Title: “By Grace, I Made It”
[1. Introduction – 1 minute]
Good evening, family and friends.
First, thank you all for being here tonight. This isn’t just a party. It’s a testimony. It’s a
celebration of battles fought and won—not just in the classroom, but in life. Today, I speak from
a heart that’s full—full of memories, full of gratitude, and full of hope.
[2. A Story of Loss – 2 minutes]
I was in Primary Six when I lost my father. That day changed everything. I didn’t just lose a dad
—I lost the one who was supposed to walk this journey with me, hold my hand on hard days, and
proudly sit here today.
But God had other plans. And even though I didn’t understand it then, I now see that through that
loss, I gained a deeper strength.
[3. A Mother’s Love – 3 minutes]
Mum... (pause)
Where do I even start? You have been my everything. You didn’t just raise me—you carried me.
You endured struggles that I will never fully understand, but you never once gave up.
There were times when school fees seemed impossible, meals were humble, and hope felt distant
—but you never stopped believing in me. You were my light when everything else seemed dark.
This achievement, this graduation—it's as much yours as it is mine. You are my hero, my
strength, and the reason I am standing here today.
[4. By Grace Alone – 3 minutes]
Looking back, I can confidently say: it was only by the grace of God that I made it.
There were nights I cried myself to sleep, days I almost dropped out, and moments I was too
tired to keep going. But somehow, God kept providing. Kept strengthening me. Kept showing
me, “You’re not alone.”
Even when I felt abandoned, He was working in the background.
It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments I doubted myself. But He never left me.
And today, I’m standing here—not because I’m the smartest or the strongest—but because grace
carried me.
[5. To My Support System – 3 minutes]
To my aunties, uncles, cousins, family friends—thank you. Every encouraging word, every
prayer, every little support mattered.
To my friends—you made the hard days lighter. Whether it was studying, joking, or just being
there when I needed someone—you helped me stay sane.
To my teachers and mentors—thank you for pushing me, for not giving up on me even when I
wanted to give up on myself.
[6. The Silent Struggles – 2 minutes]
A lot of people don’t see what happens behind the scenes. They see the gown, the certificate, the
smiles. But they don’t see the silent struggles—the hunger, the anxiety, the loneliness.
There were times I wanted to quit. Times I felt useless. But somehow, deep inside, a voice kept
whispering: “Keep going. One more step.”
And I did.
[7. Lessons for the Road – 3 minutes]
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: your beginning doesn’t define your ending. I didn’t
come from much, but I came from love, from prayer, and from a mother who never gave up on
me.
I’ve also learned that faith—even the size of a mustard seed—can move mountains. That
sometimes, the only thing you need to do is not give up today… and tomorrow might surprise
you.
[8. Looking Ahead – 2 minutes]
I don’t know what the future holds. But I know the One who holds it.
I want to build a life that honors my late father’s memory… and that makes my mother smile
every day. I want to be a man who uplifts others, who gives back, and who keeps the fire burning
for those who are still walking through their storms.
[9. Final Words – 1 minute]
To everyone here—thank you. You didn’t just show up today—you showed up in my life. And I
will never forget that.
Let’s celebrate—not just a paper, but a journey. A testimony. A life touched by God’s grace and
carried by love.
To my dad in heaven, to my mum right here, and to every person who believed in me—this is for
you.
Thank you.
