The heartbreaking photo of a new graduate honoring someone at the cemetery recently went viral, with many netizens sharing a similar experience and congratulating this young man on his success.
New Graduate Photographed at the Cemetery
Originally uploaded by JR Lacap, the photo shows a young man in a toga, holding his diploma and seemingly looking towards the heavens.
Lacap shared the bittersweet photo on his Facebook account.
“I don’t know sino binisita nya. But one thing’s for sure, special sya sa buhay nya. Kasi gusto nya ipakita na may malaking achievement sya sa buhay nya,” he shared.
“Ramdam ko sya. Daming achievements at blessing ni Lord samin gang ngaun. Kaso wala na sila. Pero i know, proud sila..”
Because he could feel the young man’s pain and happiness, Lacap said that he shouted, “Congratulations, sir!” even if he didn’t know this graduate.
The post quickly went viral, with many netizens also congratulating this young graduate and praying for his success in life, no matter the circumstances he might be facing at the moment.
Graduate Surfaces, Explains He Was Honoring Late Dad
After the post went viral, the graduate was soon identified as 22-year-old AJ P. Henzon, a graduate of Bachelor of Public Administration from DHVSU (Don Honorio Ventura State University), a state university in Pampanga.
Henzon hails from San Fernando, Pampanga, and was visiting his late dad the day when Lacap photographed him at the cemetery.
The young graduate explained that he was honoring his late dad, yet it wasn’t the first time that he visited the cemetery to “talk” to his father.
He shared that he would often visit the cemetery to share anything with his late father, including his problems, rants, and small achievements. He also visits on special occasions.
New Graduate Supported Self as Working Student
But netizens were even more impressed after learning that Henzon graduated from college by supporting himself as a working student.
He took a job at McDonald’s Maimpis branch as a service crew and a maintenance worker since 2016.
Like many young graduates, he hopes to become successful. However, success for Henzon is not just about getting rich.
“Siguro po ‘yung pagiging successful ay part lang po ng goal ko, hindi po siya yung 100% na goal ko sa buhay, like yumaman, magkaroon ng magandang bahay, sasakyan etc. Kun’di, genuinely happiness po,” he explained.
“Mahilig po akong magtravel, magtry ng bagay na ‘di ko pa po nasusubukan, at magmake memories po kasama ‘yung mga taong nagpapasaya sa’kin.”
Congratulations po!
