It's that time of the year again in the Philippines—graduation season. Students don their caps and gowns, march to the stage, and receive recognition for their hard work throughout the school year. It's a moment of pride, joy, and reflection.​

Reflecting on this, I recall one of most memorable commencement speeches at Stanford University in 2005. In his address, he shared a profound insight:

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future."​

— Steve Jobs

This statement resonates deeply, especially during milestones like graduation. Often, we strive to make sense of our experiences as they happen, but clarity usually comes in hindsight.​

Consider the simple yet enlightening activity of connecting the dots, a favorite among children. With numbered dots, a hidden image gradually reveals itself as each point is connected. Without numbers, the task becomes challenging, requiring faith and imagination to see the bigger picture.​

Life mirrors this activity. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, is a dot on our journey. While we may not understand their significance in the moment, over time, they form a coherent narrative. Challenges build resilience, failures teach lessons, and unexpected turns lead to growth.​

For graduates stepping into a new chapter, remember that not every path will be clear. Embrace each experience, trust in the process, and have faith that, in time, the dots will connect, revealing a purpose-filled picture.​

Congratulations to the graduates of 2025! May your journey be filled with meaningful connections and discoveries.​