#VSUGrad2025 | Valedictory Speech of Jacklyn E. Olaer, Top Graduate Student

To our esteemed University President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes; our distinguished Commencement Speaker, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños; Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Marilyn M. Belarmino, Director of Graduate Education; Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Ms. Hazelle V. Asaldo, University and Board Secretary; Dr. Roberto C. Guarte, VSU Alumni Association President, represented by Engr. Manolo B. Loreto Jr.; Rev. Fr. Dexter A. Sescon, our celebrant for the invocation; Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, Mayor of the City of Baybay represented by Attorney Romel Peñaranda; our respected faculty members, department heads, deans, and advisers; fellow graduates, beloved families, proud parents, cherished guests, and to our online viewers who are joining us virtually—good morning, and thank you for celebrating this significant milestone with us.

Today, we gather not only to celebrate a milestone, but also to honor the journey that brought us here: the late-night studies, the silent tears, the desperate prayers, the quiet victories, and the people with whom we shared them. Above all, we are here to honor God, who, by His grace, has sustained and enabled us to reach this point.

To stand before you today and share this moment in this stadium as the top academic performer of Batch 2025 is something I would describe as a humbling experience, one that I offer with gratitude and reverence before our God.

Looking back, I recall the nights I spent contemplating whether to pursue a master’s degree, especially since I had just graduated from college. It was a defining crossroads in my life: should I enter the workforce or continue with graduate school? There were moments when I felt certain, only to be overcome the next day by complete doubt.

I actually find it funny how my YouTube search history looked during those times:

One moment, I was watching videos titled, “Bakit mas maganda na mag-pursue ng MS degree right after graduation?”

And then not long after I would watch videos titled “Why should you NOT pursue an MS immediately after graduation?”

It was as if I were desperately searching for reasons to say yes or no, just trying to avoid any regret, regardless of the path I chose.

As hesitant as I was, that very night I prayed to God. I have decided and  told Him that I’d apply for a scholarship, and if it was His will, I trust that He would take care of the rest.

To make a long story short, I found myself enrolling in graduate school—and by His grace, I passed the interview and was blessed to receive the scholarship offered by Visayas State University for Latin honors graduates where I became a full-time student. 

On August 9, 2023, I came across a Facebook post that truly spoke to me. It was a beautiful snippet from the book Dear Dreamer by Joena San Diego. Let me read a few lines to you:

“Dear God, set a fire within me—so deep that nothing could ever stop me from running towards You. Set a dream within me—so big that it will bring me to my knees to worship You. Set a goal within me—so far beyond my own limit, so this world could see how limitless my God is. Multiply these desires, God, and let all of them point towards You.”

Those were the exact words I needed to be ready to step into this journey. God’s message was clear: it was never going to be about me—it was going to be about Him.

Standing here today is proof of God’s faithful plan. He paved the way—I simply chose to walk in it, one step of obedience at a time.

But of course, the journey? We can all agree—it was never a walk in the park. In the moments when things became difficult, I found myself going back to the reason I started this journey in the first place: to glorify His name in everything I do. Time and time again, I return to that purpose—and let all that I do point back to God.

Beyond the celebration, let this also be a moment of reflection. Whenever we see someone achieve academic success, it's common to wonder, "What were her study habits?" or “Maybe she didn’t sleep just to get that grade,” or “Perhaps she skipped every social gathering.” Truthfully, these things cannot be discredited. Many of us here have done the same—perhaps we went the extra mile. We’ve gone through countless trial-and-error moments. Some strategies worked well for one, but not for another.

Many of us were working full-time while pursuing our master’s degrees. Others were balancing multiple responsibilities—family, work, and personal matters. Some of us faced broken relationships, battled illness, or struggled financially.  And some of us were simply feeling lost… yet we showed up even in times when we weren't okay and kept pushing forward even when backing down was the most convenient thing to do.

But in hindsight, it wasn’t really about the grind. It was never just about strategies or self-discipline. It was by His grace alone.

My strategies in life were far from perfect. They failed me many times, and that is why His grace is even more abounding. Today, instead of sharing study techniques, I want to leave you with a few life principles that I’ve held onto, and trust me, these won’t fail:

Put God above everything else—before your dreams, studies, or plans

I know that it’s a hard pill even for someone like me, raised in a Christian family, perhaps you can imagine how my life often revolved around a simple cycle: going home and going to church. But it took me years to truly understand what it means to seek God first.

I’ve heard this phrase many times:
"You are a Christian first before your profession."
"You are a Christian first before your studies."

For some, weekends are a time to relax or catch up on schoolwork. But for me—and maybe for those who can relate—weekends were often devoted to ministry.

There came a point when I started to complain—
"Maypa ang uban, kay they have all the time during their weekends."
"Lord, why can’t I have a normal weekend like everyone else?"

But then I was rebuked, humbled, and dumbfounded. The God who created and provides all things gave me seven days a week to accomplish everything I need.

And all He asks is just one day, a day of rest and worship. Yet here I was, blaming Him for not having enough time. How human of me.

What this experience taught me is this: we can carry all the responsibilities on our backs, but we must never forget who sustained us through it all. Hear me on this—this is not something that comes from me, but the Bible says, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36, NIV)

I remember an advice from a friend that left a lasting impact on me. At the start of the academic year, I often felt anxious and overwhelmed—constantly carrying the pressure of maintaining my grades. As a scholar, I knew the university was counting on me, and I felt that there was no room for failure. That pressure led me to see my classmates not as companions, but as competitors I had to outperform.

Until a friend told me this, “You don’t have to beat yourself up. You’re still learning, and there’s always room for improvement.”

Those were the exact words I didn’t realize I needed. In our pursuit of excellence, we sometimes forget that success and growth are not automatic and our success is not proven when we outperform others. It is not something you based on others, you have your own canvas in the making, you have your own battle ground and it is definitely a process that requires patience, humility, and the willingness to keep going, even when progress feels slow. 

That conversation shifted my perspective and reminded me of a truth we often overlook: life is not a race. I’m not saying we have the luxury of wasting time, but rather that life is a destination of Who we want to be—and where we hope to go—which is shaped by what we choose to do now. (Speaking of the choices we make moving forward, this brings me to the second—and final—principle I’d like to share.)

Live in a way that honors God—choose what is right, good, and pleasing to Him.

In our journey as students, teachers, and practitioners, we have all encountered circumstances, whether personal or external, that made the path difficult. At times, these challenges pushed us to compromise, to hold back, and perhaps even to question our principles. But one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way is that one way to truly honor God is to let that honor be evident in how we live our daily lives, even in our careers.

It reflects in how we treat our classmates with kindness and respect, how we show reverence to our teachers and faculty, and how we interact with every person we pass by in this life. It is seen in how we value the time of others, how diligently we submit our requirements, and how sincerely we strive to do our best, not just for the grades or promotions, but as an act of excellence and faithfulness.

Giving our 100% in every paper, every report, every responsibility, even when no one is watching, is a form of worship and honoring God.

As our beloved alma mater, the Visayas State University, upholds a commitment to excellence and lasting impact, especially in service to the community, we, too, must carry this principle as we step into our respective fields and assignments. Let us embody the values of service, truth, resilience, integrity, excellence, and social justice.

Our community needs us—leaders and workers who are willing to serve others above their own agendas. As we honor God, we also honor the needs of the people we are called to serve. Even Jesus came to earth not to be served, but to serve—how much more should we do the same?

This path becomes lighter, and our purpose becomes clearer, when we treat our work not just as a task, but a calling and a chance to do what is right, good, and pleasing before God.

But beyond the values we carry forward, we must also take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to those who walked this journey with us.

This celebration is also dedicated to our parents and families, who have worked tirelessly to provide for our needs and extended their hands when the journey became rough. To my Kuya Vincent and Ate Grace, thank you for stepping up and taking all the responsibility of fostering me when we both lost our parents. To Nanay Isabelita, my grandparent-in-law, thank you for your constant support and care. I may not have met my biological grandparents growing up, and now God has blessed me with you.

To my beloved parents, Papa Vir and Mama Doray, now resting in the loving arms of God—this moment is also yours. I know that if you were still here, your presence would fill these seats, and your cheers would echo louder than anyone else’s in this gymnasium.

To my husband, thank you for being my partner in this journey. You are my solid rock, my steady source of strength. I love you deeply.

To our school administrators, professors, and mentors, especially to Dr. Gravoso, my GAC members Dr. Grabillo and Dr. Cuadra, and my professors Ma’am Jedess Salomon, Sir Jude Nonie Sales, Ma’am Aiza Oracion, and Ma’am Anna Monsanto, thank you for your guidance and the values you’ve instilled.

And of course, I also extend my deepest gratitude to the Visayas State University for the scholarship program that significantly supported my academic journey, especially in conducting fieldwork and actual research. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with that opportunity.

To the dedicated faculty and staff of the VSU Graduate School, especially Dr. Marilyn M. Belarmino, Dean of Graduate Education, Ma’am Maricar Posas, Ma’am Debra Jean Dalin-as, and Sir Mark Quevedo, along with the rest of the team, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.

To my study locale, Kansungka Elementary School—to the teachers, staff, students, and parents—your support and warm accommodation truly made my thesis journey smoother. To the ever-energetic Ma’am Christy Flandez, thank you so much. I also extend my gratitude to Higuloan and Makinhas Elementary School for allowing me to conduct my study and for your prompt and generous response.

To our dear friends and classmates, thank you for standing by us, for the late-night messages, words of encouragement, and quiet acts of kindness. To my OLCM family, my churchmates, thank you for prayers and constant support. 

To us, to my fellow graduates, I may not know each of you personally, but take a moment to breathe, smile, and say to your seatmate, “We made it.” Your story matters, and every journey that brought us here is worth celebrating.

And lastly, to our dearest God—Lord, this is more than just an achievement; it is a celebration of Your victory and glory.

Like the poem Footprints in the Sand reminds us, there were moments in this journey when the road felt too heavy, when we thought we were walking alone. But when we looked back and saw only one set of footprints, it wasn’t because God left us—it was because He was carrying us.

Today, we close this chapter—but what matters most now are the steps we take moving forward. The journey of our becoming will echo in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! 

To God be all the glory, honor, praise, and adoration. Mabuhay and daghang salamat!

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