The Paradoxes of Life

[Commencement speech for batch 2019 Tertiary graduates of STI College Novaliches.]

Life is full of paradoxes; everyday, we strive to keep equilibrium of opposing ideas and behaviors. A perfect example of which is your graduation today: you-excited to have finished your degrees, yet also nervous for the future to come. Maybe you already feel accomplished (and you have the right to be), yet you are also aware that you still have to prove yourselves. No matter what kind of student you were, we all can relate to this irony.

Walong taon na ang nakararaan nung ako’y nasa inyong kalagayan ngayon: ang araw ng aking pagtatapos. The four years I spent in college felt long and arduous, yet short and quick to pass at the same time. Naramdaman ko ang aking katagumpayan sa diploma at medalya na aking natanggap, ngunit nadama ko rin na mahaba pa ang aking lakbayin upang patunayan ang aking sarili. I was hopeful but nervous for the future waiting for me beyond my college's four walls. Graduates, maybe you too are feeling this way, and let me say that it is completely normal. Life is a series of paradoxes, and these will only be the firsts of many to come.

The biggest question on your minds must be this: how should I face life after graduation? Please allow me to share with you another three paradoxes to live by.

First, be confident yet remain humble. It takes confidence to present yourself well at work. Leverage on your strengths and skills. Establish your credibility by being confident and getting your tasks done. Nonetheless, you have to remain humble. Understand this: you still have so much to learn, especially as a fresh graduate. Sabi nga nila, “Marami pang kakaining bigas.” In work and in life, attitude takes precedence over aptitude. It takes humility to be teachable. You have to balance the two in order for you to be good team leaders and players as well.

Second, work excellently yet live simply. Huwag makontento sa “Pwede na ‘yan!” To get the job done is what you will be paid for to do; but for you to exceed expectations and go beyond the bare minimum will earn you the promotion. Excellent workers arebankable workers. However, as you climb the corporate ladder, succeed on your businesses and earn better, keep in mind to live a simple life. I’ve seen a lot of my contemporaries who have changed their lifestyles as their income increased. Para sa kanila, kailangan branded ang mga gamit, kailangan upgraded lagi ang phones, lahat ng uso dapat masubukan, biglang hindi na marunong magjeep, Grab lang dapat. Pero kapag inusisa mo ang kanilang mga buhay, sila rin yung mga walang naipundar at naipon at baon sa utang. Why? It’s because they strive so hard to look impressive. You see, graduates, you don’t have to be extravagant to look successful. Your outputs and your contribution would do the talking for you.

Lastly, serve selflessly yet realize your worth. What I have learned in my younger years is that joy comes when you place J- Jesus first, O-Others second, and Y-Yourself last. You will find that this is true in every aspect of your life. Self-serving work is unfulfilling and exhausting. The goals to serve Jesus and to make a difference in the lives of others will be your drive to work passionately, excellently, and joyfully. But then, I say that while you are serving, you should also know your worth. There is a story about a man exploring caves near the seashore. Inside one of the caves, he found a bag. Curious, he opened the bag and found a bunch of rolled clay balls which were baked under the sun. He thought they were worthless, but he carried them anyway. As he was walking along the shore, he threw the clay balls to the sea one by one. Until he dropped one piece and it cracked open. Inside the clay ball was a beautiful precious gem – a treasure in clay. He excitedly opened each clay ball and similarly, they all had precious stones inside them. He then realized how many clay balls he had already thrown and wasted.

Listen, graduates, you will encounter people who are going to belittle you and say bad things about you. But here’s the thing: do not confuse your identity with the opinions of other people about you. You will meet people who would intimidate you, who would try to manipulate you, and who would abuse you; but you must learn to take your stand. Realize your worth. Each one of you is God’s precious gem. People will not always see how the Lord sees you. You yourself may not even appreciate your own worth. But know that God has a great purpose and a grand plan for each of you. Do not waste your God-given opportunities just because people have made you feel you’re worthless. Know that Jesus Christ died to save you; what or who would make you think that you are any less of your true worth?

Dear graduates, remember this when you go out into the real world: be confident yet remain humble; work excellently yet live simply; serve selflessly yet realize your worth. Life is full of paradoxes. It can be confusing and scary at times. The real world could even be cruel. But be excited yet prepared to courageously face it with a balanced mindset. And you will see; life after college can be more wondrous than you have ever imagined.

Cheers for greater things to come! Congratulations, graduates! Have a good day, everyone!