The Race of Life

[Excerpt from the Commencement speech of Oscar M. Lopez, chairman emeritus of the Lopez Group of Companies on the occasion of the 2012 UP Commencement Exercises, 22 April 2012]

First, understand that life is a long-distance race. Run to your own capability, to your own cadence. Pace yourself, but when you can, push yourselves beyond your comfort zone, understanding that in this race of Life, in the final analysis, there will really be no winners or losers, but only those who reach the finish line, and those who do not finish.

Second, along the way, you will occasionally be running in the company of others. Recognize that when you do so, you may be able to pace each other and support each other in a way that gives all of you a better chance at reaching the finish.

And what of the finish? At some point, you will discern the finish, guided by your dreams and aspirations, as well as by the brutal reality of just how capable you are. Once you do, go for it!