COLLIDING HEARTS: THE START OF US (SLOW UPDATE)

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER: THE FINAL MILESTONE

Graduation day. The day we had all been working toward for years had finally arrived. It was a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a little bit of sadness knowing that this chapter of our lives was about to end. The school gymnasium was decked out in the usual blue and white motifs, the colors of our alma mater. Parents, siblings, and even extended family members filled the seats, their cameras poised and ready to capture every moment. Sa isang sulok ng gym, naroon ang mga kaklase ko, all in their togas, whispering and laughing as we waited for the ceremony to start.

The program began with the traditional processional march. Walking down the aisle felt surreal, each step echoing years of hard work, friendships, and unforgettable moments. We stood in neat lines, waiting for the part that made me the most nervous—my speech as the class salutatorian.

When my name was called, I walked up to the podium, my hands slightly trembling. I took a deep breath and looked out at the crowd—my parents, my classmates, my teachers, and even Aris, who gave me a small nod of encouragement from the audience.

THE SALUTATORY SPEECH

After the National Anthem and the opening remarks, it was my turn to take the stage. The host called my name, and I felt my heart pound as I stepped up to the podium. I took a deep breath and looked at the audience.

"Good morning, everyone—parents, teachers, guests, and of course, my fellow graduates."

I paused for a moment, feeling the weight of the occasion settle in.

"I stand here today, not just as a student who has survived high school, but as someone who has been changed by it. It's funny how time flies. It feels like just yesterday we were all freshmen, unsure of ourselves, wondering if we would make it this far. And now, here we are, ready to take on the world."

The audience chuckled, and I continued, trying to steady my nerves.

"High school wasn't just about grades, assignments, and exams. It was about the friendships we made, the lessons we learned, and the moments that defined us. It was about discovering who we really are, not just as students, but as individuals. And while we all faced challenges along the way, we also experienced triumphs—big and small—that shaped us into the people we are today."

I could see my friends nodding, their faces reflecting a mixture of pride and nostalgia.

"For some of us, high school was about academic success, and for others, it was about overcoming personal struggles. But what matters most is that we all made it here together. We learned that it's okay to stumble as long as we rise again. And we discovered that success doesn't always come in the form we expect, but in the courage to keep moving forward."

My eyes shifted to my parents, who were sitting at the front, smiling at me. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling the warmth of their support.

"To my parents, I owe everything. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't always believe in myself. You've always been my greatest supporters, and I am who I am because of your love, guidance, and sacrifices. I wouldn't be here without you."

I paused for a moment, trying to hold back the lump in my throat. My mom had tears in her eyes, and I knew I wasn't the only one feeling emotional.

"To my teachers, thank you for your endless patience and for pushing us to be our best. You didn't just teach us subjects—you taught us life lessons. You helped us grow, not just as students, but as people. And for that, I will be forever grateful."

I took a deep breath, looking at my classmates who had been my companions through it all.

"And to my classmates, we've been through so much together. From late-night study sessions to group projects, we've experienced the highs and lows of high school. We've celebrated each other's successes, supported each other through challenges, and, most importantly, we've created memories that will last a lifetime. This moment is just as much yours as it is mine."