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Dr. Richard Paolo B. Deluria, SRK Chairman and CEO, Ms. Frances Louise T. Deluria, SRK President and CFO, esteemed faculty members, beloved families, honored guests, and dear graduates, a pleasant good morning/afternoon. It is a great honor to stand before you today as your commencement speaker. Coming all the way from the Philippines to Abu Dhabi to celebrate this milestone with you is truly special. Today, we recognize not just your achievements but also your resilience, leadership, and determination to succeed. Before anything else, let us take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who made this memorable day possible: To the teachers—thank you for your patience, dedication, and for guiding these students every step of the way. To the parents and families—your love, sacrifices, and unwavering support have been the foundation of their success. To the SRK Educational Group International and the Deluria family—thank you for fostering a school that nurtures knowledge, character, and leadership. Your commitment to education empowers the youth to become the best versions of themselves. To the kindergarten and elementary graduates, congratulations, little achievers! You have learned to read, write, count, and, most importantly, to be kind, share, and believe in yourself. Learning is a big adventure—keep asking questions, keep playing, and most of all, keep dreaming big. And don’t forget to thank your parents and teachers for helping you reach this milestone! To the Junior and Senior High School graduates, today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. You have faced late-night study sessions, nerve-wracking exams, and group projects that tested your patience. But you made it! Let me ask you: how many of you have ever panicked because you forgot there was a quiz quiz until five minutes before class? How many of you stayed up late, maybe even past midnight, just to finish a project or study for an exam? These moments, as stressful as they were, helped shape you into the determined individuals you are today. Some of you have discovered talents in academics, arts, sports, or community service. Others have faced setbacks but kept pushing forward. That’s what true leaders do—they don’t give up; they rise stronger. Looking at all of you today, I am reminded of my younger self, full of passion, eager to lead, and believing that hard work alone would guarantee success. I engaged myself in academics and extracurricular activities, thinking that if I gave my best, everything would fall into place. But as life unfolded, I learned an important truth: success is not a straight path. There were failures, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. However, I also discovered that true leaders are not those who never fail, but those who know how to pick themselves up every time they fall. This lesson became even more meaningful in my journey as a psychologist. Every day, I work with people who face incredible struggles, individuals battling anxiety, depression, trauma, self-doubt and other mental health concerns. Some feel trapped by their past, overwhelmed by their present, or feeling uncertain about their future. I have seen students break down because they felt like they were not good enough. I have listened to professionals who have lost their sense of purpose. I have guided individuals who thought they had no strength left to continue. Yet, I have also witnessed something extraordinary, the power of resilience. I have seen people rise from their darkest moments, rediscover their strength, and rebuild their lives. Students who once doubted themselves have gone on to achieve greatness because they refused to let failure define them. I have seen people transform their pain into purpose, using their struggles to inspire and uplift others. These individuals did not have an easy journey, but they had something far more valuable, the determination to keep going despite the odds. Like them, you too will encounter challenges. But I want you to believe in your ability to overcome them. You are stronger than you think. You are more capable than you realize. Most importantly, you are never alone. Seek help when you need it. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Be kind to yourself because resilience is not just about pushing forward—it is also about knowing when to rebuild your strength. Hold onto your values but be willing to let go of your plans when necessary. True strength lies in staying committed to your purpose while finding new ways to achieve your dreams. Your first dream may shift. Your first plan may fail. Even your backup plan may change—and that is okay. Strong leaders don’t just follow a single path; they create new opportunities, inspire change, and uplift others along the way. So, when things don’t go as expected, don’t give up. Keep moving forward. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, carry these lessons with you. Do not be afraid to fail, because failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of it. Keep moving forward, and as you grow, uplift others along the way. Never stop improving yourself. Keep learning, for life is a continuous journey of growth and discovery. Prioritizing your mental health is essential for resilience and clarity. Whenever life feels overwhelming, remember the three R’s—Rest to renew your energy, reflect to learn from your journey, and recharge to keep your passion alive. As Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Never let fear or doubt hold you back. The world is waiting for you to build a future that reflects your passion and purpose. Carry with you the values and lessons that SRK has instilled in you as you move forward, wherever life takes you. Dear graduates, you have worked tirelessly to reach this moment, and you deserve to celebrate your success. So, let’s give one another a warm round of applause for your commitment, resilience, and all the sacrifices you have made to get here today. Congratulations, Class of 2025! It’s an honor to celebrate this special day with you. SRK has given you a strong foundation, now keep growing, keep striving, and never stop believing in yourself. The future is yours to shape!

God bless us all. Mabuhay, SRK!