Torres Says…

APRIL 28, 2007

MICHAEL TORRES – VALEDICTORY SPEECH

Dean Feltham, Faculty members, the graduating class of 2007, ladies and gentlemen  Good evening, my name is Michael Torres, and I have been asked to give the valedictorian address tonight. 

I hope you all enjoyed the fantastic dinner.  I want to personally thank Jenna Reidiger and Laura Lemon, our graduation coordinators for arranging tonight’s event as well as actively communicating all the information about grad throughout the four months.  I think they deserve a round of applause.

Before I continue with my speech, I would like all the graduates to stand.  Congratulations. By being here tonight, confirms it…YOU will never have to do the Sun Microsystems Midterm Case in Admin Poly EVER AGAIN….  Let us give ourselves a round of applause.  We’ve earned it!  You may now have a seat.

The task of giving this address for me - I will admit - is very daunting.  The word “Valedictorian” according to its definition, implies the student delivering it, is the one with the highest rank.  If that is the case, I think I would like to ask Dean Feltham to examine my marks a little closer, and see what he can do to raise my GPA!  But Seriously, Thank you to my friend Bernadette Maingat for nominating me and thanks to you all for voting.  I am indeed honoured to join you in celebrating the conclusion of our undergraduate tenure from the Asper School of Business.

When Laura Lemon informed me that I would be speaking tonight, I couldn’t help but say “Oh my God, what did I get myself into”.  Not only I will have to speak in front of 300 people, but the idea of creating an inspiring or captivating message that everyone can relate to, is quite a bit of a pressure.  Many of my friends gave me advice - “make me laugh or make it funny” they told me.  Somehow they have this incorrect perception that I am a funny guy.   I do hope that I do not disappoint you with my reflections tonight.

I’ve contemplated for several days about what I should say tonight.  Usually speeches have a specific topic or an inspirational message.  So, I thought it would be wise to get some inspirational quotes from some of the top TV and business personalities in America Donald Trump and Martha Stewart.  I turned to Donald Trump but it turned out that his only profound quote is “you’re fired”.  And as for Martha Stewart, it seems that the federal prosecutor is screening her words these days.  Needless to say, I was back to square one.

Two weeks ago, I was sitting at Starbucks with my friend David, and read one of “The way I see it” quotes -  which stated, … Number 205, “The way I see it, “Many people search blindly for the “meaning of life.” What they don’t seem to understand is that life does not have meaning through mere existence or acquisition or fun.  The meaning of life is inherent in the connections we make to others through honor and obligation.” - Dr. Laura Schlessinger, famous host radio talk show in the

US

.

The latter part of this quote really spoke to me.  “The meaning of life is inherent in the connections we make to others”.

Sometimes, we engulf ourselves in so many activities to find the meaning of life, that we fail to see that the real meaning is right before us: those connected to us, who supported us, pushed us, to get us to where we are today. 

Traditionally, it would be proper to toast you, my fellow graduates, however, I want to take a moment to recognize and show gratitude to those to whom we are closely connected to. 

This is not for you graduates, but to the wonderful institution of Asper School of Business and The University of Manitoba who for four or five years or six for some, have been very generous in providing the platform and facilities to allow us to learn and come together as students.

This is not for you graduates, but for The Professors who wholeheartedly shared themselves in their efforts to teach and educate so that we are ready to face the challenges of the real world.  To Those professors who drilled down the value of teamwork, accountability, responsibility, and leadership.  To Those professors who’s classes we could not escape—Corporate Finance, Productions, Managerial Accounting, Bus Gov, and Admin Poly just to name a few.

To staff in

Career

 

Services

 

Center

, Dean’s Office, Undergraduate Office and others who have been the backbone of the daily functions of the faculty.  People who unselfishly chosen to stay on the backstage so that our light can shine brighter in the spotlight.

To our friends and classmates, who have provided the much needed break from studying.  To our friends who have provided the outlet to vent and complain about the hardships of cramming and studying after a night of a commerce social.  To our friends, who were really there when it really mattered.

To our families, particularly our parents, who have made incredible sacrifices to get us to where we are today.  On this point, I beg your indulgence in allowing me to convey a very personal message.  Many of you do not know this, but I have only been in

Canada

for 10 years, having moved from the Phillipines in 1997.  The bright future I face standing before you today, would not be possible without the personal sacrifice my parents, in particular my father, made by leaving everything they had – their lives, their professions, and the many connections they had, to forge a better life for our family in Canada.  I cannot thank my parents enough.  They have continuously inspired me to work hard and succeed.  To my Mom & Dad, I DO have a great life.  Maraming Salamat.  Thank you so much for everything.

This is not for you graduates, but for our parents for giving us something that other people have not…and that is LIFE.

These connections now become the memories we have all accumulated during our tenure at Asper.  In the wildness of commerce socials, case competitions, conferences, student groups, group work, or something as simple as sitting at the computer lab and checking facebook…my hope is that you always remember and never forget the goodtimes.  I also hope that you take tonight as the opportunity to make connections to those people you haven’t had the pleasure to get to know yet.  This maybe your last chance. 

As you move forward, in whatever direction you choose, I hope that you remember the words of our Dean, ”Excellence, Relevance, and Leadership”.  Excel and Strive to achieve your best in whatever you do.  Believe it or not, Nothing you do from now will be easy.  Life is not as pretty, colorful, or as rich as an annual reports we studied.

Find the relevance in whatever career or direction you pursue, Make it meaningful, make it count, but also, make it fun.  Do remember that if you are not having fun, you are probably not doing it right. 

And in Leadership…remember that leadership is an action, NOT a position.  People will not remember you for your degree, designations or T4 Slips, but for your actions and contributions to your community.

In the utmost reality of things, for most of us, the new chapter before us will NOT be easy.  It will be filled with many trials, disappointments, and challenges.  YOU will have to evaluate what you really want to do with you degree.  YOU will need to work hard.  YOU will need to go against the judgment of other people and bypass their prejudices.  Ultimately, YOU will have to define the real meaning of success, in your own terms.  Learning doesn’t stop here.

When everything is said and done tonight or in the weeks ahead, do reflect on your time here at the Asper school of business.  Celebrate successes and learn from the challenges.  And as you grow, and are again faced with the continual search for meaning in life, remember that it is inherent in the connections we make to others and celebrate the people you have in your life.  I also hope that you continuously pursue opportunities in life that will allow you to grow and build on your experiences here at the Asper School of Business. 

Tonight is not for goodbyes, but for celebrating the completion of this chapter in our life.  Say your farewell and pledge to remain connected.  Follow the bright path that has been lit for you as Asper graduates.

This night is for you, my fellow graduates.  We finally did it!

Congratulations!  Thank you!