Graduation Speech

For my mother who grows more tired throughout the day dealing with five kids and struggling with the grasps of the hospital's medical stench.

For my father who braves the 3 AM traffic for me to see my friends, waiting outside the bar to make sure I get home drunk yet safe. 

For my sibling who bravely walks up the graduation stage, about to move up to Year 11 and looking upon the future with bravery.

For my other sibling who watches us graduate with boredom at the long Masses, almost sleeping through it all. Yet behind her eyes are stars of inspiration as she grows up.

For my younger brother who is bored out of his mind at home watching stupid Youtube videos yet always asks about our day outside in the real world

For my younger sister who doesn't understand why I cry at the thought of never seeing her.

For my friends from work immersion who feel like the first barkada* I have had in a long time, after years of instability.

For my friends that I had forgotten during lunch, prioritizing school work over their love.

For the friends I have made throughout the years in hallways and classrooms, all whose laughter, smiles, and jokes I will soon forget.

For everyone who has gotten me here this far. 

And for everyone else.

Author's Note

*Barkada means a group of friends in Filipino