360-Degree Mission [Commencement Speech as Guest of Honor]

Author's note: I am a work-in-progress. I may still fail on each point one time or another. I am not perfect, but I'm striving to be better. I thank God for the opportunity to share to you my life lessons. I hope you'd learn something from me. God bless us all!

A pleasant morning/afternoon to everyone!

I am deeply honoured to be chosen to be the guest speaker for this momentous event. I remember when I graduated last May 2011, our commencement speaker was Ms. Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. So, medyo lume-level tayo ngayon kay Ms. Gina Lopez. Just kidding. Somehow, I feel that I am quite too young for this. But I am really grateful for the STI administration for trusting me and for giving me this privilege to speak in front of these precious hopeful graduates of my alma mater, STI College Novaliches.

I believe that like me four years ago, you, graduates, are both elated and nervous on facing as what many people would call as the “real world”. Maybe you are asking yourself, “What’s in store for me in this real world?”

For the past four years that I have been working, I’ve been through a lot of challenges, circumstances, and successes that have tested not only my abilities, but also my credibility, identity, and tenacity. So at this moment, I am eager to share to you six-point lessons from my experiences which you may apply from this day on as you start and go on with your career. I have made these so easy to remember. Here's what you should do:

First, to look inside. To look inside means to comprehend yourself, to determine the passion you want to pursue, the career you dream to take on. “Gusto ko bang maging software programmer, web developer, graphic artist, hotel manager, operations manager, flight stewardess?” Ask yourself, “What do I really want to become?” and start seeking a job related to it, a stepping-stone to your success.

Be confident! Stop comparing yourself with other people. I have always believed that each person is unique and has a distinct role in this world. You are the best person to play your role.

Looking inside you also means to know yourself better. Hindi lang sa companies ginagamit ang SWOT Analysis. You should identify your strengths to exude, your weaknesses to improve, the opportunities around you, as well as the threats that surround you. From these, you can build up your plans.

And that makes me move to my second point.

To look forward. To look forward is to dream big. At this moment, I would like to share to you the story of my lolo. Do you know who my lolo is? He’s no other than Mr. Henry Sy! Joke. No, he’s actually my big boss.

When it comes to being a visionary, Mr. Sy probably will be one of the people who would top the list. Little Henry was 12 years old when he followed his father from China to Philippines, and set out their adventure. He persisted in the midst of poverty. He started on buying goods from Divisoria which he would sell on his father’s sari-sari store. Unfortunately, during the World War II, the economy collapsed and their store was burned down which made his father decide to go back to China. But courageous Henry opted to stay in the Philippines and ventured into selling cheap shoes in Marikina. A few years later, he had loan from China Bank that he used for rebuilding his shoe business. He enrolled in college even if he didn’t finish his high school. When the economy was getting better in 1958, he put up the very first Shoemart along Carriedo St. in Manila, then another two outlets. Afterwards, he added appliances on his merchandise. Store chains expanded in 1960’s. A decade after, the Shoemart became a full-line Department Store and was named SM. Its pioneering store is in Makati City. And look who Mr. Henry Sy is now! He owns 51 SM Supermalls in the Philippines and three in China. He also owns Banco de Oro, China Bank, Pico de Loro, SMDC Residences, and many other businesses. Yes, he did work hard for this success. But you see, graduates, it all started with a vision – a goal, a dream. A dream which he has never quitted. What is your dream? Believe it, work hard for it, and achieve it.

Third, to look down. Though looking down has a different connotation, I would want to use this phrase metaphorically. To look down is to keep your feet on the ground. One nugget of wisdom that I’ve treasured is that a true intelligent person is the one who is humble enough to know that he doesn’t know enough. Then that would make you need a team to work with. Do not treat yourself as someone higher than other people. Each person you encounter is an avenue for learning. Even the lowest-ranking employee in the company is a source of wisdom. Kaya, huwag na huwag kayong mangmamaliit ng tao.

Fourth, kung mayroong “to look inside”, mayroon din namang “to look outside”. This is about touching other people’s lives. It is one thing to achieve your goal; but helping others to reach for their dreams is priceless. It does not necessarily mean that you have to provide for them financially, but if you can, why not? But, even the smallest ways of encouraging them of their best potentials and skills are notable. Maging mapagmalasakit sa kapwa, sa trabaho, sa kumpanya. Your actions can affect the people who surround you, so remember to be a good influence, especially when you have become the leaders of your teams. Dapat pasimuno kayo sa kagandahang-asal at hindi nagpapadala sa kalakaran ng mga mandarayang tao o empleyado. Mainam ang pakikisama, ngunit higit na mabuti ang turuan sila kung ano ang tama. Be a good example to follow. Help them to become better people as much as you help yourself grow.

Fifth is to look backward. The British mathematician and philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead, once said, “No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” Dear graduates, look at the people behind you. You see, your parents or guardians are the foremost who have helped you win this college race. How about your professors and instructors? Your alma mater? The friends and relatives who have encouraged you to go on? Look back on this people and thank them for at least once in your lives, they have become instruments for you to reach this success; and most probably, these are the people who will also push you forward on your career.

Now, we are down to my sixth and final point, to look up! Every time I am being asked of what has brought me to this success, I always point up to God. He is the reason why I can journey this life with resiliency and bravery. There would come a point in your career that you’d feel unfulfilled, you’d feel unsatisfied with what you earn, you’d feel unappreciated. Don’t worry, graduates, these don’t happen all the time. But these are part of reality. One thing I have learned is to offer my work to the Lord. The bible says, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do…” (Ephesians 6:7-8) Understanding that you’re doing your work for God, you ought to give your best because you are serving the Boss of all bosses; and He definitely deserves your 100%. And even in times of disappointments, you can still be assured of a great reward knowing that He sees your sincere commitment to work.

Be always thankful for the opportunities He gives. Though opportunities could really mean hardwork and difficulties sometimes, take these as God-given ways to mold you to the person that He has designed you to be. Trust God! His ways are far better than your ways. Soon, you’ll reap the fruits of your faith and labor.

Beloved graduates of STI College Novaliches, this is the beginning of the next chapter of your lives. Remember to look inside, to look forward, to look down, to look outside, to look backward and to look up. This is a 360-degree mission. Face it with courage and confidence. Strive for excellence. Never ever give up! Soar high, STIers!

Congratulations and have a great life!