Ateneo de Davao University: 2023 Class Valedictory Speech of Gwyneth Marie Vasquez

Summary

In a heartfelt graduation speech, the speaker reflects on their privilege compared to a friend, Weang, from the marginalized Tagak Colu community. They emphasize that success is not solely the result of hard work but is influenced by structural barriers. The speaker calls on fellow graduates to acknowledge their advantages, advocate for social justice, and actively work to uplift underprivileged voices. By encouraging empathy and self-scrutiny, they urge the audience to turn their education into a force for good, challenging systemic inequalities and fostering inclusivity for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reflect on your privilege: The speaker highlights the importance of understanding how privilege shapes our lives and how others see us.
• 😀 Academic success is not just about hard work: The speaker admits that their success was influenced by structural privileges, such as parental support and comfortable living conditions.
• 😀 Structural barriers affect marginalized communities: Weang, a friend from the Tagak Colu community, faces systemic disadvantages despite being just as hardworking as others.
• 😀 Discomfort with privilege is necessary: The speaker encourages graduates to be uncomfortable with the advantages they didn’t earn, as this awareness can lead to meaningful social change.
• 😀 Social injustice still exists: The speaker underscores that societal systems continue to oppress marginalized communities, which is a reality that needs to be addressed.
• 😀 Privilege can be used for good: The speaker calls on graduates to use their privilege to amplify marginalized voices and support policies that promote equity.
• 😀 Empower those on the fringes: Graduates should focus on creating solutions that are inclusive, grounded in the realities of marginalized communities, and not just from a top-down perspective.
• 😀 Self-scrutiny is essential: The speaker stresses that coming to terms with privilege requires deep introspection and empathy for those less fortunate.
• 😀 The importance of empathy: Understanding the experiences of those from marginalized communities is key to challenging systems of inequality.
• 😀 Real change requires action: Graduates are encouraged to not only reflect on their privilege but to actively work towards dismantling systems that uphold inequality.

Q & A

What initial message did the speaker receive regarding the student awardees?

The speaker received a congratulatory message from Weang, a graduating student from the Tagak Colu community, expressing excitement about the news of student awardees.

How does the speaker describe their relationship with Weang?

The speaker describes Weang as one of their closest friends and reflects on their shared experiences, highlighting both their similarities and differences in background and opportunities.

What privilege does the speaker acknowledge in their academic journey?

The speaker acknowledges that their success in academia is supported by their parents' hard work, providing them with the luxury to focus solely on their studies without financial burdens.

What challenges does Weang face compared to the speaker?

Weang faces significant challenges due to her marginalized background, including a lack of access to education and social services, as well as the expectation to contribute to household responsibilities.

What does the speaker mean by 'positionality'?

Positionality refers to the social, economic, and cultural factors that shape how individuals perceive the world and are perceived by others, affecting their interactions and opportunities.

What is the main takeaway regarding social justice and privilege?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and reflecting on one's privilege, understanding how it contributes to systemic inequalities, and the need to advocate for social justice.

How does the speaker suggest graduates should use their privilege?

The speaker urges graduates to use their privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, support equitable policies, and create inclusive innovations.

What personal responsibility does the speaker highlight for their fellow graduates?

The speaker highlights the responsibility to engage in self-reflection about their privilege and to actively challenge systems of inequality, ensuring that their actions contribute to meaningful change.

What emotional reaction does the speaker express when reflecting on their success?

The speaker expresses discomfort and guilt, realizing that while they receive accolades for their achievements, many in marginalized communities, like Weang, continue to struggle.

What is the ultimate goal the speaker envisions for society?

The speaker envisions a society where everyone can flourish, urging collective efforts to address and dismantle structural inequalities that hinder opportunities for marginalized groups.