CHAPTER 1
"Salazar, Alexandra Vedee R." when she heard her name, she instantly went up to the stage with a genuine smile on her face that you can clearly see on the big screen on the venue, her eyes that are full of satisfaction, contentment and happiness.
"Dean's Lister from first year college to fourth year college, graduate of Bachelor of Dental Science, Cum Laude." and as she approaches her Dean, the higher one's and her siblings, the joy in her face is incredibly noticeable.
"Thank you Sir January." She smiled and shakes hand with the Dean. "You deserve this, you worked hard for this."
"Now, let us all hear Ms. Salarazar's speech. Let us all put our hands together for her." And the woman gave the floor for Vedee.
"Thank you." She speaks softly to the woman.
As she faced to the microphone in front of hundreds of students, many parents, and all the people who are there to support and witness the successful years of the students that results to being able to graduate and have a decent job.
"Good Morning everyone! To all the graduates, professors, our Dean, the family I had here in Centro Escolar University and of course my family. I want to thank our Dean who never stopped believing in my capabilities, my abilities and how far I can go. Everything did not go the way I want it to, but one thing is for sure, though it was a tough journey, I know I am surrounded by the people I love who keeps me going, everyone who pushed me not to stop and strive harder, to my friends who pulls me up when I am in my worst and to my siblings who remind me of what my purpose is, thank you. Of course I want to thank myself for being brave, for taking risks and for being a consistent student and I am proud to be a student of this University. Most importantly, I want to thank my angels, thank you for watching over me and my siblings. We will be good here, please keep on watching us mom and dad. I love you both. I have learned a lot and I know I will never forget this; CEU will always have a place in my heart. My journey was not as easy as you thought it was but look at us now, we did it."
And she stopped for a while realizing she went through hell and is able to get up again. She ends her speech with a "Thank you to everyone, to my Alma Mater and God bless us all!"
"Thank you Ms. Salazar. Congratulations everyone! Enjoy the rest of the day." The Dean ended the ceremony with a short message but a lot may notice in his face that he is satisfied.
"Hi Sir!" as she come close to their Dean.
"Oh, Ms. Salazar. Congratulations, how are you feeling?" and they both shake their hands. "I'm good sir. Thank you for the four years, I know that you know what I've been through after my parents passed away." And her tears are about to fall because it is still fresh even though it happened one and a half year already.
"I know Vedee, I am a child as well and I know how it would feel like. All I can do is to believe in you and to be by your side all the time." Her Dean added.
"Thank you, Sir." Those are the only words that came out of her mouth; she can't believe she'll make it.
"No worries. You are like a daughter to me already. I know you've been depressed for so long and you're at your downfall." And they hugged each other.
"I'll make it up to you Sir." And she wipes the tears that came out of her eyes.
"I am not asking for any return Vedee. Take care of yourself okay? I need to go now my child. God bless." And he gave a rub on Vedee's back.
"Bye Sir, see you around!" she shouted as Mr. January go away.
Mr. January just gave a wave on the air as a sign that he heard Vedee. They went to their own businesses already. A lot are taking pictures with their friends and families.
Someone came closer to Vedee while she was just staring at Sir January who is slowly getting far.
"Hi Vedee, can I have a picture with you?" the guy asked politely and he showed the instax on his right hand. "Yes sure. Wait for a while." And she fixed her hair and her face. "You don't have to do that. You are already beautiful." and they took a photo together.
