Her speech took a powerful turn as she shared her initial belief that grandiose success would forever elude her grasp. She candidly spoke of her experiences settling for mediocrity, content with “fun-sized medals slightly larger than a 20-peso coin.” It was a sentiment many could relate to—the fear of remaining on the sidelines while others achieved greatness.
However, a vision of herself receiving accolades for past achievements sparked a newfound determination within her. She encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their dreams, acknowledging the desire we all have to do and be better. The valedictorian stressed that dreams alone are not enough; they must be accompanied by hard work and effort to transform possibilities into realities.
Life, as she shared, had a way of testing their resolve. The Class of 2023 faced unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed them to the brink of despair. Yet, they not only survived but thrived, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Quoting Paulo Coelho, she reminded everyone that the journey toward realizing one’s dreams is not meant to be easy. It is a path paved with pain, regrets, and sacrifices. Still, every experience, good or bad, holds inherent value in the pursuit of those dreams.
The young lady from the College of Teacher Education emphasized the importance of the lessons learned during their time at WMSU, from hard work and time management to collaboration and the transformative power of education. These lessons, she noted, would serve them well as they ventured into an uncertain future.
Perhaps the most crucial lesson of all, she stated, was the understanding that education is not an endpoint but a beginning—a commitment to a purpose greater than accolades. She urged her fellow graduates to let their dreams evolve, to use their knowledge and strengths for the betterment of society.
Her speech concluded with a call to action—to keep their dreams alive, to let them flourish with grander purposes, and to be agents of progress, change, and empowerment in their communities.
She expressed gratitude to her family, friends, professors, and the university for their support. She urged her fellow graduates to thank themselves for their perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
As the Class of 2023 prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives, the valedictorian encouraged them to embrace the unknown with courage and optimism, equipped with the skills and values instilled at WMSU. She reminded them that their dreams should extend beyond personal achievements, motivating them to use their journey’s lessons for the betterment of society.
The valedictory speech by Katreena Gayle A. Lao was a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and resilience. It encapsulated the spirit of WMSU’s Class of 2023—a group of graduates poised to make a significant impact on the world, armed with invaluable lessons learned during their academic journey. As they spread their wings and soared into the future, their excellence was bound to leave a lasting mark on their community and beyond. (LMP,WMSU-PAO)
