06/07/2023
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | Long live all the magic we made
Tassels have been turned, and caps have been thrown as the sweet touch of the toga fabric brings a realization to about 3,000 graduates of Negros Oriental State University-Dumaguete Campuses 1 and 2, signaling the start of a new chapter in their lives. This moment becomes an opportune time to seize every emotion and feeling, embracing the victorious achievement. However, some of us may struggle to fully comprehend the reality of this moment, as we take a step closer to our destinies. Amidst the inspiring and sweet events, we must acknowledge the truth that lies ahead as we close the door to our professional education and face the gates of (un)employment. The question arises: what now?
Having graduated, we find ourselves standing on the doorstep of unemployment. While some may be engaged in reviewing for licensure board examinations, others choose to revel in the freedom and liberation from the pressures of education. But what comes next? Shall we remain stagnant and paused, having crossed the finish line? Should we immediately seek employment, enroll in another course, or join the majority in preparing for upcoming licensure exams? The answer lies in our pursuit of happiness, as it is the time to move forward.
Everything feels new and surreal to us, and between this novelty, various factors, emotions, and sentimental memories cloud our decisions regarding the next steps in our lives. I propose that we allow ourselves to be consumed by these feelings initially. Let us experience what needs to be felt because we deserve it. Subsequently, we must find the clarity to dispel the fog, enabling us to discern the path we should follow. Our feet will always be with us, regardless of the direction we trek.
On one particular day, I found myself at a cafรฉ, working on a research requirement with my team. In the midst of it all, I was troubled by thoughts about what to do after graduation. Perhaps it was the call of the universe that led me to encounter someoneโa Psychology graduate from the University of the Philippines - Cebu, who now holds a managerial position in one of the city's BPO companies. We engaged in a lengthy conversation that truly enlightened me.
As graduates of a state university, we are bestowed with the privilege of being part of the nation. With this privilege comes the responsibility to ourselves, our community, and our nation. It is our time to do what is right, fostering the betterment of the state, ourselves, and the community that relies on us. Let us pay it forward.
However, as we take the leap into the unknown, we must consider the implications of our decisions. How will they benefit us? How can the nation benefit from our actions? How will those who supported us along the way be rewarded for our choices? We must come to the realization that we should never compromise ourselves but be willing to encounter failures along the way, for we are entering the realm of mere amateurs. Nevertheless, we should maintain high standards while keeping our expectations in check. Let us make localized decisions and rise above adversities.
On the contrary, the bad news is that we are on our own now. However, the good news is that we are on our own now (Taylor Swift, 2022). So, when is the time to move forward?
The answer is simple: when we are happy, contented, and satisfied. Returning to my earlier statement, life is not a race. We must pursue what brings us happiness and contentment, for it is in these states that we will find our true purpose and better fulfill and deem our role as โiskolar ng bayan.โ
This is an open letter to those who were supposed to graduate this year.
Throughout our college journey, the university serves as a garden, with our professors and instructors acting as the gardeners who maintain its beauty. We, on the other hand, are the different species of plants thriving and living in this garden. We are diverse, unique, and special. We have grown in groups, each with different strengths and capabilities, nurtured by the necessary fertilizers that promote our growth.
However, some students, despite being part of these groups, tend to be like wildflowers, feeling lost in the abyss and haunted by a sense of not belonging. Some have given up, while others continue on their path. Either way, it is acceptable. College and growth are not races with deadlines. We each have our individual timelines, seasons to blossom, and paces that provide us the opportunity to grow in our unique ways. We must chart our own yellow brick road, with our support system following closely behind. It is unrealistic to expect two people, burdened by judgments, insecurities, and negativities, to walk beside us on this journey.
Congratulations on your success, in choosing yourselves, following your hearts' desires, and not conforming to societal pressures and constructs. Soon, you will experience the state of grace defined by Taylor Swift, and your support system will eagerly await you at the finish line, brimming with hope and support because you have conquered your mountain.
This, as well, is an open letter to those who have already graduated or will graduate this year.
Give yourselves a warm hug. Recall the days when you were doubted, bullied, and subjected to antagonistic remarks. During those times, "when you were young, they assumed you knew nothing." Reflect on those moments and tell yourselves, "Long story short, I survived." These are the moments when you triumphed in your own way, and "long live the walls that you have crashed through because you had the best time of your life with the people who supported you." As Swift sang in her song titled "Invisible" (2009), "There's a fire inside of you that can't help but shine through."
Who would have thought that someone once timid, shy, and seemingly hostile to the new environment would soon close their book, and march towards the stage as their name is called? The long lines we once battled to get our subjects enrolled have transformed into queues to claim our individual diplomas on stage. I understand firsthand that the odds sometimes question our abilities, but here we are, deserving of a pat on the back. Congratulations, graduates!
This is Henry Caesar E. Blanco, also known as Heo, signing off as The NORSUnian 2022-2023 Editor-in-Chief. โLong live all the magic we made.โ
Column by Lenses and Shades
