Valedictory Address

Valedictory Address

Ivan Carcallas

May 2012 has left a very significant mark in my life. My unexpected journey in CTS-C has begun. But, why is it unexpected? I will show you why....

Wala gyud nako damha nga nahimung hi-way ang awaaw nga eskina nga akong ginasubay. Kinahanglan nga ako ning latasun aron maabot ko sa akong padulngan.  Kana nga  dalan mao ang akong giagian hangtud naabot ko karon dinhi sa akong destinasyon.

My memory in May 2012 is still very fresh on my mind, making me remember its minute details/ on the circumstance that completely changed my life. One day, I and my mother spent a two-week- vacation/ in my aunt’s house here in Cebu.

Ang among tuyo anang higayuna kay pagpahungaw ug paglikay una sa pagpanastamas sa kinaadman, daw maglayag pahilayo sa yuta sa sultan sa pangurap padulong sa langub sa sultan sa kahayahay ug kalipay. Lumad ko nga taga Bukidnon, apan ang nobenta porsento sa akong pagkatawo didto na nahulma sa Bohol.

But, how did I get here in CTS-C? At that time, I didn’t have any plans yet/ of my college education: there was no particular school, there was no particular course...all was vague...all was unclear... especially/ that to study in college is expensive.

Fortunately, on the 3^rd week of May, when we were walking heading to Pier 1/to catch up for our trip going back to Bohol, we met Dr. Marlon Montecillo. He happened to be the childhood friend of my aunt. He and my aunt talked for a while/ while I was just patiently waiting for them. To my surprise, Dr. Montecillo asked me/ if I would like to apply as a working scholar in CTS-C/ because he was the vice president at that time. I was overjoyed. I didn’t expect that opportunity to occur. My answer was definitely yes/ because that would be the stepping stone/ to the realization of my dreams.

However, the happiness was immediately replaced/ with worries and second thoughts. I and my mother needed to be in Bohol for an equally important matter to attend/ that’s why we were in a hurry and the interview would also fall on that day. So, I need to choose/ and make a decision that would not make me regret it in the end.

Tuod man, ako ning gihinuktukan, gitimbang timbang kun unsay angay nakong buhatun labina gyud nga wa pa ko sukad nahibuwag sa akong inahan.

To help me make up my mind, my mother decided to go home alone/ and she left me under my aunt’s care/ so that I could work on my application. I had mixed emotions. I was happy about this opportunity, yet I was sad because I would be away from my parents in Bohol.

Pero mas nagpatigbabaw ang akong kahinam nga aduna nay katumanan ang akong mga pangandoy para mahaw-as mi sa kalisod. Kaniadto, dako ko nang kalipay kun makakaon ug chorizo kausa sa usa ka bulan. Yes, our life in Bohol is really tough. Because of this, I decided to stay for this once of a lifetime offer.

Luckily, I was accepted as a working scholar, so I would start the next day. I gained the scholarship, but I lost the chance to go home to my hometown/ as we agreed before my mother left. This made me realize/ that to succeed, sometimes I need to choose...I need to make a choice...and I am proud to say/ that at that moment/ I have finally made MINE.

That significant choice/ gave me a chance/ to be in front of you this morning. So, I would like to take this opportunity/ to express my sincere appreciation and gratefulness/ to the people who support and help me become/ what I have become today.

To my family, (my parents, my aunt, and my relatives), I am forever grateful for your support and help. You are my inspiration to achieve this recognition today. You are the reason/ why I was able to overcome/ all the struggles in life. When I was about to give up, just a thought of you, gave me the strength to keep me going. Thank you.

To my CTS family, (Atty. Go, Ms. Candice Gotianuy, Dr. Montecillo, CTS administrators, faculty, staff, maintenance, and security), no words can describe/express my appreciation for all the things that you have done/ while molding me to become a better person. You made me see/ that the meaning of the word IMPOSSIBLE/ only applies to people/ who miss trying again after failing.

To my friends, both those who show superficiality/ and those who show sincerity, thank you. You made me experience/ what it is like to be exposed to different types of friends/ and how to deal with them. Thank you for being part of my life. I will definitely treasure/ all the memories we have shared together.

To my working scholar buddies, please always put in mind/ that we are taking our college education/ with free tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees. So, our way of paying back the school/ for this rare privilege/ is our sincere and true service/ as well as dedication to our work. The school has given us the responsibility/ that could make us grow with ample knowledge, well-rounded skills, and the right attitude.  So, we should not fail them. My buddies, if I finish as an achiever, I am confident/ that you can do the same as well.

To those who are not mentioned here, please do not think that I forget you. Your contribution to my success will always be remembered; it may be big or small because I believe that big things start with small things.

Lastly, on behalf of all the graduates, let me express my sincerest appreciation to all the parents who are present here, benefactors, and the CTS family for providing us the right path leading to our brighter future. Once again, thank you, and good morning.