Dr. Helena Z.

Benitez, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, distinct members of the Board of trustees, To our Commencement speaker Dr. Manuel Alba, Dr. Francisco Benitez, University President, Administrators, Faculty members, Parents, Guests, and to my fellow graduates, Goodmorning! If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. A quote from Steve Jobs inspired me to continuously exert effort to reach my goals and turn my dreams to reality. And I can say, that I have accomplished what I have to accomplish. Today we end our struggles doing our home works, taking long quizzes, making reports, our prelims, midterms, finals. Today we escape our professors as what we say. But this is also a reminder that our school life will end, but our quest for knowledge and battle for survival continues. We are all gathered here not just to celebrate our success but also to remind us that this is just the start of a more rough and bumpy road for all of us. Now, I am ready to face a more stressful path in my life. And I know that PWU gave us the quality of education that we deserve that made all of us ready to traverse the road to success.

My fellow graduates, as we enter the real world, I want to challenge you to step up and believe in yourself. Dont let anything block your way, and if something does, hold your head up high, face your burdens and trust yourself that you can surpass anything. Always remember that you are carrying the PWU brand of education of personal integrity, family solidarity, community relations or service, and leadership in your chosen profession. As we face the different current issues in our society, we must all be wise in making our decisions and in choosing who or what to believe in. I am encouraging you to fight for what is just and start the change in our nation. Just what like Fr. Wency said yesterday during the Baccalaureate Mass Tayo and magbabago sa sistema, hindi tayo ang babaguhin ng sistema.

At this point, I would like to share what Dr. Francisco Benitez said 2 weeks ago during the Graduation Ceremonies of the 7th Grade of JASMS Indiana Manila, and I quote: If you want to go fast, got at it alone. But if you want to go far, bring someone with you, given the task to speak in front of you and share my thoughts, is the

time for me extend my deepest and sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped me throughout my college years. To God, for giving me the guidance in all my endeavors, To my parents (Mom/Dad) and my brother, thank you for your undying support and constant understanding. To the Edward and Eva Underwood Scholarship Foundation and the Scholarship Committee, for the 3 years of financial assistance. To my mentors who have taught me how to become a better student, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge to us. Now I can say that I am an equipped individual. My friends, classmates and block mates, My Communication Arts Family, School of Arts and Sciences Family, Fine arts Friends, My HRM Friends, My CCAMs Dance Club Family, to Maam Suzie, thank you for the three and still counting years of friendship. To Aryan, at last weve finally achieved what we want to achieve, I couldve not done it without you, thank you and congratulations. To the PWU NTPs and the Security Staff whom I always encounter whenever we have activities, thank you and I hope you will not stop supporting all student activities. My co-student-leaders, thank you for teaching me how to separate work from pleasure. I hope that next year and the following years, PWU can build up more competitive and experienced leaders for our nation. I would also like to thank the person whom I see as my second mother,who molded me to become the leader

that I am now. She made me realize that theres more to life and made me see the world in a different perspective. Forever will I be thankful and I will miss you so much Dr. Elisa B. Maligalig, Thank you very much. And lastly, to everyone who supported and believed in my capabilities, thank you for making me realize that I have to believe in myself more. I can proudly say that I am better person now by standing up to my principles and practicing my rights. Again, Thank you all. As I end my speech, I would like to quote one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coehlo. And I quote Be Brave. Take Risks. Nothing can substitute Experience. I hope all of us may imbibe our shortcomings and embrace the true spirit of being a Philwomenian. My Dear Colleagues, let us all stand tall, be proud of where we are, and dont ever be afraid to fight the battle of life. To the Graduates of Batch 2012, Congratulations and Good luck to all of our endeavors. Mabuhay ang PWU! Mabuhay ang mga Philwomenians!

Thank you and Good Day!