(Editor’s Note: This is the full text of the Special Recognition Speech by Dianne C. Sheng, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Public Policy, Summa Cum Laude and CAS Class Valedictorian, during the Special Awarding Ceremony last August 8, 2024.)
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, esteemed faculty, proud parents, guardians, distinguished guests, and my fellow graduating students of Batch 2024: with a heart full of gratitude and fulfillment, I wish you all a blessed morning.
It’s been a while since I last experienced the so-called “fear of the blank page,” and it resurfaced while writing this speech. It probably took me three (3) weeks – from the moment I heard the news about this opportunity to address all of you on our momentous occasion today – going back and forth with pressing the “backspace” function of my laptop before I started making sense out of what I’ve wanted to share with you all.
Humbled, grateful, and hopeful are the closest words to describe the overwhelming surge of emotions I can think of amidst the crazy blur of everything happening as we draw closer and closer to closing this chapter of our life, which I’ll label “college.” The fleeting four years left me packed up in memory to fondly look back on when I’m old, gray, and hopefully, have lived up to the challenge of the title that San Beda University had so graciously decided to entrust to someone like me, who, while having gone through so much, still has so much to go through and much, much more to learn.
It’s both an honor and a privilege to share this moment with you as we’ve navigated one extraordinary journey together – one that began amid a global pandemic and continued through screens and virtual interactions. As we celebrate this milestone, I would like to look back and share three (3) random but life-changing realizations that I hope will resonate with all of us:
First, I can confidently say that our batch has shown remarkable resilience, grit, and determination while navigating the uncertainty of our “digital by default” era — the days when we met online, attended classes without the need to take a bath, and even did jumping jacks (and played basketball virtually) together. On a serious note, there was a lot going on behind the cameras as we juggled our responsibilities and strived to maintain a balance between our academic and personal lives. The strict lockdown measures meant we couldn’t even take a break to see friends, making life feel repetitive and confining. Each day blended into the next as we adjusted to virtual learning, isolation, and the challenges of staying motivated while confined to our homes. There were battles we fought and won silently. In my case, the pandemic took a significant toll on my mental health, leading to severe panic attacks and anxiety that made me seek professional help. I faced constant breakdowns, and my siblings, trying to lighten the mood, started calling me “the weeping lady” because they often heard my cries in the middle of the night. Isn’t it funny how the things that make us cry can sometimes turn into the best stories?
One of the most touching moments was when my sister would accompany me during online classes. Even though it was seven in the morning, she would sit beside me, offering her silent support as if she were just another classmate. Her presence was a small but profound source of comfort during those challenging times. Indeed, “what once made us cry will soon make us laugh.” It’s funny how time turns our toughest moments into stories we chuckle about. The struggles we faced and the tears we shed will eventually become just another part of our journey that we look back on with a smile. I hope we all embrace the fact that what feels intense and overwhelming now will, through time, turn into the funny anecdotes and memories we laugh about later in life – it is a testament to our resilience, grit, and determination that we’ve faced these challenges head-on and emerged stronger. Our ability to push through tough times and find humor in our journey is a mark of our strength.
Second, I couldn’t agree more with the saying that “university life will humble you,” and this has been especially true here at San Beda. Surrounded by amazing student leaders and professors whom I deeply admire, I’ve experienced firsthand how humility is a vital component of excellence and how excellence is best pursued collectively rather than individually. True leadership concerns itself with connecting with, inspiring (and being equally inspired by), and uniting people. With this comes the realization that mistaking the essence of excellence for placing oneself above others creates a distance that might eventually become insurmountable. For me, I would have never sacrificed my treasured friendships and relationships for awards, recognitions, or fleeting accolades. These material things and titles will soon become irrelevant, but I feel relieved because I have formed friendships that have turned into families and will last me a lifetime. True excellence is not about standing above others but about growing alongside them and valuing the connections that truly matter. I believe this is why I can proudly say that I’ve had the best support system throughout my college years. Without it, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you all. I am a culmination of San Beda’s nurturing environment, the guidance of incredible mentors, and the unwavering support of friends who have become like family. Each of these elements has contributed to shaping who I am today and has been instrumental in my journey. As James 4:10 reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Lastly, I want to impart to all of you the importance of expressing our love and appreciation to our loved ones in as many ways as possible. I learned this in the most painful way imaginable when I lost my mom last year on Valentine’s Day. One of our last conversations was me encouraging her to keep fighting and reminding her to look forward to our graduation day, which was supposed to be tomorrow. She was always so proud of my achievements, and her unwavering support was a constant source of strength for me. Losing someone we love is a feeling that’s almost impossible to put into words; it leaves a wound that never fully heals. I never imagined I’d be here today, speaking to you all without her. Yet, I’ve come to view things differently. I am deeply grateful for the profound love and support she gave me. It’s a reminder that we should cherish and express our appreciation for our loved ones while we have the chance. I hope we all continue to honor those who mean the most to us by showing them how much they matter, valuing every moment together, and never taking their presence for granted.
Before I end this speech, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who stood by me and showered me with love, support, kindness, understanding, and guidance throughout my academic journey. To my family – Papa, Mama, Atty. Judy, Abegail, and Emman – I dedicate my achievements to all of you. Your unwavering support has been my foundation and strength. To my second mother here in San Beda, whom I have so much respect for—Ma’am V—you are more than a professor to us. You have been one of the things we looked forward to seeing every day here in this institution because of your warmth and loving nature. I will continue to make you proud in the future and will forever cherish the wisdom and encouragement you have shared with me. To my ever-supportive “go-to” people for both academic and non-academic concerns—Sir June and Ma’am Julie—thank you for your unwavering love and support. Your belief in me during moments of doubt and fear has meant more than words can express. To my friends who have become like family—Stephanie, Reina, Isrhael, Jino, Val, Lance, and Joubert—being your friend is what I’m most proud of. It’s the most cherished title I could ever hope for. To my organizations inside and outside San Beda University—SBES, BSG, AYLC Batch 2023: Silakbo—I may not be able to mention everyone individually, but from the bottom of my heart, I express my profound gratitude. To those who serve as the backbone of San Beda University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)—our esteemed faculty members: Dean Bryan, Vice Dean Moses, Vice Dean Pam, Doc Marvs, Ma’am Sybil, Ma’am Esther, Ma’am Lon, Dean Domi, and all our CAS professors—your dedication and support have profoundly shaped our academic journey and made a lasting impact. For that, I am forever grateful.
Finally, to the graduating Class of 2024, we are often our harshest critics, dwelling on what we haven’t done or could have done better. We may find ourselves running races that aren’t ours to run, but perhaps life isn’t about racing toward a destination. Instead, it’s about taking small, meaningful strolls through different neighborhoods, wandering, getting lost, and ultimately discovering who we truly are beneath societal expectations—our most authentic, imperfect, and vulnerable selves.
This is our moment, our story, and our chance to shine. As we embark on this new journey, I hope and pray that each of you lives a life you can be proud of – one that is filled with happiness without anyone else’s input. If you find yourself lost along the way, may you have the strength to find your way back or start anew. Embrace the challenges, even if they seem scary, risky, or unfamiliar. Sometimes, comfort can be the enemy of growth, and pressure can be a catalyst for progress. Ease and calm don’t always mean you’re on the right path. The greatest rewards often come from being brave and persistent.
I’ve often heard from the older generation who have mentored me that it’s inevitable to come to that point in your life where you’ll be faced with a great, terrifying unknown: a life path crisis. When we do come to that point, I hope that you will remember that we were one of the pioneer batches who faced, braved, and conquered the transition to a full digital class set up amid a pandemic.
So, keep moving forward with a heart full of determination, even when the road gets tough. Trust that every challenge is an opportunity, and every setback is a lesson. Embrace the journey with resilience and hope and let your light shine brightly for all to see. This is your time to be bold, to be courageous, and to make a difference.
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Here’s to the adventures that lie ahead and to the incredible future you will create.
That in all things, God may be glorified!
Thank you very much.