Hello, everyone. This is your 
First, I want to thank all of you for your constant support and for staying with me until my very last day in high school. It truly feels like I grew, not just older but more mature, with you all by my side. For that, thank you… not just a thousand times, but more than words can hold.
This blog was supposed to be posted right after graduation, but life got a little busy. I sincerely apologize for the delay. I was taking my examination for my TESOL certificate because as an ESL teacher, it’s something I need for both growth and credibility. But here I am again, ready to share a piece of my life—my graduation day on March 29, 2026. I hope you'll read till the end.
I woke up early that day to prepare everything—my toga, my hairstyle, and myself—especially since the processional would begin at 12:30 PM. Surprisingly, I finished earlier than expected. I don’t usually wear much makeup because of my allergies, so getting ready was simple, but meaningful.
After everything was done, I found myself staring at the ceiling, something I’ve always done when I have nothing else to do. But this time, it felt different. A mix of emotions slowly settled in. And somehow, I knew this was a feeling I would miss someday.
Before I even realized it, time had passed, and my father called me as we were about to leave for the venue.
When we arrived, the first thing I did was look for my adviser to get my graduation sash. But I couldn’t find her anywhere. The heat was intense, and for a moment, I felt like I might collapse under the scorching sun. I had to sit down and rest. Then, out of nowhere, one of my classmates approached me and handed me my sash. It felt like such a small act but in that moment, it meant everything. My father and I quickly found my assigned line for the processional, as the heat continued to press down and sweat traced quietly along my face.
As the processional began, I suddenly felt unexpected emotion.
While walking, I suddenly felt a deep sadness. Because I knew deep in my heart, that this moment would never happen again. That I may never walk alongside these same people, smiling like this, in the same place, at the same time. The thought that one day, some of us might pass each other as strangers hurt more than I expected.
And without even noticing, tears began to fall.
I watched my close friends walk down the aisle with proud smiles, and I couldn’t help but think about the distance that would soon grow between us as we all chase different dreams. The future we once talked about together was now pulling us in separate directions.
Why does it hurt this much?
Back then, we were so excited to finally wear our togas... to reach this moment. But now that I was living it, I found myself wishing time would just pause even for a little while. I wanted one more laugh, one more moment, one more hug with everyone in that venue.
But time doesn’t wait. And maybe that’s the hardest truth we have to accept.
To the next generation who will walk the halls of our beloved school—San Remigio National High School—please take care of it. That school is more than just buildings and classrooms. It carries the memories, laughter, struggles, and dreams of countless students from different generations. It may be known as one of the most advanced and recognized schools in Northern Cebu, but beyond that, it is a home built by stories like ours.
Thank you, SRNHS. Thank you to all our teachers.
Thank you for the memories.
Until we meet again.
And with that, this is Ruffa Jane V. Companion—an aspiring attorney, inspired public speaker, debater, and writer—signing off.
— Proud Alumni of San Remigio National High School
