Ten Life Lessons Atty. Leila de Lima Shared with Benildean Graduates
Ten Life Lessons Atty. Leila de Lima Shared with Benildean Graduates
28 October 2024
Last October 26, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde once again conducted another run of its Commencement Exercises for new graduating learners.
As it is a momentous occasion, it was only appropriate that the College invited a role model that would impart their message of wisdom to the Benildeans who are about to embark on new journeys as adults. Delivering the graduation speech was former detained senator, Atty. Leila de Lima.
De Lima’s history is one that Filipinos are very familiar with. She is a public figure—having been a former Commission of Human Rights (CHR) chairperson, former justice secretary, and former legislator—and a proud La Salle alumna.
She encouraged the graduating class to go out into the “real world” and experience it in a different way. “This day signifies your coming into the world as an independent person. You will no longer rely on your parents to support you, at least for most of the time,” remarked de Lima. She also cautioned that not everything will be smooth sailing, but with sacrifice and perseverance, they will one day reach their dreams.
During her message, she emphasized 10 lessons she had learned throughout life, especially in the past eight years—lessons that make her arguably one of the most inspiring Filipinos this generation can wish to meet.
1. There is more to life.
“Before this, I just saw my future as just another private practitioner with a normal life raising my sons and toting on my grandchildren in my old age,” she explained. After graduating from college, de Lima attended and graduated from law school, and eventually put up her own law office that specializes in election law.
2. Human rights are important to uphold.
In Benilde, different courses are offered and there are programs that delve into this topic, especially those from the School of Diplomacy and Governance. De Lima’s experiences as both a lawyer and a former CHR chairperson shaped her views on such matters.
Focusing on this lesson, de Lima shared a Lord of the Rings quote, “Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life.” She connected the Tolkien-story quote with the fact that no individual has power over someone else’s life and that each one must recognize others’ right to life.
3. Stand tall in the face of adversity.
De Lima admittedly has faced life-altering and unfortunate circumstances, “I was not exactly born with stronger metal than the average person. My mind and body was not really made to endure more than any normal human being is expected to in his or her lifetime.”
She furthered that while one can try to be ready for any challenge, they cannot always choose their battles, “Sometimes we have to go through the crucible of trials we have not prepared for. It is only then that you will realize how much you can take.” One would just be surprised at what they are capable of and what their spirit can surmount, de Lima said.
4. Do not overrate situations.
The former senator mentioned that this is the secret to life. “If ever you are in a situation when it seems that all hope is lost and you think you are alone, do not overrate that situation.”
“Despair is not worth it because not everything lasts. One day you might find yourself all alone inside a small room from which you cannot get out. Then the next day, you are finally as free as a bird and back in the warm embrace of your family and loved ones,” the former senator stated.
5. Time is one’s ally.
De Lima advised, “Make good use of it, because with time, there is nothing that you cannot get over with, whether in your love life, at work, or with your family and loved ones.”
6. Fortunes change.
She shared that while some get more than their fair share of hardships and rough roads. For some, these roads can be short while endless for others. “In general, life will be good. It is how you deal with the rough roads that will carry you to redemption and success. Do not be afraid of the future,” she encouraged.
7. Defend the weak.
The La Salle alumna highlighted, “There are bullies that need to be confronted because they prey on the weak, whether in school, at the workplace, or in society in general. So never, never be a bully.”
8. Always side with the truth.
9. Be kind and gentle to others.
She referenced this from the popular modern-day catchphrase of being “very mindful, very demure.” “You do not know what kind of battle others are fighting in their own lives. Always tread softly, because you do not know when you are walking on somebody else’s dreams,” she relayed.
10. Practice effective communication.
Benildean graduates are poised to be change agents in society. They can be the next innovator in the service and corporate industries, the next bright diplomat of their generation, the next radical artist of modern times, or perhaps the next trailblazer in design or in computer technology.
To this, de Lima mentioned that their communication to stakeholders will be crucial. The ability of the messenger to connect to their intended audience is as important as the message itself, she reminded.
Rounding up her speech, the now-Mamamayang Liberal Party List nominee congratulated once more the parents and the learners for the milestone they have achieved. “To the graduates, I wish you all the best as you embark on your journey toward independence as real grown ups.”
“Remember that not everything is gloomy. In fact, life after college is actually the most exciting part of your life—your best years. Work hard, but do not also forget to have fun,” de Lima closed.
The new set of Benildean graduates finished their studies during the last term of Academic Year 2023-2024.
