“The experimenter who does not know what he is looking for will not understand what he

finds.” – Claude Bernard

“A fact in itself is nothing. It is valuable only for the idea attached to it, or for the proof it
furnishes.” – Claude Bernard
As students, we spent most of our lives collecting these “facts”, memorizing definitions,
formulas, and theories. Many students even say “Di ko man ni magamit in real life.” But these
facts in itself aren’t the point, the roots of our progress towards being a functional member of
the society. Let’s face it-we forget about the lessons right after the test is over. Looking back, it
was the “idea” behind them: for every equations and reactions we know was because of the
countless late night studies that increased our resilience. Furthermore, group activities taught
us not the skill to do improvisation on the spot, but the ability to work in a group, compensating
for each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Failures taught us not the items we were wrong at,
but the ability to pick ourselves up and try again. We didn’t just learn what to think, but we
learned why we think, how we grow, and what we truly value. That’s the point of this seemingly
pointless education system we are underneath of, and the proof of why we are gathered here
today in this graduation ceremony.
My high school days were, for a lack of better words, a roller coaster ride. Some days
were suspiciously calm while some were so filled with things to do, we doubted whether we
could finish on time. Things weren’t as streamlined for me as most of you probably thought.
Behind those consistent passes in chemistry tests were countless hours of watching Organic
Chemistry Tutor on YouTube and two notebooks filled with drafted equations. Once, I even
attended online class while in my father’s funeral. Of course, I don’t blame it on anyone but
myself. Being the top of our class, I set up high expectations for myself on every test. If you
knew me in 11th grade, where we had chemistry, two researches, and three math subjects to
worry about, you don’t see me celebrating for every test I aced or passed, but see me with a
slight smile, just breathing a sigh of relief.
As that academic year finally closed, I realized how toxic the way I handled that year. It
felt like I haven’t accomplished anything, being just the same as who I was at the start of the
year. Referencing the quote I started with, the fact that I finished that school year felt nothing
but a repeat of the previous year, albeit a lot harder.
I vowed to change it all in my last year as a high school student. I joined all but one
competitions and events offered on me by Ms. Apple. From regular quiz bowls to research
contests, week long workshops, and leadership camps on different parts of the country,
together with my friends, we conquered them. As you may expect, this has its price. Leaving
school at 7pm every day to review, barely having any sleep to finish research proposals, days of
traveling to venues, all of that on top of our regular school works, we endured and surpassed it
all.
You probably had a different experience than us, but what unite us all is the fact that, in
one way or another, we sacrificed something for us to be here today. With honors or not, you
still gave your best effort to perfect your specialized skills.
Personally, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the following people as none
of this would have been possible without them, who stood by me, guiding me along the way.
To my parents and family, you are my number one supporters and defenders in every
situation. Despite the expectations others placed on me, you never made me feel pressured.
You reminded me to rest, to care for myself, and to focus not just on achievements, but on
personal happiness.
A special thanks to my mother, who raised me and my sister single-handedly. I may not
be the perfect son, but every day, I’ve tried my hardest to make you proud. I’m sorry for the
times I disobeyed or made you worry, whether because of my stubbornness, my health, or poor
judgment. Your concern and support on me even across the country has been my light while in
the unfamiliar place. Everything I’ve done and will continue to do will be with the hope of
making you smile.
To my best friends, thank you for making every moment unforgettable. Your jokes, your
antics, your late-night talks never let a day be dull. Even with all the silliness, you knew when to
get serious. I’ll miss the score comparisons, the playful insults, and the random conversations
that often turned into life lessons. Your jokes and company have helped me through hard times
and life challenges. May our friendship continue despite our branching interests.
To our teachers, thank you for your tireless effort, patience, and care. You didn’t just
teach us, but you also guided us. Your understanding, especially when it came to deadlines
amidst our busy schedules, did not go unnoticed. We enjoyed every life stories and lessons we
shared with each other.
A special thanks to Mrs. Angelyn T. Santos, our class adviser and teacher. Your
unwavering sense of justice, your encouragement when I hesitated, and your scolding when I
faltered. All of it shaped not just the student, but the person I’ve become. I enjoyed every
second we spent going around the country, and that wouldn't have been possible without your
guidance and support. Your range of being a strict teacher and someone we can hang out with
is still something I can’t fully explain. I appreciate the fact that you treated and cared for
everyone equally, whatever state you are in. I will miss your 10pm wisdoms, but I’ll cherish
them for life. This also extends to Mrs. Charm Treyes, being a motherlike figure to us and also
accompanying us wherever we found ourselves at. May you continue on fostering even more
talented students.
 And to my classmates, thank you for walking beside me on this journey. Your cheers and
quiet support gave me strength. I appreciate everything you have done for our class, especially
Migi, who was always the last one to go home, unconditionally keeping our environment clean.
May you all continue chasing your dreams with the same determination that brought you here
today.
As we now stand at the threshold of a new chapter, let’s carry forward not only the
knowledge we’ve gained but also the laughter, the struggles, and the resilience we built
together. Let’s face the world not only as graduates, but as innovators, as lifelong learners, as
individuals who never gave up.