It was an open secret how embattled my stint as Senate President was during my first year in the student government. It was an arduous journey and it made me realize a lot of things, one of which is all about professionalism. The experience strongly contributed to my dreams of correcting the erroneous ways and be as professional and formal in my dealings as a public servant. 

I was offered a chance to serve as President, but hesitated many times. Fears of succumbing to the system or being a changed individual due to the relays of power were my primary concerns for myself. If I were to lead and serve, would I still be the same person that everyone knows? I really know a lot of people who changed because of power, and I never wanted to become one. But, it occurred to me that it might be a challenge that I should encounter and surpass.

I took the challenge positively and with the support of my party, family and friends, the studentry have chosen me as their lead server. It was not easy answering the queries hounding my supposed role in dividing the student government and my alleged usurpation of authority, but it made my firm stronger in proving that mudslinging cannot bury my intentions. 

Like a breeze of wind, my term as President has come to an end. And I grieve for my shortcomings. I was not able to give my hundred percent effort as President since I have to attend to my regency duties. And for that I am humbly apologizing to my colleagues for letting you carry the burden of my office, and I also wanted to thank you for stepping up for the challenge and taking initiatives in all measures that a student government leader should have done. It should not be tagged as my administration but rather our administration. There is no one-man credit if there's a team behind every success.

I have to say that this year was full of challenges. Indeed, I am blessed and proud to say that this batch of student officers was never broken to factions despite the presence of three active student political parties of the university. Despite the majority being graduating students, their passion to serve will always be on the priority list, leading to our successful hosting of the Federation of Mindanao State University Supreme Student Councils' (FEMSUSSCO) General Assembly and of the Iligan City Tertiary Schools Athletic Association (ICTSAA) Meet, #BestPalakasanEver: RakNaEtu2014, and all other major Institute student events.

It was friendship and camaraderie that ruled in the council, and not pride and power. I hate to say it again, but the latter always leads to a self-glorification and self-destruction. 

To my colleagues in the student council, as President, I could never ask for more. I am always guilty of letting you bear my torch but it all proved that being a leader is not about by the position but the willingness to serve. 

My friends, I am thankful for the moral support, both by jokes and by serious tones. I will have to catch up with our time together. Work is too stressful, and I know you'll say again that all of you understand my predicament. I am just glad to have you during this journey.

To my newfound friends through Facebook, I am grateful for cheering me up through our online conversations and for giving me the chance to know you personally. Rest assured, my doors will never be closed even after my stint. We could always catch up with a cup of tea or of a bowl of fries.

To my cabinet secretaries, I have to say that I salute you for surviving my orders and every whim. It was not easy, I know, but thank you. Not all may be active, but in times of support, all of you were present. Staying on was not easy, but all of you did, in whatever capacity you had.

To the Institute Legislative Body, I am grateful for the harmonious relationship you've shown towards this government under the Senate President and the Pro-Tempore. Most of you are quiet but hardworking. It just tells me that not all work can be done by speeches but by manual labor too. Knowing my experience before as a Senator, thank you for not being indifferent towards my views and for supporting my policies as an overall stance of our organization.

To my two colleague advisers, Nikka and Justine. I have to say that a triumvirate has existed for quite some time. I am thankful for having both of you at my side. Congratulations in advance for your graduation and keep the flame burning. The ideas and suggestions were all worth it. 

And to the students who trusted me with their power of mandate, I can never tell fully in words hoe much I am thankful and indebted I am to all of you. I am most especially thankful to the 2,814 voters out of the 4,482 who chose me as their President.

This administration could never have been more perfect if it only ran full of my ideas. All of the people who made it possible for me to serve deserves my kowtow.

My term has come to its end but the fire for service shall never cease. With a teary eye, I am now going to say goodbye. 

DATU ESMA MIKEE PANTARAN MARUHOM, YOUR LEAD SERVER NOW BIDDING FAREWELL.