The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering proudly commemorates the recent Recognition Rites of the Class of 2024. Among the many exceptional graduates, two outstanding individuals delivered heartfelt speeches that resonated deeply with their fellow graduates, faculty, and the larger UP community. These speeches, given by Steven S. Sison from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Kaye Sotingco from the Institute of Civil Engineering, stand as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and excellence that define the UP Engineer.
Steven S. Sison: A Journey Rooted in Service and Determination
Steven S. Sison, who hails from a modest background, shared his inspiring journey from his early dreams of studying at UP to finally graduating after four years of hard work and sacrifice. In his speech, titled “To the Sunflowers that Bloomed,” Sison spoke about the values instilled in him by his father, an agricultural engineering graduate from UPLB who chose to serve the country instead of pursuing more lucrative opportunities abroad.
“At a young age, I would confidently say na sa UP ako mag-kokolehiyo because I idolized him so much,” Sison shared, reflecting on his father’s unwavering dedication to public service. He emphasized the importance of taking risks, learning from experiences, and embracing growth, even when it comes with discomfort and fear. His message was clear: growth is supposed to be new, and it often requires us to step outside our comfort zones.
Sison also highlighted the value of UP education in opening doors for students from the provinces, where access to technology and education may be limited. His words served as a reminder that the true measure of success lies not just in academic achievements but in the impact one makes in the service of the nation.
See his full speech here:
Kaye Sotingco: Embracing the Process and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Kaye Sotingco, who stood before the audience as a representative of her peers, delivered a speech filled with honesty and humility. She opened up about her struggles with imposter syndrome, a common challenge among high-achieving students, and how she overcame it through the support of her family and friends.
“Leading to this moment required many sacrifices and an immense amount of effort. This motivation didn’t just come out of nowhere,” Sotingco began. She reminded her fellow graduates to enjoy the process, find joy in small victories, and avoid comparing themselves to others. Her speech resonated deeply as she encouraged everyone to appreciate their unique journeys and the sacrifices that brought them to this point.
Sotingco also paid tribute to the resilience of the UP community, particularly in the face of challenges like Typhoon Carina, which hit Metro Manila just before their graduation. She drew a powerful analogy between the sunflowers that bloom on the UP campus and the graduates themselves, who have weathered storms to stand tall on their graduation day.
See her full speech here:
