of college life. Your predecessors are expecting that you will take care of the welfare of school and students just what they have done for almost four years. You should not be playful in your decisions and you need to be firm in what you believe is right, true and beneficial for everyone. Holding responsibilities is not like the way children playing with their toys. Responsibilities are not toys that after feeling bored in playing with these, you will just abandon the things and look for another. Be responsible for addressing responsibilities. Be accountable for every single thing you do. You are now the captains and in your ships, your schoolmates who aboard as your passengers. You must move them safely and you must face the consequences when the ship is in danger. Responsibilities are like precious jewels, they must be worn with pride and accountability. They are not just ornaments, but they are the determiners of your style, of your personality. Famous leaders like Jesus Christ, Gandhi, Rizal are loved by people because they acted the responsibilities not for self- interest but for the goodwill of people. Learn to accept and practice responsibilities so that you can leave a legacy to the next seniors. Remember that we are forming you to be next leaders of our society. We are teaching you things that will help you to be independent, intelligent and industrious leaders not only in our country but in the whole world. 

Nowadays, we need great leaders who are not just called "great" based on the level of their positions but great leaders who can transform and inspire others. Third-year and fourth-year students, you are our future leaders. We are depending on you. You are the heirs of your beloved Alma Mater and beloved country. You are the game changers of the next generation. I am hoping that the things we have taught to all of you can make Asbury College and Philippines outstanding. Let's work hand in hand to help God in transforming this world full of hostilities and grief into world of peace and serenity. At the end of the day, all of us are leaders. We are not just leaders of this school, but we are leaders of the world. We have responsibilities to address not only for the ACI Community but also for all the people around the world.