My Sister's Graduation

I just want to share some of my thoughts. MY whole family attended Yayi's graduation. It was a very emotional ceremony. The founder of the school was the keynote speaker. It is the first newspaper company controlled and owned journalism school, it is a popular newspaper in the philippines. The main difference with other journalism schools is that even as early as first year, students can already get published- depends on their competency. From 83 students, 47 have qualified for graduation.

It was a small auditorium, but filled with proud parents and proud teachers and staff of the newspaper- it was at 1pm, something so unlikely for a graduation schedule. It was set that time so that everyone in the newspaper, including janitors can attend the graduation of their "pioneer"graduates. Since most of the time, newspaper people have to work in the evening till 2am.

The speech of the very old founder touched me so much. he said he put up this school, to produce competent journalists who value ethics and truth. The valedectory address of the top student was also very moving. It was simple yet very true. She said she is aware of the path she chose- low paying and most likely dangerous for her life. But this is her calling. She thanked her parents who taught her to fight so hard to fulfill her dreams.

I realized that even if my sister was never with AIESEC, she has the makings of a very potent change agent.

I feel proud and happy that my parents have always given us the freedom to choose our passion and discover our purpose in life. I feel so honored to have met the founders of the school- i want to be like them someday, to become a real change agent. Someday I will be like them, but probably in a totally different field.