Most graduating students commemorate their four- or five-year journey in college by posting their grad photo along with a rather long entry about the challenges they've encountered, how they overcame them, and thanking those who have helped them along the way. When we saw the post of Candy Correspondent Arra Bayan, who graduated Cum Laude from UP Diliman this month, we thought it to be the same, until we started reading it and realized that the beloved she was talking about wasn't just UP, her school, but someone else, too.
"My five years in the university was culminated by a significant event in my life, or as I'd like to call it—the most hurtful, but most important lesson I had to learn. Since I was a freshman I always felt like something was missing. I couldn't see UP as the hype people put it out to be; it served merely as a container to many students striving to attain a degree. In my final year, I realized the reason—UP wasn't UP without you in it, simply because, you were my UP.
UP wasn't UP without you in it, simply because, you were my UP.
You were my UP, because from the very first time I laid eyes on you, I was captivated. Your smile radiated like the picturesque sun on the oblation backdrop. From that moment on, I knew you were truly special.
You were my UP, because you were my first love. You showed me how to live life in happiness and contentment. We shared some stellar moments together—the walks around the university, the piggy back rides, the first time you held my hand... These are moments I'm sure to cherish forever.
You were my UP, because you taught me a great deal of things. And in a way, these things have altered me, some for the best, some for the worst. These lessons weren't an easy digest, but taking them to heart was a must to grow.
You were my UP, because like the many impossible class requirements, I cried and lamented over you, and what it would feel like to fail you. And in times when I actually did, it was never a good feeling. But you almost always seemed to be accepting to let me back in.
You were my UP, because despite the struggle, I couldn't seem to give you up, because I knew I'd be fighting for something of great worth. It became more and more difficult and tiring, especially after numerous rejections by you. But amidst this unpleasantry, I was determined to continue my efforts.
You were my UP, because even though a lot of words have been held against you, your greatness was never lessened. The more negativity that stacked, the more I wanted to stand by you. You see, when you love someone as much as I loved you, you simply do not give up, even if all signs point to the impossibility of things. Like a true Iskolar ng Bayan, hinding hindi natatapos ang laban.
You see, when you love someone as much as I loved you, you simply do not give up, even if all signs point to the impossibility of things.
You were my UP, because in just a short amount of time, you made me realize my worth and significance. You made me aware of the things that I should fight for. You made me believe in my capabilities to represent something larger than life. You made me feel fearless.
You were my UP, because like the sunflowers along University Avenue, you gave me hope that one day, all the efforts will pay off and will not have been for naught. You gave me hope, that no matter how tough the going gets, something good will blossom in the end.
You gave me hope, that no matter how tough the going gets, something good will blossom in the end.
Lastly, you were my UP, because now, we are going our separate ways. I'll be out to chase the future, and you'll be doing the same. The only difference is, we won't be chasing it together anymore. This is perhaps the hardest fact to accept. The only thing that makes it bearable is knowing that I loved you no less than when I loved you the most.
I will miss you so much, even more than words can reach. Sa taong papalit sa aking pwesto, hiling ko lang na 'wag mong biguin ang pamantasang minahal ko ng buong puso.
Sa ngayon, paalam UP. Maraming maraming salamat."
From The Candy Bulletin Community
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