Bandology

Graduation for veterinarians is different.

Unlike other courses who can afford to rest for a while before going to work, veterinarians have to face the board exams before going to work. And the preparation starts even before graduation day. Graduation day appears as an interruption to review sessions. I can blame the very late graduation date of UP (ours was the second week of April, while other schools usually have it in third week of March).

I was tasked to deliver the valedictory address. But this is a bit different. I did not have the absolute freedom to say whatever I wanted to say. It must be a collective message of the entire batch. As mush as I want it to be personal, I can’t simply do that.
The current scenario in our time was a mixture of pressure and high hopes. The preceding year’s record was the worst for the entire history of the college- another school edged U.P. on the percentage passing in the board exam. Our batch was to redeem the prestige and glory of the college.

I drafted my speech, but I deviated a bit upon the delivery. My speech, I was later told by my batchmates, was even better than the speech of the university valedictorian.Here are few things I said on that day.

I view life, not what it is, but what it can be. And it is not easy to live that kind of philosophy. Living a life as it can be means a lot of sacrifice. For my part, it meant asking other people to help me, by asking for favors, by borrowing things I needed…

Many times, I prayed, why do I feel so deprived? I do not have everything I need. Then God answered me with this verse “Never will I forsake you, never will I leave you…” What I do not have, I do not need, what I need, God has always provided me.

Then I realized, life is not about possessing things, it is about sharing. It is not about competition, it is about cooperation. it is not being the best, it is doing what is best for others.
I then understood the significance of this verse in my life “ My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” When I was weak, I asked God to be my strength.When I had nothing, God provided me everything.

We are accepting the challenge. And we will do beyond our best to meet your expectations. I told my batchamates who said “ We are not inspired, we cannot review for the board exams…” . Do not wait for inspiration to come. Just do it. You have to challenge your excuses. Challenge your excuses.