ON April 16, 2025, this humble column writer attended the graduation ceremonies of San Roque National High School, Mabini District. The said ceremony was attended by the school community, local government unit, parents, relatives, teaching and non-teaching force led by the very active school leader, Dr. Noel Casimsiman, with the support of the very talented public schools district supervisor, Dr. Carolyn Lee B. Esdrelon. Majority of the Mabini District school leaders attended the graduation ceremonies.
The inspiring message of the keynote speaker, in the person of Miss Gelyn Pangan Aparilla, who got the fifth place in the September 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), was delivered with pride. This humble column writer is very fortunate to be provided a copy with her graduation message to the 2025 graduates of San Roque NHS, Mabini District. Miss Aparilla gave her a copy of her graduation message, an inspiring one to be published, for others to know her story.
“Distinguished guests, esteemed faculty, proud parents, cherished friends, and most especially, the graduates of today—good day to all of you!
Standing before you today is someone who once studied under the glow of a lamplight, rode dump trucks just to get to class, and questioned whether she’d ever make it this far. But through unwavering faith and relentless determination, I turned those struggles into stepping stones.
I am Gelyn Aparilla—a proud product of San Roque National High School, Batch 2019, a dreamer who never gave up, and by God’s grace, Top 5 in the September 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers.
I am not here just to celebrate your achievements, but to remind you: No dream is too big, no background too humble, and no obstacle too great when you choose to believe in yourself and trust in God’s plan for your life.
Now, let me ask you: how many of you have ever doubted yourselves? Have you ever asked, “Am I good enough?” or “Do I have what it takes to succeed?” I believe we all have. I know I have. But I’m standing here today to tell you—it’s okay to have doubts, but never let them define you.
Today is more than just a celebration of your academic journey—it’s a tribute to your resilience, courage, and faith. You are here not just because of what you’ve learned, but because you dared to dream and refused to give up.
As you prepare to take your next steps, I want to leave you with two lessons that shaped my journey:
1. Step out of your comfort zone. Back then, I thought my story would end after Grade 6. My family struggled. There were days we had no food—let alone money for school. My allowance? Sometimes three pesos, Sometimes one, And sometimes… nothing at all. My uniform was worn out, my school supplies were whatever I could find. But I had one thing—hope.
I worked hard and earned honors in elementary school. But I believed I had to give up school and start working. Then came a turning point—my brother said, “I will support your education.” He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Because of him, I stepped out of my comfort zone and dared to dream again.
High school wasn’t easy. We had no electricity, so I studied by lamplight—sometimes waking up with singed hair from being too close to the flame. Transportation was a challenge, but we made it work—riding dump trucks, multicabs, even motorcycles just to get to school. People doubted me. They whispered that I’d never finish. But I stayed focused. And by God’s grace—I graduated.
2. Poverty does not define one’s potential for success.
When college came, it felt like a mountain I couldn’t climb. I didn’t know what course to take or where to go. I asked myself, “Asa ko mo-eskwela? Unsa akong pili-on?” Asa mi ug kwarta? I felt lost.
But in that uncertainty, I turned to God. I almost missed the entrance exam at Bohol Island State University – Candijay Campus because it was the same day as our retreat. But something inside urged me to go. During lunch break, I left and took the exam. I passed—and I now know it’s where I was meant to be. “Ang tanan may katuyuan.”
Still, financial struggles weighed heavily. My brother, who had already sacrificed so much, wasn’t sure if he could afford to support me. I nearly gave up. But my family stood by me. With their help—and with God—I pressed on.
College was tough. I lost so much hair from stress I had to cut it short. I got sick for weeks. I even got into a motorcycle accident and couldn’t walk properly for over a month. Friends helped me to campus every single day. I wanted to give up. But I remembered—God is bigger than any trial.
“Walay imposible basta naa kay pagsalig sa Ginoo.”
I applied for scholarships, knowing we couldn’t make it without help. Even with free tuition at BISU, I still needed to cover daily expenses, boarding fees, and supplies. Then came a miracle—I was chosen for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). Out of so many applicants, I was one of the blessed few. That 20,000 pesos per semester felt like God whispering, “You are meant for greater things.”
After I finished college, I urge myself to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers, not just to pass, but to top the board exam. It wasn’t merely about getting a license—it was a dream, a goal that I had carried in my heart. It’s a dream that required sacrifice—blood, sweat, and tears—but I kept moving forward. I begged, I knelt before God, asking for His grace to make this dream a reality. And as always, He never failed to amaze me with His unwavering love and goodness. He blessed me beyond measure, and by His grace, I was able to achieve what seemed impossible.
So, to all the graduates here today: Let this be your reminder—, Step out of your comfort zone. Growth comes from doing the scary, unfamiliar, and uncertain. The best opportunities are just beyond your fear. And never forget— Poverty does not define one’s potential for success.
“Dili ang kakuwang sa kwarta ang babag sa imong kalampusan, kundi ang kakuwang sa pagtuo sa imong kaugalingon.”
You may face hardship, but you are not defined by your circumstances. If you work hard, believe in yourself, and trust God, you will make it.
This graduation is not the finish line—it’s the starting line. The world will test you. There will be setbacks, heartbreaks, and failures. But don’t let your background limit you. Let it fuel you.
When things get hard, go back to this:
Put God at the center of your journey. Say, “Lord, without You, I am nothing. I entrust everything to You.” And He will never fail you. With God, no storm can sink you, no struggle can defeat you, and no dream is out of reach.
To the parents and teachers—thank you for standing by these graduates, even during moments of self-doubt. Your quiet sacrifices have been the unseen pillars of their success.
And to you, graduates—be proud of your story. Be proud of every challenge you overcame. You are not just graduates. You are fighters. You are dreamers. You are the future of this nation.
So go out there. Be bold. Be fearless. Be the hope of a better Philippines. And never, ever let poverty or fear stop you from reaching greatness.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! May you rise to greater heights. Timan-e: Ang kalampusan magagikan sa pagtuo ug paningkamot. Busa, tindog ug lahutay.”
“Daghang salamat ug padayon sa inyong mga pangandoy!”
