Thanksgiving Address

Thanksgiving Address

Louie John A. Bandolon Fourth Year-Our Lady of Assumption

Today, we bade goodbye. Another chapter has ended. A great battle has been won!

As I look back from the classrooms – now empty, the corridors – speak of silence. I never thought that this day would come; a day which we are gathered as one in finality, to reap the fruits of our labor. This event is meant to be joyful, for we have reached the horizon in this part of our lives but I cannot hide the remorse I feel within me. I’m feeling melancholic because I know that I’m not ready to leave my classmates who fashioned me to become what I am now. I will always remember their assuring care and enduring concern in every time I need it most. The ideals they taught me about their lives, the times we shared, the memories we made, the things we did, the moments we cried, the ways we laughed and the reminiscences we cherish. Together we stood as one.

I’m sad since I’m not ready to leave my friends and confidants that served as a shoulder to lean on when I’m miserable, the humble hands that carried me to optimism, the listening ear which kept my darkest secrets hidden, and the counseling tongue which made me feel trustworthy about myself. You accepted and understood me for my faults and slip-ups, and made me a part of your own life. You’ll always possess a special place in my heart and I’ll never forget you.

I’m sad because I’m not ready to leave the comforting arms of my beloved teachers and mentors, who taught me the sine and cosine, spelling and diction, laws and principles; but there is one more thing more important than that, they armed me with the subtle morals to lead my life into the horizon. They inspired me to put my best foot forward in every opportunity, they led me to brighter paths and choices, and they unlocked my talents and abilities to better use. I’m certain that because of your efforts, I’m more ready and prepared to meet the future challenges of my education ahead. The mere fact that I’m standing here in front of you is a sheer reminder of your enduring effort to deliver me holistic education.

I'm sad because I'm not ready to leave my beloved Alma Mater, Saint Mary's Academy of San Nicolas, and the school administrators; we will keep burning in our hearts the ideals and values we learned during our Four-year stay in this school. I will remember the provision of excellent facilities to enhance our studies, to be knowledgeable in different areas of growth and development. We were also equipped with Christian-Catholic education with the vision and mission of the school. This made us become mature and obedient Christians, for we believe that if we obey God, we can see the fulfillment of life and the blessings of the Lord will come upon and accompany us. We may not be the best students as you wanted us to be, but we will be always looking back to all of you. You are always be treasured here in our hearts. We will be missing our high school days with you.

I’m sad because I think what I’ve done here cannot even match halfway the sacrifice of my parents in supporting my education. You served as my light and guide in my journey in education. The times you woke up in the ungodly hours of the morning just to help me prepare my duty of going to school. I feel disappointed about myself since I know that my efforts are not sufficient to pay back for your hardships. If I only turn back the hands of time, I would gladly do so.

Once again, our journey being high school students has come to an end. Just like when we were in elementary, another level of our life will begin to unfold. Another story that we will surely cherish that is to be written and added in the history of ours, a milestone to tread and more challenges to come.

And right at this moment, I feel so lucky and have the joy in my heart, that on behalf of my fellow graduates, we want to thank you all people that have been a part of our journey, in times of success and failures.

To my friends and confidants, you are such special to me, and I thank God for letting you be a part of my life. You are my inspiration, and I’m glad of having you. May God’s love take care of you always! God’s love enables us to live victoriously!

To my fellow graduates, this is our day! Thank you for making my experience at Saint Mary's so amazing. You are each so uniquely special. I wish you the best in life and in everything you do. I pray that you all live long, healthy, peaceful, and beautiful lives. I am confident that you will all achieve great and marvelous things, whether they are known to the rest of the world or are kept to yourselves within the depths of your hearts. If you love and appreciate someone, tell them. Be compassionate, trust God, learn to listen, be forgiving, and above all, be yourself. A man who captivated our imaginations as children will always remain in our memory. Thank you very much for the company and the memories we shared. After this occasion, let’s move on as fast as we can in achieving our goals, but always remember to look back to our Alma Mater, our second home. This is where we gain more knowledge, more friends, and most especially our different talents are developed. Let’s continue our journey, we must stay strong and firm. Let’s bear in our minds; we are the hope of this nation. Let’s make our best to be an asset in the community and nation. My fellow graduates, the days, months and years we spent here in school are the precious moments. I could always reminisce. Here's a poem by Joanna Fuchs:

Always Be a Student

Keep on learning, fellow graduates,
Though your graduation's done;
Your whole life's an education
That has only just begun.

Your diploma is the first big step,
For knowledge is the special key
To winning what you want in life
And being who you want to be.

If you'll always be a student,
You'll find the secrets to success
And travel on the golden road
To peace and happiness.

Some of us have achieved everything you wanted to and more. Some of us are just a little short of expectations but I fully believe we are very, very successful. I do hope you are proud of yourself. Certainly I know our teachers are also proud of us!

There is a great little quote:

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars. Author unknown

I hope you feel you have landed amongst the stars!

Enjoy today. It is always worthwhile taking a breather and having fun! I hope you party is a real blast. Looking forward to your careers and life after high school. I truly hope you continue to reach for the stars. If you want to be the best person you can be you need to use your talents to their full potential. You must find something to challenge you; you will be sharper, happier and stronger as a result. I hope you find your passion. That will drive you to success. Some of you will not have decided yet. As they say:

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. Author unknown

I am sure all of you will reach for your own stars. As you do, you will become a person of the highest integrity. That will benefit you a thousand fold. To have the trust and respect of your peers is truly a treasured gift. Others will be drawn to help you. You will attract strong powerful colleagues who will make you stronger and happier too.

And what of financial wealth? That will come as a result of doing the right things!

Let me give you with a short quote:

I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. Author unknown

My special thanks to Mr. Mabatid, for being my counsel and mentor since I was s freshman, to Mrs. Alia, for being my icon of excellence and humility; I've always wanted o be like you; the last but definitely not the least, to my adviser, Mrs. Guangco for instilling my mind with the virtues of perseverance and promptness. I'm humbled in saying that because of your efforts, I'm a better person than before.

To our dynamic teachers, who served not only as our instruments of learning, but they are a friend and a buddy to each and every one of us that gave us the best care as second parents of our life.

My most endearing and loving parents, we thank you very much for the undying love and sacrifices. In spite of the financial burdens, you still made it for us dear parents. To family, I can’t count all the reasons why I love you so much. No one will ever take your place in my life and in my heart. I thank God for the gift of your love to me as your son, and a brother to my sister. I wish and pray that God will give us always good health and long life!

And lastly, let us thank God for the gift of life and wisdom, for without Him, we are nothing.

Let us celebrate our graduation and look forward to a great party.

Also let us think through how much stronger we are and the importance of finding what we love to do in life.

Put a smile on your face and look forward to the next set of challenges!

Thank You!!!