Empowering the Next Generation: Lessons from a High School Graduation Speech
Last May 29, 2024, I was invited as the guest of honor on my alma mater Catmon National High School for their 7th Senior High School Graduation Day (Batch 2024). Held at Catmon Santa Maria, Bulacan.
I never had the chance to speak in front of this stage in my whole high school life. Truth be told, I’m not the smartest in our class — not even top 5.
11 years later, I got the opportunity to share my life learnings and experiences — and be the very first alumni guest speaker for CNHS – Senior High School graduation.
I’m sharing my speech which I delivered in front of 200+ students, 300+ parents, and 86 dedicated faculty members.
5 Things I will tell my high school self
1. Success Isn’t About Where You Sit, But Who’s Sitting
“Wala yan sa umuupo, nasa umuupo ‘yan“
As graduates of Catmon National High School, we were once part of the extension campus of Pulong Buhangin High School. Our school was far from what it is today—just four classrooms, no walls, no canteen, no paved roads, and no stage to perform on. It was, quite literally, a school in the middle of the fields. With up to 90 students crammed into a single room, you could imagine how challenging the environment was. Yet, despite the lack of resources, our teachers were exceptional, and we thrived.
Some might question whether learning was even possible in such conditions. But our success proves otherwise. Many of us went on to become professionals—teachers, corporate managers, politicians, entrepreneurs, and medical experts. We may have come from a small school, but it wasn’t the physical space that determined our future. It was our drive and determination. Whether you graduate from a prestigious school or a small one, what matters is your hard work and dedication.
2. Don’t Focus on Grades, Focus on Learning
In school, it’s easy to get caught up in grades, but the true purpose of education is to learn. Competing for honors or awards should never be the primary goal. Grades are merely a reflection of your academic performance; they don’t define your future.
A year after you graduate, you probably won’t even remember your grades in subjects like English or Math. As someone who graduated with honors both in high school and college, I can confidently say that grades play only a small role in your career. What truly matters are the skills and knowledge you acquire.
Good grades don’t guarantee a good life. In fact, some of the top achievers in school struggle the most in the real world because school conditions them to follow a structured process: lesson, discussion, exam. Life, on the other hand, throws challenges at you without warning, often without instructions. Fresh graduates may feel unprepared for this reality. Additionally, high expectations often lead us to play it safe, avoiding risks that might lead to growth.
The key is to focus on learning, not just grades, and to recognize that there’s much more to success than what’s written on your report card.
3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
What is a comfort zone? It’s a place where you feel safe, with no challenges or risks. Many students hesitate to step outside of this zone, even when opportunities arise—whether it’s joining a competition or speaking in public.
But growth only happens when you push beyond what’s comfortable. I, for one, disliked public speaking. My comfort zone was working behind a computer or chatting with close friends. Yet, I took the leap and accepted public speaking opportunities early in my career. It wasn’t easy—I stumbled over my words and felt nervous—but I kept pushing myself. Now, speaking in front of people is far less intimidating.
The lesson here is simple: take risks, bet on yourself, and step out of your comfort zone. There are so many things you can learn and experience, especially in college, where there are countless new opportunities—clubs, sports, contests. You may struggle at first, but every challenge will help you grow.
Staying in your comfort zone is easy, but the real difficulty lies in a life without progress.
4. Who You Are Today is the Result of the Decisions You Make Every Day
Who you are right now, and where you stand in life, is a result of the decisions you make daily. It’s not just about the big, life-changing choices; your life is shaped by the hundreds of small decisions you make each day.
Your graduation today is the result of simple decisions—showing up to school on time, submitting projects, and working hard for awards. Now that you’re moving on to college, you need to become an even better decision-maker. Every small choice adds up, forming the person you are and will become.
Remember, your current state in life is just a reflection of the decisions you’ve made.
5. Be Grateful, Be Thankful
Lastly, gratitude is key. Be thankful for everything you have today. Thank God for the good weather, for having your parents with you at your graduation, and for reaching this milestone. Every day, we receive countless blessings, and it’s important to take a moment to appreciate them.
I want to take the opportunity to thank my Mom – Mary Jane Arenque, and my Dad Marlo Arenque for shaping who I am now. And also my fiance Shyra Sarmiento for supporting me.
And all the teachers that treat us like their own child, we appreciate everyone of you. On behalf of the graduates from 2012 up to now, thank you.
As you step into the next phase of your life, remember these lessons. Success doesn’t come from the prestige of your school, your grades, or staying in your comfort zone. It comes from learning, taking risks, and making decisions that shape your future. Be grateful for your journey, and never stop pushing yourself to be greater than what’s expected of you.
I hope that in some way, my words have sparked something within them. Again, congratulations, Batch 2024!