This was shared by my nephew, Juan Carlos Ortega at his graduation in Panama City, Republic of Panama, during ceremonies this week. He is now headed to the Wharton School of Business in September of 2016.
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| Juan Carlos and his Mom, Maria Elena |
While
thinking, what message to share with my classmates, I decided to address
the importance of gratitude.
I
have no doubt that in every accomplished goal, there are many significant
people that positively contribute to its success. As human beings, we are surrounded everyday
by problems, that we face, and resolve through the support of others, advice
and actions.
My
school years have been full of smiles, tears, laughter and most importantly,
satisfaction. However, I am certain that this important period of my life would
have not ended in the same gratifying way it does, without the influence of
specific people.
Thus,
I would like to acknowledge those who merit a great part of my love and gratitude
due to all their assistance during these last thirteen years.
First,
I would like to express my gratitude to specific family members that have stood
by my side through all the ups and downs.
Thank
You Dad, for helping me study and taking me to buy all
of those last minute materials no matter how tired you might have been, every
time I needed you. Moreover, thanks for
all of the useful advice based on your values and Godly principles.
Thanks
to my grandfather Pipo, who has encouraged me to pursue all my dreams, no
matter what the obstacles. You have
taught me through your anecdotes that to reach my goals I need to be optimistic
and persevere.
To my
grandmother, Mima, a cancer survivor, who has shown me how someone can
surpass with continued courage, the limits of impossible problems. I am not capable of describing how brave she
is, in the face of any difficulty.
Next,
I want to thank my second mother, my nanny Belgica, who was always there to
support me in all of my decisions. She
has always believed in my potential. Also,
as most of my classmates know, she has been my mentor in all those beautiful
drawings for art projects.
To both
my brothers and my sister, who have been my true companions in all the happy
and hard times we have been through these many years. They have been there to count on during difficult
situations.
To my
stepfather, Uncle Roger, he has provided me with opportunities I thought I would
never have. He has motivated me to
become a successful person and has been a clear example of the quote stating: “when
life gives you lemons, Smile and grab some tequila and salt.”
To my
uncle Fernando, who showed me what one can do with hard work and a clear goal in
mind. He is an example of the kind of
self-made man I want to be.
Last
in my family, but most importantly, I want to thank my mother Maria Elena who has shown that she cares for me, more than she cares for herself. There are no words in existence that can
possibly describe all the efforts and sacrifice my mother has put herself
through, to see me graduate. I will forever be in her debt and she
will forever be in my heart.
I
want to thank all my classmates who
have made these years unforgettable. We have shared together lots of all
nighters, parties, sorrows and a vast list of other experiences. Each
of you has some special quality that I will remember and carry forever in my
heart.
I
want to extend special appreciation to my friends Valeria, *** Estefania, ***Jose
Alfredo, ***Luigi, ***Carlos Tulio, ***Laura, ***Rafael *** and all of the rest who have made me a better individual
throughout this process.
My
very, very, very,
special Thanks to all of my teachers, and specially Misses Green who still
calls me Jaime, only she knows why my brother left such a great impression
on her.
All
of you ! All of you have taught us
something that we will constantly apply
in our daily lives. Thanks for every
time you gave a helping hand, thanks for changing the date of a test or accepting
to explain an entire lesson over and over once again with a happy face, so we
could, understand it all ¨.
Most
importantly, I want to thank God who has always guided me to the right path.
He,
is my motivation for waking up every
day. He is always by my side and I am sure will always be. Moreover, he has showered me an enormous
amount of blessings, I will strive the
rest of my life to repay.
Four
days ago, I received the news that I was
accepted into the University which was my first choice.
I
realized at that moment that I owned it to all to you all of you who have
walked with me through thick and thin these past thirteen years.
In
closing I want to invite all of my classmates to be grateful, to all who have been supportive in their
lives, To take the time to shake their hand, to hug them, to look them in the
eye and say Thank you for being there when I most needed you in my life.
So in
that line, after this event, seek out your
parents, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, friends, your Teachers and all the
individuals who helped you and let them know how important they were for you
during all these years.
Remember life is a journey shaped, not
only by your efforts, but also by the people who surround and support you.
Juan Carlos Ortega
Panama, Republic of Panama
