Beyond Barriers: An Inspiring Success Story of a Person with Special Needs at USM
June 28, 2024
USM awards 604 Latin Honors out of its 2,564 graduates from the Class of 2024
July 2, 2024
Despite being nervous when speaking before a large crowd, Ann Julie Febreo, the batch valedictorian of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Class of 2024, delivered her heartfelt valedictory address on June 28, 2024, during the 78th Commencement Exercises of USM.
Febreo graduated Magna Cum Laude with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.337 from a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the College of Business, Development Economics and Management (CBDEM).
In an interview, she said: “All I wanted was to finish the degree I was taking, and nothing about the Latin honors and being the valedictorian.” She emphasized that her focus was not on academic excellence alone but also self-improvement.
Reflecting on the challenges they faced as graduates, Febreo highlighted: “Class of 2024, sinubok tayo ng tadhana dahil nagising na lang tayo, isang umaga, na college na. From lindol, pandemic, and online classes, the transition was seemingly hard, but look how far we’ve come. Malayo pa pero malayo na.”
She also drew a parallel context between degree programs and humans, saying, “Each program excels uniquely, just as we do as individuals. Each of us possesses uniquely a set of skills that set us apart and enable us to excel.” She encouraged her fellow graduates to be proud of their programs, strive for success, and positively impact other lives. “Success is determined by how positively we affect the lives of others“, she noted.
In her speech, Febreo expressed profound gratitude to the parents and guardians for their educational support. She stated, “We owe you tremendous gratitude for supporting us in every way you could. Though we may not fully reciprocate your sacrifices, we hope that today, at this very moment, we have made you proud. To my papa and mama, salamat kay bisan makita ko man nga gikapoy kamo, pero wala gid kamo kahambal sa akon mag-untat eskwela. Gikaya niyo, amo nga gikaya ko pud.”
Febreo, a 22-year-old graduate from the Municipality of M’lang, is the daughter of Mr. Eugenio Jr., a coconut farmer and vinegar vendor, and Ms. Alicia, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
