To our distinguished honored guests, School President, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fiel Members of the board of directors, Our dedicated Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Mrs. Emma Lissa B. Ramirez, Our esteemed faculty members and staff, Our proud parents, guardians, generous sponsors, cherished friends, and to batch Chrysoberyl A pleasant morning to you all.
It is a privilege to stand before you today, representing a class that has dreamed of this very moment for years. And now, finally… we are here.
As I begin this speech, let me ask you a question. How many times have we truly looked at our parents? Not just glanced at them in passing, but genuinely looked at them long enough to notice how the times we spent chasing our dreams quietly changed them. As student nurses, our journey was never easy. We spent countless sleepless nights juggling exams, lectures, requirements, and clinical duties all at once. We missed family gatherings, special occasions and moments we can never take back. We endured self-doubt, anxiety, exhaustion, and countless moments of saying, “Mubawi nalang ko sunod.”
This is the demanding journey of a nursing student.
And that, somewhere along the journey, many of us came to a painful realization that while we were working hard to build our future, pursuing our dreams, we were spending less time with the people we loved most.
As we became consumed with deadlines, duties, and responsibilities, we began missing the small moments we once took for granted. The conversations during dinner, the laughter inside our homes, the comfort of simply being around the people we love.
The ordinary moments that once felt so small, yet now mean everything.
We begin to realize that while we were busy growing, they were growing older too. That when we finally pause long enough to truly look at our parents and loved ones, we begin to notice the things we failed to see before. The white hairs we often overlooked, the tired eyes, the calloused hands that silently carried years of sacrifice, love, and hard work.
To our parents and guardians, thank you. Thank you for the nights while we were up for exams, we know you were there, stayed up late too. Worries even far heavier than us, wondering about how you could provide for us again the next day.
When we woke up early for clinical duties, you woke up even earlier just to make sure we had something to eat before we left. And when we came home, exhausted and drained, you are always there patiently waiting, simply hoping we made it home safe. Feels like same journey in different ways but we know your sacrifices carried a different kind of weight.
Thank you for your endless sacrifices, your patience, your unwavering support, and the kind of love that never asks for recognition. You stood beside us through every challenge, encouraged us when we felt weak, and believed in us even when we doubted ourselves and for that we dedicate this achievement not only to ourselves, but also to you. To all the single parents out there, to my mama who thinks she does not deserve to walk beside me today, thinking it made her less of a mother for being away ever since I was one. Mama, distance never made you less of a mother. You sacrificed being far from home carrying both the role of a mother and a father and if not because of you, I would not be standing on this very stage today. If not because of your strength, your sacrifices, and your unconditional love, I would never have reached this milestone. And if anyone deserves to walk beside me with pride today, it is you.
And as we honor the people who became our foundation at home, we also extend our deepest gratitude to those who guided us every step of the way, those who have seen our humble beginnings, believed in our potential, and molded us, shaping us into who we are today. To ma’am dean, we deeply appreciate the motherly love and care you have shown to each and every one of us throughout this journey. Just like a mother, you always found ways to make difficult things feel a little lighter and more manageable. To the clinical instructors, thank you for your patience during our moments of uncertainty, for your guidance when we felt lost, and for pushing us to become better than we thought we could ever be. You saw us as students learning to find our way, and through your wisdom and encouragement, you helped transform us into individuals ready to face the future with purpose. To our dear friends, to the circles we found along this journey, especially to my friends, 7 archives as we call it, thank you for being part of the days that shaped us, for the laughter that made difficult moments lighter, for the comfort during times of self-doubt, and for the countless memories we will carry long after today.
As we close the chapter of our lives as students, may we never close the bond and friendship we built through the years. To my batch mates, look at how far we’ve come. There were days we questioned ourselves, days we felt tired, overwhelmed, and uncertain if we were truly capable of reaching this moment. Yet here we are, wearing our pins with pride. As we move forward, knowing that this ceremony is not just an ending but also a beginning. A beginning of greater responsibilities of lives we are yet to touch. We may not know exactly what lies ahead, but today reminds us that we are capable of overcoming more than we think.
To end, may I invite all students to please go to your parents, guardians, or the people who stood beside you throughout this journey. Hold their hands. Feel the sacrifices behind every calloused palm. Embrace them tightly. Tell them your gratitude for every sacrifice and every silent battle they fought just to help us reach this day. Congratulations to all of us, and to our proud parents and mentors. This moment is for all of you. Thank you and God bless us all.
