This bittersweet moment was the culmination of pent up tears and frustration caused by ust-shs. https://twitter.com/dalellivera/status/1133535778028474368

I wanted my family to witness me walk up to the stage, even if they won't walk with me. As the day went near, thay really thought I was hiding the fact that I was really an honor student and I would receive a medal. That hurt me more than it should considering that -

But what I would receive from my batchmates later on was much more special. It was my moment, and my moment alone. I may not have gotten the recognition I wanted from the start, I gained something much more valuable and memorable.