Ms. Ruby Jane Dio
FSLE Scholars' Exposure Trip
Gweilos, Mall of Asia / September 14, 2007

Today is not only a day of celebration because after all the difficulties we may all have faced, we are finally standing up and facing another battle. It is not only a day of jubilation specifically for those whose graduation day counts nearer every second. It must be, above all, a day of reflection about and thanksgiving to the blessing that made this day of gathering possible.

God has given us, perhaps, all the tools to be great someday. He has blessed us with the mind to think, the body to work, and the heart to persevere. We are fortunate because time and opportunity for us abound. We are lucky because we are blessed with families that unselfishly provided us of support, understanding, love, and of course, allowance.

Let us be thankful that we are blessed with this great school whose formation program has made us learned and prepared individuals. And of course, we cannot forget our dearest benefactors. Thanks to all of you for patiently and devotedly leading us to the path of learning and success. With you and this institution, we were helped strengthen the foundations of knowledge that we shall need in our future endeavors.

And to you my dearest batch mates and co-scholars, thanks for being good companions. You made my college years truly fun and memorable. But before we leave; before we go home tonight and share with our families our “kwentos” and tales of adventure, let us ask ourselves “Where shall I go from here?” Well, it is quite easy to choose the best company or institution we would work for, but the point is the challenges that await us on the road ahead. How are we going to face them and how can we overcome them are questions that we often use to avoid. But those challenges shall inevitably come to pass.

We should not be afraid. After all, De La Salle Lipa has provided us of effective training to be confident, courageous, knowledgeable, able, and well rounded citizens. And we should remember that we are not alone. Our professors'and benefactors' hope and prayers are with us; our parents' love and support are with us; and yes, God is with us!

To our respected president Ms. Regina Caress Banson to our beloved benefactors, to our dearest Lamp family, to my fellow scholars, a pleasant good morning to all of you.