WELCOME REMARKS (revised edition) To our school president, Sr.

Mary Lydia Ebora, the Religious of the Good Shepherd Sisters; our principal, Ms. Andrea Lontoc, faculty, staff, parents, friends, guests, and to my dear batch mates, good morning and welcome to the day which we have all been waiting for: the day when we, students, are about to set our foot to start head on with the path we are about to take. This day marks the beginning of another chapter of our life. Excellence is everybodys dream, anybodys aspiration. But education has for its object the formation of character. And this is what St. Bridget College aspires its graduates to be as they move on to the bigger society: a person capable of influencing others for the better. Just like Christ the Good Shepherd. To my fellow graduates, few years ago, we saw ourselves walking inside the blue gates of this prominent institution, thrilled with the thought of a new journey: meeting new friends, finding new crushes, learning new things. When we were in first year, we had all experienced getting stuck in the middle of a math equation. And we asked ourselves questions like: Why is a equal to 6? They dont look alike. During our second year, we dreaded the words inscribed on the board Bring your Biology book. And on our third year, we came to the conclusion that balancing chemical equations is one hectic task. And on the last year of struggle, intolerable research papers and time-consuming Physics toy devoured much of our energy. But at the end of the day, we still see ourselves smiling amongst our peers and enjoying the fun-filled day with our teachers. Why? It is because we have grown to love this place. This is where we shine, where we are recognized, where we are comfortable. And indeed, the years which we have spent in St. Bridget College are all worth it for our learnings have transformed us into these confident

individuals that we are today, sure of our dreams and morals in life; so that when we get to the real world, we can influence others to walk the path of goodness. When I was young, I was asked about what I wanted to be in the future. My answers were: An astronaut, a princess, or a fairy perhaps. But high school taught me one thing: never ever end your statements with a period. Be positive on changes. Do not stick to your plan. Be eager to revise on the spot. Enjoy. Get lost. Do mistakes. Learn. So that when you are asked again of what you want to be in the future, you will be sure of your response. To our teachers, the academic and moral learning which you have instilled within us will always be a part of our being wherever we go: Manila or Batangas, we will always remain as those adorable students which you have moulded us to be. Thank you for the countless opportunities which you have given us. They have all helped in making us see the more essential things in life. To our parents, thank you for all the support and love which you have always been giving us. We may not be the perfect children but you have always been the perfect parents for us accepting us despite all our wrongs and misgivings, still understanding, still caring. Forgive us for all the mistakes, the disappointments, the frustrations. To my parents, Engr. Erwin and Emily Espina, all my hard works are dedicated to the both of you. I love you po. To our dearest alma mater, thank you for teaching us social responsibility and the values of justice and integrity. We will all carry these values in our hearts and try our best to let it shine within us because once a Bridgetine will always a Bridgetine! Fellow students, now that we are about to enter a new stage of life, let us live up all the teachings of our alma mater and direct our actions towards the fulfilment of the Word of God. If

we put God at the center of our lives, everything will fall into place. The adventure which we are about to take will be a successful one. God has a unique plan for us. It may not be visible at present. But, surely, time will come that it will be realized. This institution has livened up values of respect for women, justice and equality among all sexes. And as such, our batch has proved the competence of women and their significance in the community. Not because we are girls, we are inferior. It is because we are girls that we are creative, talented, and brilliant! And I hope, that this equality among men and women will be continued by the undergraduates. And as our community celebrates its centennial next school year, I am very proud to say that I am a part of this communitya community which cares for the least of our brothers and sisters, a community which upholds justice and equality, a community which cares for the integrity of everyone. The years which we have spent here made us who we are today: stronger, better, more Christ-like. And as we step out of the blue gates of SBC, let us always live up to the words LUCEAT LUX VESTRA! Let your light shine! On behalf of the graduating class of 2011-2012, I welcome you all to this commencement exercises. Thank you and good day!