Get excited about the future
MANILA, Philippines – The following is the speech delivered by National University chairman Hans T. Sy during the commencement exercises held recently at the Centerstage of the SM Mall of Asia.
Members of the board, administrators and officers, deans and faculty members, parents and families, the graduating class of 2009, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
It is a great honor and privilege for me to be your commencement speaker today. Sincerest thanks to Mr. Teodoro Ocampo for giving me the opportunity to be part of this occasion — the first commencement exercise to be held since the National University officially became a member of the SM Group of Companies.
As you know, this partnership between National University and SM is a milestone, so this commencement exercise of 2009 will go into the pages of NU’s history of over 108 years as the first held with the partnership sealed and formalized. I hope all of you share the excitement over this partnership, and the many plans we have lined up, and the progress we are making with the various improvements that your university is now undertaking. You, as this year’s graduates, are therefore part of a new chapter in NU’s history.
Actually, when I was invited to be your speaker today I was both thankful and apprehensive — and, I have to admit, more apprehensive about being able to give a message that will be meaningful and helpful, because students, and the youth as a whole, are special to me. You can say I am a true believer that in you — today’s youth — lies our future. What we try to cultivate now is what you will nurture for the better. What we are now is the foundation you will build on. And the examples we are now will be your inspiration.
So, after much thought as to what I am to say to you today, I decided that the best message I can impart is really all that is simple and practical, and based on the experiences that have guided and helped me over the years. I have been working for over three decades now, and that is quite a lot of time and experience to draw from, having my own share of ups and downs. I, too, went from being a student, to being an employee, to being a business executive, and at the same time also running a small business of my own which I started with my own savings when I was in college. I have been working hands-on all these years, and to get to where I am now was not a short and easy climb. It took many years of striving to being up to every task, and earning trust and respect, showing people they could count on me, and keeping it up.
Which leads me to making one important point to you, today’s graduates: university education, whether you are an excellent or an average student, I believe, is largely a healthy exercise of the mind — a molding of your intellectual abilities, a flexing of your brain that prepares you for life’s realities and sets you off with the wisdom to step up to the next level of significance in our world. How you will utilize this well-honed mind, and this wisdom, will very much determine what you will become, and what you will achieve.
And what you will become in turn is determined by what your passion is, and this you truly must find, and know. And I hope by now you have figured yours out. This will really help in giving you a clear path to the future you want to make for yourself: a future that I am sure every individual hopes will be bright, full of dreams fulfilled, and goals accomplished; a content life that values not only helping one’s self, but also others.
Today you are officially graduates from your many years of academic life. And today you also are beginners: beginners in the next world — call it the professional world, or the practical world, or as we usually say, “the real world,” where there still remains much new learning, much new experience to grow from, and a different level of responsibility. Starting today, in the world beyond the university, your responsibility now extends to the company you will likely be employed by, or the business or professional practice you will start and the people you yourself may employ.
Most importantly, your responsibility now extends to your whole family, your community, your country — and the world. Sounds like a tall order, but this is the reality. In the big picture, you play a part, and you have to play it to the best of your ability.
I urge you to keep in mind that there is no guarantee for success or happiness. We cannot predict what lies ahead. But being prepared, especially with good education, will help — along with surrounding yourself with energy, intelligence and the disposition to see the brighter side. And trust me, there always is a brighter side. In SM, when times are hard, we simply say, “Just work harder.” We don’t let it get us down. Because there is no substitute for hard work. Indeed, success does not come easy — it comes at a price — but it is possible, and it is up to you.
Also, as you are aware, with technology, the world is now smaller, more accessible, and more wide open for you to conquer. So, keep abreast of the times, keep a broad and open mind, be creative, keep in touch, maintain good human relations. See every moment as an opportunity for learning and growth. It will not be easy to change the world, with its many challenging realities, but in that little corner, wherever you may be, every act counts.
I encourage you to have a good heart and solid values. Life is much enriched by kindness, and respect for one another. Be open also to opportunities to do good and achieve something for the greater good. Of course, value time, family and friends.
Equally important is to keep your integrity intact. Let nothing take it away from you. Before making decisions, think hard; think well. And when you make a commitment, keep it; deliver what you promised to carry out.
And when there are problems, as most definitely there will be, focus on finding a solution. Rather than dwelling on a problem, work on solving it, after which you then try to understand what went wrong so you can prevent it from happening again. As we often also say, “When there is a problem, be part of the solution.”
So, as a final note, on the whole, it is really how you will choose to see what the future holds and how you mold it to your happiness. It is really in your hands. Get excited about it. Believe in yourself enough to know your strengths, and to harness them; to know your weaknesses and to correct what you can, and learn to accept and work with what you cannot. Be humble in success, resilient in failure.
As today we launch you to the “world” — a world that expects you to be the best that you can be — be firm and strong knowing that this university will always be proud of you. It is a home you can come back to, and which will welcome you. At times, it will need you, and we hope you will continue to be there for it, also.
We wish you success and happiness. A promising future awaits you.
Find it. Live in it. Shine in it.
Most importantly, enjoy and savor every step of the way.
Congratulations! Celebrate this day! Be the best that you can be!
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Enrollment is now ongoing at National University for SY 2009–2010. Registrants can avail of free entrance exams. Please contact the Admissions Office at 743-7951 or 742-6245, or visit the National U Website at www.national-u.edu.ph for details.
