“BELIEVE in yourself, even when uncertainty and fear are present.”
Ito ang mensahe ni Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza sa mga nagsipagtapos sa Universidad de Manila (UDM) sa ginanap na 27th Commencement Exercises nitong July 29, kasama si UdM President Dr. Felma Carlos-Tria at iba pang opisyal ng unibsersidad.
“Mahalagang malaman n’yong lahat na may saysay ang buhay ninyo—you are meant to make a difference,” ani Atienza, kasabay ng hamon sa mga graduates na yakapin ang kanilang potential at ialay ang buhay sa isang misyon na mas higit pa sa kanilang mga sarili.
Ayon kay Tria, ang mensahe ni Atienza ay magsisilbing inspirasyon at “source of hope and guidance for them to trust in their own potential and confidently face the challenges ahead.”
Ibinahagi din ng bise alkalde ang kanyang naging paglalakbay bilang working student, aktres at entrepreneur na nakaranas ng tagumpay at kabiguan
Hinimok niya ang mga mag-aaral na yakapin ang buhay nang hindi naka-depende sa mga mahihita kundi sa ‘selfless service and dedication to a higher calling.
“The secret to life really is to surrender your decisions, to surrender your ambition, and to give your life to the Lord and for the betterment of those around you. And if you follow that path, I can assure you 101% you will make it in life,” aniya.
“The challenges and obstacles faced along the way are not merely hurdles but essential for personal growth and preparedness….Looking back at my life, I know if the Lord did not put me in the paths where he led me, I would not be ready to face you today and to tell you na kung kaya ko, mas kaya niyo rin,” dagdag pa ni Atienza.
