Summa Cum Laude Student Pays Tribute to his Beloved ‘Lola’ During His Graduation
An inspiring student who graduated summa cum laude took the opportunity to pay tribute to his grandmother, who had cared for him throughout his academic journey despite being visually impaired.
Yancy Panugon expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his beloved grandmother, Norma, during his acceptance speech at the graduation ceremony.
Graduating from college is a significant achievement for any student, but earning the distinction of summa cum laude is a remarkable honor.
Yancy Panugon recognized the immense contribution of his Mamang Norma, who had nurtured and cared for him since his mother left for Manila from Iloilo when he was just a child. Despite his grandmother’s visual impairment, she selflessly devoted herself to Yancy’s well-being.
In her acceptance speech, Yancy shared, “I can still remember the nights when lola had to hold the flashlight over my books so that I can see what I was reading and writing. Sometimes, my teachers would ask me why my project have drops of melted candles on them.”
The inspiring student also confessed that although he never gave up on the hardships of life, there were moments when he felt overwhelmed.
Panugon admitted that his attention was often diverted from his studies to the books he read and the assignments he completed, while emotional solace came from his friends.
“Kaya minsan, gabi na ako umuuwi at minsan, mas pipiliin kong makitulog na lamang sa kaklase ko,” he added.
However, an anonymous teacher stepped in to offer assistance. Not only did this teacher provide Yancy with food, but they also welcomed him into their home, providing him with a conducive environment to study.
Yancy shared the valuable lesson he learned from the support of his teacher: “To survive does not mean to compete, you just need to collaborate because no man is an island, and it will always take a village to raise a child.”
Furthermore, he emphasized the lessons he learned from his grandmother’s sacrifices and support. “Huwag icompare ‘yung struggles mo sa iba kasi magkaiba ‘yung bigat ng mga pinagdadaanan natin. Magkaiba yung ways kung paano kayo dumiskarte sa buhay,” he advised.
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