Dear Jea,
Congratulations!
Congratulations on finishing college—a milestone earned through years of dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. You successfully completed the requirements of your program, endured countless deadlines, spent sleepless nights studying while the rest of the world slept, and overcame the many challenges that come with college life. This achievement is truly yours, and you deserve to celebrate it—especially now that you have graduated cum laude.
This is not yet the final destination of your dreams.
You still have a long road ahead of you, but today, you are much closer to your destination than you were when you first began. Every step you have taken, every challenge you have overcome, and every sacrifice you have made has brought you to this moment.
Jea, you are one step closer to turning your dreams into reality.
More than four years ago, I stood where you are now. I remember walking during the processional, sitting in my seat, and suddenly realizing that my college journey was coming to an end. It was a strange mix of emotions—relief, excitement, gratitude, and uncertainty all at once. I had spent years working toward that moment, yet when it finally arrived, a part of me wanted to hold on a little longer to the familiarity of the life I had known.
I had endured the journey, but when I was finally approaching the destination, I found myself hesitant to arrive.
And when the moment finally came—when I stood on that stage and received my diploma—the feeling of accomplishment stayed with me for a while. But after the excitement faded, I found myself asking, “This is it?”
I had imagined graduation would feel life-changing. I thought it would instantly transform everything. Instead, what I felt was a quiet realization that one chapter had ended and another was about to begin.
Trust me, Jen and I have been there, and we understand what you may be feeling.
But more than anything else, I want you to know how proud we are of you—Papa, Mama, Jen, and I.
You have grown into the kind of woman we always hoped you would become. You have flourished academically, carried yourself with humility, remained an obedient daughter, become a loving and respectful sister, and stayed faithful to God. Watching you grow through the years has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
And we know that every achievement, every success, and every blessing that comes your way is something you have earned. We witnessed the effort behind your accomplishments—the discipline, the sacrifices, and the determination to prove to yourself that you were capable of reaching your goals.
Beyond all of your hard work and determination, we also believe that God continues to bless you because you are one of His most obedient and reverent children. Through the years, we have seen your faith reflected not only in your prayers but also in the way you live your life—with humility, kindness, and compassion for others.
Your achievements are a testament to your diligence, but they are also reminders of God’s faithfulness in your life and in our family’s life. Continue to keep Him at the center of your journey, and we have no doubt that He will guide your steps wherever your dreams may lead you.
Sometimes I wonder how quickly time has passed.
You are no longer the little child I used to sing traditional Ilocano comedy songs to just to lull to sleep in the afternoons. You are no longer the young girl I taught how to write letters, color within the lines, count numbers, and learn the alphabet.
Yet despite all the changes, I still catch glimpses of that little girl in the person you are today.
You still come to me and Jen when you face challenges. You still seek our advice when making important decisions. And in those moments, I am reminded that although you have grown up, the bond we share remains the same.
Now, as you stand only a few steps away from having “RPh” written after your name, we hope you feel proud of the path you have chosen. We hope you find fulfillment in this profession and recognize the value of the work you are preparing to do.
When you become a professional, never allow the light within you to fade. Hold on to the reason that inspired you to pursue this path in the first place—your compassion, your desire to help others, and your sincere commitment to serving the people of Paracelis.
My prayer for you now is simple: may you pass the licensure examination with flying colors.
May you continue pursuing your dreams.
Go to medical school if that remains your calling.
Become the catalyst for positive change that our community needs.
And wherever life leads you, never stop believing in your ability to make a difference.
We are confident that your future is bright—not simply because you are talented, but because you know what you want and because you are willing to work hard to achieve it.
As your sister, I could not be prouder of the person you have become.
I wish you nothing but success, happiness, fulfillment, and God’s abundant blessings in every chapter that lies ahead. May your faith remain steadfast, your heart remain compassionate, and your dreams continue to grow.
No matter how far you go or how much you accomplish, know that Papa, Mama, Jen, and I will always be cheering for you, praying for you, and celebrating your victories.
Congratulations once again.
With all my love and pride,