WAS IT THE PHILOSOPHER Aristotle who said that “education is the best provision for old age”?

These words of wisdom coming from a prominent figure in 322 BC was dwelling on some philosophy that up to now is still very relevant, pertinent and germane to man’s existence. However, let me add to what he had conveyed, not necessarily contradicting his wisdom: “What education provides for is here and now and in the future. Growing old is imminent, but why wait for the sunset when one can make hays at his most sunny days?”

Education is a timeless and priceless possession that never goes out of style. It begins when life begins but does not end when life ends. The remarkable messages and significance of education remain even when man himself perishes. From 223 BC up to now, man is saying the same thing – education never ceases and if there is one thing that will carry you through fortunate and unfortunate encounters, it is knowledge, skills, values and faith in God made available to you through the right and proper education.

Togas and diplomas are symbols of completing one important phase in your life, yet someone in the distant past said that after graduation your schooling may be over, but education continues. When you think it is over, the truth is, it isn’t over yet. After graduation, you shall be busy preparing for your respective board examination. We all believe that the culmination of your four or five years of college life will only be meaningful and significant when you successfully hurdled the dreaded licensure examination. However, making it or not, passing it with flying color or simply passing it for the sake of passing, the fact remains that there’s a new world out there to be conquered.

When you embark on that new life, I hope you will not only think of economic prosperity as your main goal. Man’s success is not only measured in terms of how much money he has in the banks, or how big a house he has built, or how many cars he owns or what his worth is in Dollars or Euros, but also on intangible possessions synonymous with his name.

A man of success is known for his integrity, faithfulness, lawfulness, and a sense of justice.

He is counted as a friend not only by his colleagues in the business but in the communities of the poor and the needy, of the less privileged, the underprivileged, and the marginalized.

He is concerned with his environment, supporting the cause for its preservation and restitution.

A man of success is an honorable man who places the interest of his country above that of others. His love for his country is apparent and evident. He may be leaving it for a while and work abroad, but distance or being away from it is of no consequence. He gets himself involved in matters that affect the keeping of the peace and order of his nation. The forthcoming election will test his integrity as a voter, his vigilance as a concerned citizen and his resolution not to be cheated by his own government.

Soon you shall trek the path towards the fulfillment of your dreams. You are on the threshold of something undefined yet exciting enough to create that ripple of excitement, apprehension and hesitation in you. You might ask yourself:

“Am I ready for the world outside?

“Is my college training enough to allow me to with whatever comes my way?”

“Shall I be able to get a job immediately?”

“In a highly competitive world, where do I stand and what are my chances?”

“Who will help me go through this bewildering episode in my life?”

Jittery about the future?

Never fear, my dear Wesleyans. Being afraid should not at all get you out of focus. Instead, the feeling of uneasiness should catapult you to a posture of activity, energy and vigor. Do not forget that you came from Wesleyan University – Philippines, crafted well, honed to become the revered leaders of the trusty followers of tomorrow. You were prepared for a global village where new ideas abound, where opportunities crisscross with challenges, where obstacles deter your way, and where falsehood may appear like they’re truths.

With globalization, the world becomes smaller and smaller, making everything within your reach. Never have there been lots of opportunities for young people as well as the adults to access information so easily, ready for consumption and utilization by the bold and the daring. In a highly globalized village of chances and prospects, I assure you my dear Wesleyans that you are ready for it because we made sure you are equipped and armed to face the future with confidence, with clarity of purpose and with high resolve to make a difference.

I would surmise that your deepest fear may not be because you are inadequate. Your real fear is that you, maybe, are powerful beyond measure. Often, it is our light rather than our darkness that frightens us most. Being in the light is a gargantuan task, so huge we are overwhelmed and engulfed in fear.

Did it dawn on you that getting a college education is a big responsibility? To whom much is given, much is expected. All eyes are focused on the one who is most likely to succeed, to accomplish and to bring glory to them all because he got an education.

That, my dear graduates, is a challenge you will have to face sooner or later. It may fire you up, inspire you, push you to your limits. Or it may frighten you to your wits, make you recede or withdraw, and give up when you have not even started. More people will place their bets on you now, give you some years to prove yourself; give themselves some years to prove they are right.

Take one step at a time, take big leaps if necessary, and take small steps towards your future. Take the road that is least taken or not taken at all. It maybe at the end of the road where you find what you’re seeking.

Do not be afraid to commit mistakes, they are inevitable. A lot of learning comes from the commission of errors and eventually rectifying them. You have never learned when the errors done were not recognized and corrected. Admit that you have made a mistake. That’s humility unparalleled.

You have to start making your mark, a mark that will reverberate anywhere in the four corners of the world. My only request is when that mark is shaped and outlined, we wish to see clearly the emblem of your Alma Mater unmistakably distinct, unmistakably bearing that stamp of a Wesleyan-Methodist tradition we are all so proud of.

The attainment of a desired future lies in good hands—your own. Life is what you make it after listening intently to God’s whispers of direction and guidance. Then, you can never go wrong.

As you journey through clear paths and labyrinths, through wide roads and narrow ones, through endless highways and dead ends, never forget that you have been lucky to have a family that unceasingly supports and loves you, a school like Wesleyan which trained you intellectually, spiritually and socially, a peer group who shared good and bad times with you, a community of worshippers who nourishes your spiritual wanting and One God who made all things possible.

When you leave the gateway of this beloved institution, take with you everything you have acquired from it. Take them to your next point of destination. Influence others to do better. Make yourself the role model. Every learning added to your reservoir of knowledge should be utilized to benefit your family, you fellowmen and your country.###