Okay so I found this post hidden in my drafts dated October 2016, the day after I graduated. I didn’t know why it wasn’t published. For whatever reason occurred that day, here I am, publishing it today, August of 2018.
Forgive me, this is long and quite dramatic. But please allow me!
I’m never ashamed of saying I didn’t graduate on time. I had to extend a semester to finish my degree. Last May 30, 2016, my batchmates had their glorious walk at the PICC. As much as I wanted to have regrets that I wasn’t there, I’m glad that God didn’t let me too. There I realized that God didn’t put peace in my heart, because He is peace Himself. And it was maybe because I know and I loved the reason for the delay. I may not be there, but I was a hundred of times feeling better that I am where I am right now. It was indeed a journey I wouldn’t have in any other way. It is a life of purpose because I laid it down to God.
For the past 5 years, I had to overcome the reality of life, that it will never ever be perfect. The journey I had within these years was full of ups and downs, failures, breakthroughs, pain, sacrifices and everything. Aside from the battle how will I understand the engineering lectures in school (which I don’t like lol), I had to deal with the pressure I’m putting in myself and the expectations from people around me. In a world where everyone always have something to say just to bring you down, I had learned to secure myself on one voice, on His voice telling me that I might be failing and undeserving but still, I am His child. I never had the chance to defend myself because I let Him do it for me. I know what it feels like to be broken, be weak, be judged, be hopeless, and be nothing. And that’s the very moment I realized how much I need a Savior, nobody but Christ. It was years of asking and looking for a purpose why am I really in this world. There I found the answer from the author of life Himself. That you know what, I am more than a student of MCL. 5 years is not just about me studying for a good future, but more of God equipping, molding, and pruning me for greater things and for greater influence. I’ve learned to trust my unknown future to a known God. So when things don’t go the way I planned it to be, I trust that His plans for me are greater than what I have for myself. I witnessed lots of His grace as He let me pass my exams with integrity and honor, and finish tasks like thesis kahit luhaan sugatan at di mapakinabangan na ko. At the end of a good/bad day, because bagsak sa exams or whatever, kahit mag-isa ako, my heart knows that God is still good. I will always choose to response in worship because I am sure that on whatever situation he placed me, that is for me to become the woman He wants me to be.
I’m just glad that I finished this chapter of my life strong. I met lots of people who became a huge part of my journey (Thanks guys!). I’m thankful that while I am still in this campus, I did more than just being a student. I let God fulfill His very purpose in my life by sharing His love and the beauty of the Gospel. Looking back, I would always be grateful that I chose to be a woman of virtue. I’m never perfect but for sure, still a lifetime work in progress. Despite that, He has given me this chance to influence the younger generation. It’s now a humbling moment before the Lord who chose to love me and use me despite the unworthiness and filth. And believe me when I say that I wouldn’t be here without His strength, His wisdom, His grace, and His love. It was Him, the author and finisher of my faith.
To the heroes behind me, I want to honor you today. Mama and papa, it’s not easy bearing the sacrifices of being far away from each other just to give me a good future. Thank you for loving me beyond words. It’s my time to give them all back.
To myself, I’ll always proud of the person you’ve become. Always, always believe in yourself when no one else can.
It was indeed God, making everything beautiful and perfect in His time. This graduation is not my reward, Christ is my reward.
Jesus, forever be glorified in my life!
Pauline Cube
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
“ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24