There is a story of a young, but earnest Zen student who approached his

teacher, and asked the Master, If I work very hard and diligently, how long will it take for
me to find Zen? The Master thought about this, then replied, Ten years . . ?The
student then said, But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast
How long then? Replied the Master, Well, twenty years. But, if I really, really work
at it, how long then? asked the student. Thirty years, replied the Master. But, I do not
understand, said the disappointed student. At each time that I say I will work harder,
you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that? ?Replied the Master, When you
have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path.
This is the dilemma weve faced within the Philippine education system. We are
so focused on a goal, whether it be passing a test, or graduating as first in the class.
However, in this way, we do not really learn. We do whatever it takes to achieve our
original objective.
Some of you may be thinking, Well, if you pass a test, or become valedictorian,
didnt you learn something? Well, yes, you learned something, but not all that you could
have. Perhaps, you only learned how to memorize names, places, and dates to later on
forget in order to clear your mind for the next test. School is not all that it can be. Right
now, it is a place for most people to determine that their goal is to get out as soon as
possible.
Today represents the culmination of four years of hard work. Moments like this
are built for that last core value reflection. That those young students are at their first
signpost moment of high school that they will soon sit where you are now, and they
will be better for the year they spent with you from the lessons you imparted to
them and I thought about the iterative process of learning that never ends and how
much you have grown through that process.
Four years ago, you came to us as First Years. You were the class that filled the
building. I can admit now that I was worried what would happen once the school was
filled would students still hold onto that spirit of creation? The spirit of doing? Calauag

Montessori could not just become another school, and that required that your class
this class to take up the mantle of continuing to drive the sense of innovation, of
inquiry, of community and of service that has been the hallmark of our school since it
opened. I can say now, as we sit here to celebrate all that you have done, that you took
up that mantle powerfully.
Let us step back and think about all that you have done.
You have completed nearly 10,000 benchmark projects over the last four years.
And at least 99% of them were completed the night before they were due.
You must continue to make your voice heard. And no, I cant imagine that will be
a problem for you all, but when you make your voice heard, remember that life is a twoway street. Continue to speak for the purpose of educating your listeners. Keep working
to make your voices inclusive, so that others can pick up your cause, your idea, your
voice, and echo and amplify it for many more.
No matter busy you get, no matter how important the work you are doing is, you
must remember to take the time for reflection. For it is when we reflect on our actions,
on the world around us, that we can process and learn from what we have done. Never
be in such a rush to do, to create, to lead, that you lose sight of the importance of
listening, of stillness, of the wise counsel of others, so that you can always be thoughtful
about what you have done and what you have left to do.
But as I look upon you now, I see a group of young men and women more than
able to rise to the challenge. You have accomplished so much in your four years with
us, and it is only a beginning. On behalf of the entire Calauag Montessori Family, we are
so proud of all you have done, and we cannot wait to see what you do next.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015. Long may you shine.