To my graduating daughter and her hard climb to the top.
I
This is not to brag, but to inspire;
Not to demean but to encourage;
Not to alienate but to engage;
Not to win but to strive.
II
She was a nameless lass from a batch of 350.
“Paola who?” was the oft-repeated query.
On grading’s end in her freshman year,
She ranked 40 in a class of 41.
III
The pain of defeat was too much to bear,
Enduring ridicule was too sore a part,
Withdrawing was the easy way out,
But the test of character was off to a start.
IV
Sophomore year was a frenzied time,
Researches, term papers came to the fore.
Beyond 24 hours she buried herself,
To land Top 26 in a class of 44.
V
Junior year was the time of reckoning;
Mind muscle was bolstered and somewhat fired up.
Teachers would notice and often remarked,
“That’s Paola, the girl who never gave up.”
VI
Senior year was the final shot;
Willpower stronger and faith renewed.
The uphill climb was an onerous trek;
“With Honors” is now a conquered quest.
VII
My child, I am filled with great pride,
Not with the rank you have earned for yourself
For in this life beyond school that we strive to attain,
True eminence is gauged not by the grades.
VIII
You ran the race and fought the good fight;
This esteemed place is icing on the cake.
Remember to put your learning to good use
Hard work can sure beat a genius.
Rummaged through your old posts….will use this inspiring piece for my next article sis!
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