Why Adults Are Relating to Atom Araullo’s Graduation Message
ATOM ARAULLO – Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo may have been speaking to Grade 6 students, but many adults found themselves reflecting on his surprisingly relatable advice.
Award-winning broadcast journalist Atom Araullo recently returned to a place filled with memories and life lessons as he addressed the Ateneo Grade School Class of 2026 on May 13, exactly three decades after graduating from the same campus. In a transcript released on May 25, Araullo shared six simple but meaningful lessons for students, particularly those belonging to Generation Alpha. While his speech was intended for children, many of his reflections carried wisdom that adults could also apply in their daily lives.
Araullo opened his talk with a reminder about the importance of preparation and hard work. Referring to classmates who pretend not to study but still excel in exams, he warned students not to be fooled by such claims.
“Sa totoo lang, kahit ang mga genius, kailangan mag-aral. Talent is nice. Intelligence is nice. But if you want to do well in an exam, or in sports, or in music, or in anything worth doing, you have to prepare. There are no shortcuts,” he said.
The journalist then recalled a humorous but unforgettable experience from his grade school days involving an old superstition. According to the myth, placing a dead snake inside a book is supposed to help students absorb lessons more quickly. Curious about the belief, Araullo tried it himself, only to regret it after the animal decomposed inside his school bag and ruined his science book. Through the story, he encouraged students to think critically and question questionable advice.
“So if you ever hear a tip like that… siguro… mag-aral ka na lang,” he suggested.
Araullo also encouraged students to become comfortable with embarrassment and awkward moments, explaining that growth often begins with discomfort.
“Everything worth doing in life starts with a little bit of cringe. Kung hindi mo sasanayin ang sarili mo na mapahiya once in a while, ang dami mong hindi susubukan,” exclaimed Araullo.
He shared how joining the theater during his younger years, initially because of his parents’ encouragement, eventually helped him develop confidence and social skills. According to him, trying activities outside one’s comfort zone is necessary even if failure or embarrassment comes with it.
“In life, you have to try things that you’re bad at. You might join a club and realize you’re not good yet. You might try a sport and lose badly. You might dance and immediately regret it. That’s okay. The cringe is temporary,” he said.
Another lesson Araullo emphasized was the value of admitting ignorance and asking questions. For him, saying “I don’t know” is not a weakness but a sign of openness to learning.
“If you don’t understand something, just say it. ‘Sir, I don’t get it.’ ‘Ma’am, pwede pakiulit?’ ‘Bro, ano yung assignment?'” he said.
“But seriously, don’t be afraid to ask. Because the moment you accept that there are many things you don’t know, you become free to learn,” he added.
The broadcast journalist also urged students not to become too dependent on gadgets and smartphones. He explained that many of his happiest memories were formed during moments spent away from screens.
“Pag bored ka, hindi automatic na kailangan mong maghanap ng WiFi. Smartphones are amazing. Games are amazing. But if your whole life is on a screen, you will miss a lot,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of real-life experiences and personal interactions, saying these moments often become lasting memories.
“You will remember the inside jokes only your section understood, the games you played outside for too long (yung tipong pawis na pawis na kayo pagbalik sa classroom), and the family moments that didn’t feel special at the time, but somehow became core memories.”
To conclude his speech, Araullo reminded students to be mindful of the habits and choices they develop while growing up. He stressed that character is built gradually through everyday decisions.
“It’s tempting to always choose the easy option. When things get hard, you quit. When you get in trouble, you lie. When you make a mistake, you make excuses. When someone else is having a hard time, you pretend you don’t see it,” the journalist said.
Araullo explained that repeated actions eventually shape a person’s values and attitude in life.
“If you get used to these things, dadalhin mo yan sa paglaki. So be careful.”
“You don’t have to save the world before recess. Sometimes being good starts with very small things,” he concluded.
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