What's your advice to graduates?

After graduation, my impression was that all my dreams would come true in an instant. That my life would unfold the way I wanted it to be. And that everything would be magical and come true the way I envisioned it should be.

Fast-forward to today, I am grateful that I have reached 90 percent of my dreams then, had my life how I dreamed it to be and more or less achieved it within the time frame I gave myself. What I want to share with the 2011 batch of graduates, based on my personal experience, is that after I had reached these dreams, more new goals came to mind. In spite of being my father’s daughter, I still worked very hard for it, I cried buckets and buckets of tears, accepted the challenges and learned to smile after every storm that came my way. In short, contrary to my first sentence, no dream comes true in an instant. Life is no fairy tale but every dream can be achieved if we work hard for it and believe in our hearts it will all come true.

Carla Sibal, editor in chief, Sparks magazine

I would highly recommend reading A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. Oprah was so impressed with this book that, at a speech she gave in Stanford University last year, she gave a copy to each one of the graduates. It discusses the seismic shift that is now influencing the socio-economic forces shaping our global economy. It’s an easy read that offers astounding advice on how to get ahead in the 21st century.

Dada Lorenzana Santiago, motivational speaker and verbal communication skills trainor

Now that you have completed a major phase in your life, have a vision of where you want to be and keep your sights on it. Does it make your heart beat? Then you are passionate about it. Do your darnedest best to achieve it, but give yourself allowance for mistakes because that’s how you will learn. Do everything with love and gratitude. Always thank God for your blessings and share it with others. 

Gilbert Pangilinan, chef/owner, Kai restaurant

There is no substitute for hard work.  Never give up on your dreams.

Nelson Caruncho, entertainer, The Venetian Macao Hotel Resort

Graduation is just the beginning, hence the word “commencement.” Therefore, use all the tools and recipes that you have learned. Whatever course you’ve finished — be it in the arts, the sciences, among others — use all the tools to create and shape your life.

Mike Planas, businessman

Be grateful to all who helped you through your journey — give back to them by paying it forward. Strive to make a difference, especially in our country, no matter how insignificant you think your contribution might be. Aim high, believe in yourself, and above all, be honest and fair. Come to think of it, every day is graduation day for there are always new lessons to learn and more goals to achieve.

RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

Cliché as it may be — always follow your heart. Learn to listen to your core. Don’t get into a job or career because it’s what your parents, friends or whoever told you is good for you. Do what you think is good for you, after all, the blame, the glory and the lessons for your actions will be yours and yours alone.

Former Governor Grace Padaca

Part of the letter I wrote to my apo, Isabelinos, before I stepped down as governor last year was this:  “Sa mga kabataan, do yourselves a favor. Continue to develop the habit of reading. Mag-aral kayong mabuti.  Sana umabot kayo hanggang sa inyong graduation nang hindinabubuntis o nakakabuntis.”  Now, to all who have successfully reached graduation but will initially be included among the unemployed, fight off boredom by reading books that will inspire you to do positive things. Equip yourselves so that when opportunity comes, you are ready.  Don’t use marriage or irresponsible “love life” as an escape. It may turn out to be a prison.

Gerry Katigbak, fashion designer

The best advice I can give to newly graduates is this: Be aggressive in the new world you’re going to face. If you have put your best foot forward in school, you need to exert extra effort now. Just think how many students graduate every year. Keep up the fight. Don’t lose the spirit. Good luck!

Christian Espiritu, fashion designer

The shortest but best advice is to know what you’re really good at. The next step is to consult someone who can give you the appropriate direction in pursuing that dream. If you love dressing up yourself and your friends, then a career in fashion and merchandizing will be promising. If not, explore other options. Know what a course is all about before deciding on taking it up.

Godfrey Laforteza, executive chef, Edogin Hotel Mulia Senayan, Indonesia

There are times when the dreams you had when you were younger are no longer what you want, as something else comes your way and you discover that you can be great at it. You never know what surprises and blessings God has in store for you. So in whatever you choose or end up doing, own it, love it, and be passionate about it. Work hard and make it all worth it.