My graduation speech

the boys and me

time for our graduation song

mama and me

Mariecell M. Fornis
Graduation Speech
ATRIEV
December 12, 2006
Awards: U21 Global Student of the Year and Best in English


Ladies and gentlemen good afternoon!

It was a painful accident that took my precious sight away. It happened on the night of February 16, 2002. We were driving home after picking up my younger sister from her JS Prom when my father tried to avoid a road construction that has no warning device and lost control. Since then, things have never been the same. The lights are out and this time, it’s like I’m looking through opaque glass.

For many, it might be a great loss, a sad tragedy. For my family and me, it is a great battle that we have to fight, a challenge we have to face. Our situation needs courage and faith. It is really hard to win the war when one has already accepted his defeat.

I am so grateful to the Lord and I do not hold resentments. The accident may have closed the so-called windows to my soul but it has also opened so many other new doors of friendship and love. More importantly, it has also opened up a lot of opportunities.

Opportunity to learn new things. Learning to use technologies for the visually impaired, through ATRIEV, is one such privilege. We extend our sincerest gratitude to ATRIEV for trusting us and equipping us with the necessary skills. I hope you will continue to be a channel of blessing to people like us. GOD speed.

Opportunity to meet new friends of similar experiences. My classmates considered me as the only rose among the thorns. I just don’t know why. Who would forget my classmates Julius Caezar Macapas, Chito Pabia and Julius Cesar Tan kumbaga eh sila iyong mga lalaki sa buhay ko). One thing I won't forget with you guys and with ATRIEV is when I celebrated my 25th birthday because you made it so special. I enjoyed my stay here while learning with you guys. You were such a great friend.

Opportunity to learn new things under the tutelage of our hands-on mentor, Miss Lourdes Borgonia, our computer instructor. We are so thankful for the patience and the passion you showed upon us. You’re one of the beautiful things that ever happened to us and we thank you for the friendship you have shared with us. It’s a great honor to have met you along our journey.

Opportunity to visit this beautiful and historic capital city of the country. Indeed, traveling to places has broadened my perspective in life. It has made me appreciate my hometown more. It inspires me to enlighten my fellow visually impaired in Davao City that the opportunities for development are vast. I want to raise their awareness to the fact that they can do so many other things aside from massage activities that most visually impaired persons are stereotyped as. I want to open their eyes so that they will strive to continuously grow, develop and improve themselves because I believe that there are lots of opportunities for us.

Opportunity to meet prominent people from different organizations. Organizations that have helped me to moved on in my life. The Rotary Club of Matina-Davao, Lilane Foundation, Mission Society of the Philippines, UCCP Social Concern Office and Maryknoll Fathers you have made my training here possible. I hope you will continue to share your good deeds and blessings to others especially to visually impaired people like us.

I thank God for the opportunity to see how loved I am by my family, relatives, and friends. The scars on my face were soon healed by their warm support and care. To my uncle Loloi, Ate Neneng, Ate Fe, Auntie Lina, Ate Inday, Kuya Omeng, Pong,

To you our parents, who are here today, thank you very much for the love you have been giving us. Even if our eyes can’t see, we feel and know the warmth of your love and care. Thank you for not giving up on us. We love you.

Some of my friends here may be able to see again but for most of us, this is it. We would never see again for the rest of our lives. In our simple ways, we would like people to feel and see us as persons, persons with life and spirit.

We believe that even in this seeming darkness, life is beautiful. Although we may never see the colors of the world again, we could paint colors in the lives of others. As long as there is life, as long as there is hope, the battle is not yet over for us.

We have entered ATRIEV to learn. They have equipped and enhanced us with the necessary tools. Moments from now, we’ll soon march-on to make our mark in this world. It is our turn to serve others as in our respective communities. The blind can now be empowered more and be connected.

When you happen to be in Davao City and you would like to hear from me, friends, I’m just a text away and you can also email me or chat with me on the net.

Though a lot of things have changed, let us always remember that we have been blessed so we can serve others.

Daghang salamat ug maayong hapon kaninyong tanan!