The following article was delivered by the writer, Girard Mariano ‘Gino” Lim Lopez, during his Kindergarten  II  graduation from St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City on  March 15. Gino is  the youngest – and the only son  — of the two children of businessman Gerry and Marlin Lopez. He turned 7 years old on March 24.

Three years ago, I first stepped into this place. The buildings were big and clean. I was awed and I felt really small. There were many other children as small as I was. Mommy and Daddy were waling by my side and Daddy said, “This is your school and they are your classmates.” I felt excited because I will have many playmates.

Then the bell rang. It was time to fall in line. But it was also time for Mommy and Daddy to leave. Suddenly, I felt afraid and I was about to cry. Then my teacher clasped my hand and smiled at me. She assured me everything would be all right. She became my friend right away. Soon, I found myself playing with my classmates and exchanging stories with them. School was beginning to be fun.

Since then, I looked forward to going to school everyday, Together, my new friends and I made discoveries of our world. We learned of God’s creation. We marveled at different colors and shapes. We read, wrote and counted. We were introduced to the computer. Also sang, dance and played different games. We even went on field trips. Oh, we had lots of fun. Learning Chinese made it even better.

Today is our graduation day. Thank you Mommy and Daddy for sending us to St. John’s Institute. Sister Rita, dear teachers and parents, thank you for exposing us to the wide and wonderful world of learning. More discoveries await us in the elementary level. But we are not afraid because you have showed us that learning could be enjoyable.

Dear Lord, bless us as we embark on a new experience. Bless our dear parents so that they will always know what is good for us. Bless our teachers, the sisters and priests as they continue in their teaching ministry. Thank you, dear Jesus, for walking with us these past three years. Please continue to walk with us until our next graduation. Thank you and so long!