WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz stood behind the podium like a proud father in front of his children, the Graduating Class of 2022. The commencement ceremony last July 21, 2022, held at the Cultural Center, was the culmination of fulfilled aspirations by the graduates and their families.
Graduation opens doors of opportunities, and the youthful graduates are determined to take on the world with wide-open eyes, ready to put their mark on society. Aware of the significance of this academic milestone, Dr. Villaruz equaled the fire he saw in the graduates’ eyes with his insightful and inspiring message.
“Dear graduates, each one of you holds the pen to write the future of your generation,” Dr. Villaruz wrote. “While it is true that there may be difficulties and uncertainties along the way, far more opportunities arise.”
In the aftermath of the graduation, the University President offers nuggets of fatherly counsel: rising above setbacks, learning from one’s mistakes, finding peace with yourself, and using the power of dreams to succeed, among others.
Below is the full graduation message of WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz to the Graduates of Class 2022:
My sincere congratulations to the graduates of Class 2022 for making it amidst the pandemic. The “generational challenge” brought about by Covid 19 has influenced all facets of society, especially your education. But remember that the post-COVID era is yet to be written.
Dear graduates, each one of you holds the pen to write your generation’s future. While it is true that there may be difficulties and uncertainties along the way, far more opportunities arise. Although some failures in life are inevitable, dreams serve as a yardstick as it uncovers your willpower.
Do not allow setbacks to drown out your inner voice and deter you from achieving your full potential. Dreams can empower you through every obstacle pitched against you. It will propel you to overcome fears, hardships, and rejections. Have the courage to follow your dreams, listen to your heart, and keep fighting for what you believe. Remember that there are no limitations to what you can accomplish.
Bear in mind to be true to who you really are. Learn lessons from the mistakes and failures of the past. Always strive to be at peace with yourself because only then you will find true happiness. You do not need a magic wand to change the world. You have within you the power to make a change, to make a difference, to make the world a better place for your generation and the generations to come.
As you graduate and embark on the journey of self-exploration and self-discovery of opportunities under the new normal, always be guided by your dreams – your north star, coupled with the right values and attitude. Let it illuminate your path and beacon you in the right direction.
Now is the time to take charge of your life and future. Be relevant and decide what really matters to you. I expect you, my dear graduates, to embrace a culture of excellence, morality, integrity, harmony, and love of work.
May God be with you always as you realize your dreams and find your rightful place underneath the sun!
JOSELITO F. VILLARUZ, MD, Ph.D., FPPS
SUC President IV
By Leo G. Almonte, MDC