Ode to Mission and Excellence: Reflections on my Master’s Graduation

On February 6, 2026, I officially closed another chapter of my life. Graduating with a Master’s degree is a personal milestone, but more importantly, it is a shared victory for everyone who supported the journey.

CHRISTONY G. DUYAPAT
Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics
Saint Mary’s University
Magna Cum Laude
DOST-SEI CBPSME Scholar

As the Class Valedictorian of the 99th Commencement Excercises at Saint Mary’s University, I had the honor of delivering our commencement address, “Ode to Mission and Excellence.” You can watch the full speech here:

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The dream 🎓 was mine, but the victory 🏆 belongs to everyone who helped me carry it.

This journey was a marathon, but I never ran it alone.

To my parents and family, para sa inyo to. Salamat sa pagmamahal at suporta.

My deepest gratitude goes to DOST-SEI for the privilege to be a scholar under the CBPSME (Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education) scholarship. Thank you for investing in my education and making this dream possible.

Thank you to my mentors at the SMU-Graduate Studies as well as the accomodating staff for the guidance and learning you generously shared. Special thanks to my thesis adviser (Dr. Melanie Gurat Sarmiento), and the panel of examiners (Mrs. Donna Bee Refugio - Tominez, Dr. Rowena Rivera, and Dr. Gay Valtoribio) salamat po sa paggabay, pagpiga ng aking kakayahan, at sa mahabang pasensya para ma-improve ang aking thesis.

To my SMU friends and classmates na naging takbuhan ko kapag mayroon akong katanungan o karamay sa pag-rarant😅, thank you for keeping me sane and for the shared memories. Special mention to Melanie Aban-Serquiña, Joseph Mark Natividad, Michael King Pascua, Melvin Buyagawon, Baquiran Maricar, Arlen Joy Eugenio Ramos - Yarcia, Rina Guingab, Nover Luke Saludares, Rio Lexi De Leon, Elaine Dela Cruz Magdaraog, and 99+ others.

Thank you as well to everyone who took part in my thesis. I may not mention you one by one but I am deeply grateful. Above all, thank you Lord for Your grace that sustained me when the finish line felt so far away.

Sincerely Yours,

Christony Guinanghan Duyapat
Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics