Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Tiffany Grace Uy graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman as a summa cum laude, while also obtaining the highest grade in the history of UP post-World War II with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.004.
Uy personally sent CNN Philippines Digital an email of the speech she delivered at the UP College of Science recognition rites on Saturday (June 27).
Read her prepared full speech below:
Esteemed guest speaker, Dr. Ramon Guillermo, Officers of the University, Honored Faculty, Alumni, parents and my beloved friends – good morning! Today, the 27th of June 2015, is a momentous occasion – the culmination of years of hard work, intellect, and passion, leading up to the graduation of hundreds of students from the Sciences. Today, we embark on our journey – armed with our knowledge and ready to take off into new heights!
And I think it only perfect that this blessed morning be celebrated under the majestic splendor of the skies and clouds, warmed by the all important life-giving star, the Sun. Because it reminds us just how little we are, in the greater scheme of things: our own sun being only 1 of about 400 billion stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. and there may be billions of galaxies, yet undetected by our telescopes, in our Universe. Which the most recent string theory predicts, is not just a universe, but a multiverse of 10^500 universes, operating in parallel, at this one moment we call the present.
So little are we, that Steve Grand, quoted by Richard Dawkins, likens us human beings more to a wave, than a permanent thing. Our existence as just a transient dot in the weave of reality. But what is perhaps remarkable is the scientific genius that has evolved in just a few number of years to realize just that.
In just the last 100 years, the quanta- the basis of quantum theory- was discovered. Syphilis was cured. And humans learned how to fly.// In just the last 50 years, quantum theory of gravity gave rise to string theory. Smallpox was globally eradicated. And the first astronaut orbited around the Earth.// More recently, we bear witness to the discovery of energy in empty space, the mapping of the Human Genome, and the development of medical robots – our dream “Baymax” come to life.
In just the last 32 years, here at home, the College of Science has grown and expanded to become one of the standards of Philippine academic excellence, making landmark contributions in several fields, many of which were personally undertaken by many of you seated here today. Awarded in the recent BPI-DOST science awards, our fellow scholar, Ms. Imperial invented a method of separating oil and water, for mitigating the effects of oil spills in our seas. Fellow students in the MBB doing research on micro-RNA are discovering the cause of individuals’ variability in drug metabolism. Fellow Biology students in the Mammalian Cell Culture Laboratory are discovering natural products that have the potential to cure cancer. These are just some of the numerous impressive contributions, that you, brilliant scientists have made, which more than being just scientific innovation, are steps forward in the rehabilitation of our country and ultimately the building of a globally-competitive and sustainable Philippines.
Yes, Science, is what I believe to be, the tool towards building our nation. As scientists, more than anyone, we practice an outlook that always presupposes more to anything than we can ever imagine. As scientists, more than anyone, we strive for an evidence-based means of solving problems, be they economical or ecological. As scientists, more than anyone, are we humbled by the amazingness and awesomeness and beauty and elegance of life, that blesses each and every atom-based being. And more than anyone, are we moved to protect and cherish it.
Perhaps for most of centuries past, science has taken a backseat in developing nations. But because of intellectuals like you, I believe that science will evolve into a new equal playing field for the 22nd century, that can position the developing world into the global landscape.
Indeed, perhaps you and I, we are just a miniscule wave in the vast and infinite multiverse of several universes, featuring wonders beyond our wildest imagination. And one day, humanity may just flicker in and out of existence, in the grander scale of time. //But if you think about it this way, the same science teaches us that across the vast possibilities in our multiverse, all the elements came together and became you: //the you that live, breathe and trudge on this Earth, possessing a unique consciousness, shaped by each encounter and accumulated experience. // the you that was born on our shared motherland, nurtured by your parents in loving families,// the you that made it to UP, and crossed paths with several other unique existences throughout our stay here // the you that challenged all odds and survived // Perhaps that you is truly even rarer than the stars.
Ultimately, your existence itself can be a statistically-incomputable miracle! and so are the things you are capable of imagining and creating! You are now part of UP’s 32 year history of the College of Science, and part of the billion-plus year history of our galaxy. I have, not just hope, but steadfast faith, in the limitless possibilities of our generation, to influence and not just be passively shaped by history. So at this monumental moment, where you graduate the short but extremely difficult 4 or 5 years of academic pursuit, I hope you fly off, knowing that from each and every one of you, is expected contributions nothing short of the miracle each and every one of you is!
As Ester Dean said, “Hell yeah, we’re crazy youngsters!” so we should keep “drive, drive, driving~”.
Congratulations to the graduates! Congratulations crazy youngsters!
I bid a great morning to you all.
