The valediction that follows was delivered by Ms. Catherine Beatrize Salazar during the UA&P Graduation Rites held on August 26 at the PICC. She graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Science in Industrial Economics degree.
Distinguished guests, esteemed faculty members, dedicated academic and supporting staff, cherished friends, beloved families, and esteemed graduates of the class of 2023, good afternoon! Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat.
Before anything else, congratulations, my fellow graduates! Today marks a significant milestone in our lives. Standing before you today as the valedictorian of this exceptional class, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride.
It’s funny, isn’t it? We came to this esteemed institution to learn, to expand our knowledge, and to excel in our chosen fields. And learn, we certainly did. But little did I know that unlearning would become one of the most influential factors contributing to my personal development in the University. Throughout our years here, we were surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, the wisdom of our professors, and the experiences of our peers. Yet, it was in unlearning my personal biases and perspectives that I eventually found to redefine myself – what I can do, achieve, and believe in – in a profound way.
Entering the university after years in a science high school felt like stepping into uncharted territory. High school memories of competition and academic excellence pushed me to brace for a more intense university experience. The transition made me apprehensive and cautious. I vowed to focus on academics due to fears of losing my scholarship. Yet, how pleasantly mistaken I was.
The first weeks on campus unveiled a diverse spectrum of peers who defied my carefully constructed expectations. My first block was an embodiment of camaraderie and support, a far cry from the cutthroat competition I had envisioned. It was an eye-opening experience, as I realized that the university wasn’t a monolith but a mosaic of personalities, interests, and aspirations. Gone were the narrow confines of my high school bubble; I stood amidst a community where individuals cherished growth over rivalry, where collaboration was valued over competition. This transformative realization marked the beginning of my journey of unlearning.
The university became a catalyst for transformative growth, beckoning me to expand the boundaries of my aspirations. My initial intention to confine myself to academics was soon eclipsed by the vibrant allure of university life. In turn of events, my trajectory shifted dramatically within the first week. From being a mere observer, I was thrust into the role of a block representative and invited to contribute to a council of first-year student leaders. This swift transition challenged my reservations and allowed me to dive headfirst into the currents of student leadership.
The journey further unfurled as I immersed myself in student governance, attending training sessions hosted by my political party. It was here that I encountered passionate individuals driven by a fervor to channel their knowledge and skills into service for the student body. The profound commitment to the collective well-being was unlike anything I had encountered before. This realization stirred a sense of purpose within me – a purpose rooted in the ethos of uplifting others, a purpose that transcended my personal journey.
Coming from a middle-class background, I was well-versed in the narrative of personal advancement and self-preservation. It’s a narrative that often takes root in an environment where socioeconomic mobility is an aspiration rather than an assumed reality. However, my university experience introduced a seismic shift in my perspective. Here, I encountered individuals whose passion transcended personal gain, individuals who redefined success as a shared endeavor, where personal growth was intertwined with the upliftment of others. The commitment to service that thrived within the university community ignited a spark within me.
The university became a catalyst for transformative growth, beckoning me to expand the boundaries of my aspirations.
I, then, realized that the education and development I was receiving were not just opportunities for personal enrichment – they were a call to action. The university had bestowed upon me a privilege that compelled me to extend a helping hand to those who may not have had the same opportunities. The journey of unlearning took a profound turn as I unlearned the notion that success was not confined to individual triumph. Unlearning, once an internal process, now blossomed into a shared commitment to create ripples of change within the university’s walls and beyond.
My years in the university were marked by a numerous engagements, each contributing to my growth. Immersing myself in numerous organizations, I found myself welcomed into a new realm of learning, a fresh collection of faces, and a distinct pool of perspectives. The roles I assumed, whether as the president of the scholars’ organization or the internal vice president of the student government, were not solitary pedestals of expertise. Instead, they were platforms that facilitated a continuous exchange of knowledge, a dance of collaboration.
The beauty of these experiences lay in the ever-present reminder that mastery is a journey, not a destination. There, I came face to face with the humility that accompanies genuine growth. Every encounter held within it a lesson waiting to be absorbed, a perspective waiting to expand my horizons. This humble realization – that I need not know it all – liberated me from the chains of perfectionism that had once bound me. With each interaction, I learned to embrace the uncertainty, to celebrate the gaps in my knowledge as invitations for growth.
The transformation was not instantaneous; it was a journey, one that unfurled before me as I worked side by side with individuals who brought their expertise to the table. The symphony of collaboration was a humbling reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is a collective endeavor, a shared odyssey toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. In each role, with every team, I uncovered fragments of wisdom that enriched my perspective, driving me to embrace the beauty of imperfection and to stride confidently amid the realm of the unknown.
Looking back on my journey, there were moments when I thought I had things all figured out, only to be surprised once again by life’s twists and turns. Transitioning from university life to the working world was one of those surprises. As I stepped into my first full-time internship, I realized that my expectations were based largely on the remote experiences I had during the pandemic. But the reality of the professional realm was different, and I had to adapt.
This humble realization – that I need not know it all – liberated me from the chains of perfectionism that had once bound me.
I found myself in a business council focused on policy development and advocacy – a path that resonated with my passion sparked by previous experiences. However, the actual application of what I had learned was a whole new ball game. The theories I had studied met the complexities of real-world projects, and I had to unlearn and relearn my approach.
What made this transition less daunting were the incredible mentors and colleagues who guided me along the way. Their wisdom and insights were like guiding stars in the night sky, helping me navigate the uncharted waters. This phase of unlearning and growth, though challenging, taught me the power of resilience and the beauty of humility in the face of the unknown.
Collectively, these diverse experiences have come together to shape the tapestry of who I am today. The seemingly separate threads of exploration, engagement, and transformation have woven a narrative that goes beyond the surface. These experiences weren’t just about acquiring skills; they were about shedding old mindsets and beliefs that no longer served me.
Looking back, it’s clear how these moments have redefined what success means to me. It’s no longer just about achievements; it’s about personal growth, making a positive impact, and finding fulfillment in the journey. Unlearning has been the key to unlocking this new perspective, allowing me to let go of outdated notions and embrace a more authentic version of myself. Unlearning wasn’t about dismissing what we had been taught, but rather about challenging ourselves to question our assumptions and biases, to challenge norms, and to embrace new perspectives and approaches in going about things. It was in those moments of discomfort, outside of our comfort zones, that we truly found ourselves and reached new heights we never thought possible. From navigating the university culture on our first day, reviewing for our first exams, stepping into leadership roles after having adjusted, finishing our final paper, and eventually, transitioning into adulthood, every experience pushed me to grow. But it was the unlearning that allowed me to shed the self-doubt and embrace the confidence to face the unknown. And I am certain it was also like that for everyone here as well.
Standing here today, I find myself humbled by the sheer weight of gratitude that envelops me. This moment is more than a culmination of academic and extracurricular achievements; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of unwavering support, guiding wisdom, and cherished camaraderie.
In the days ahead, as we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let us carry with us our ability of unlearning—a compass that directs us toward open-mindedness, empathy, and the courage to challenge norms. With hearts unburdened by fear, let us embrace the unknown, for it is in embracing change that we shape our own destinies. Success, as we have come to know, is not a solitary summit, but a landscape woven from the threads of personal growth, meaningful connections, and positive impact.
To all those who have contributed to our journey, from families to professors to friends, your influence is etched into the pages of our stories. And to the Class of 2023, our graduation marks not an end, but a beginning—a canvas yet to be painted with the colors of our dreams and aspirations. Let us, with the art of unlearning as our brush, paint a picture that reflects our unique essence and our dedication to a world redefined by our contributions.
Congratulations, and may our collective pursuit of both learning and unlearning inspire a symphony of transformative journeys for those who follow in our footsteps. Muli, magandang hapon sa inyong lahat.
Banner photo by Sebastian Svenson on Unsplash.
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