Im The CEOs Bedwarmer

"She strives to inspire other people to live a meaningful life, one that is beyond self. Ladies and gentlemen, to give the response on behalf of the graduating batch-"

Nicole felt like she was about to pee from excitement as she waited for the university administrator to call her name. The administrator was currently delivering a speech at their graduation ceremony.

This was the day Nicole had been waiting for the most-the day when all her hardships and perseverance to finish her studies would finally pay off.

"Our university's summa cum laude, from the College of Aeronautical Engineering-Natalia Nicolette Lorenzo."

A thunderous round of applause erupted from the professors, her fellow graduates, and even the guests attending the university's graduation ceremony.

Proudly, Nicole stood up from her seat and walked toward the stage, wearing her black graduation gown. She was greeted with a warm smile by one of her favorite professors-one of the people who helped her get to where she was today.

"That's an incredible honor you've received, Miss Lorenzo, but why do you look so sad?"

Professor Dela Fuente greeted her with a smile. Nicole forced a smile in return and, before receiving the medal and diploma she had worked so hard for over the years, she scanned the crowd one last time. Just like before, the seats she had reserved for her family were still empty.

It seemed her family was serious when they told her they had no intention of wasting their time watching her receive the highest honor from their university.

With a heavy heart, Nicole forced another smile and nodded at the kind professor. She could still hear the loud applause from the audience, but Professor Dela Fuente was right-despite achieving such a prestigious honor, she couldn't bring herself to feel completely happy.

No matter how great her achievements were, she still had no family who was willing to support her, no one to proudly say, "We are so proud of you."

"Congratulations, my dear."

The university administrator greeted her with a smile. Nicole returned the smile and shook the administrator's outstretched hand, receiving the gold medal that signified she was the only student among all the university graduates to achieve the highest distinction.

She held back her tears as she slowly reached for the medal. Unlike most of her fellow graduates, who had family members accompany them on stage to place the medal around their necks and hand them their diplomas, she had no one. She only had herself.

And so, she would be the one to receive the medal. She would be the one to put it around her own neck.

Tears welled up in her eyes even more when Professor Dela Fuente stepped forward and took the medal from the administrator. Nicole couldn't hold back her tears anymore. The kind professor smiled at her as if silently reassuring her that she wasn't alone.

Nicole quickly removed the black graduation cap from her head and bowed deeply in gratitude as Professor Dela Fuente placed the gold medal around her neck.

"Th-thank you, ma'am."

Nicole expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the professor, who simply smiled and gently placed the cap back on her head.

"Congratulations, my dear. You still have a speech to give, so wipe those tears."

The professor said teasingly. Nicole responded with a tight hug, which the professor returned warmly.

A few moments later, the professor gently pushed her toward the podium where she would deliver her speech.

Nicole quickly walked to the podium, feeling nervous.

"G-good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Two weeks before the graduation ceremony, one of my professors asked me to write an amazing speech for all of you. I spent many nights thinking about what to say, but honestly, I couldn't come up with anything. To be honest, standing here in front of you feels like standing in the middle of dangerous dinosaurs-it's terrifying."

A wave of laughter rippled through the audience. Nicole forced a smile and took a deep breath before continuing.

"I realized that instead of standing here and talking about random things tonight, why not take this opportunity to express my gratitude?

Gratitude to the dedicated professors who not only sharpened my mind but also the minds of my fellow students.

Gratitude to the parents who are here today, supporting their children-which made me think to say... Mama and Papa, this honor is for you."

Nicole sincerely raised her gold medal and looked up at the sky, where countless stars greeted her. She forced another smile as she wiped away the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

"I also want to thank Montefalco Spinfluence Aircraft Corporation for helping me achieve my dream of graduating. Thank you for your unwavering support of scholars like me.

I am Natalia Nicolette Lorenzo-proud to say, summa cum laude, and finally a graduate of aeronautical engineering. Thank you all once again, and good evening."

As Nicole finished her speech, another round of thunderous applause filled the venue.

She quickly stepped down from the stage and was immediately surrounded by her classmates and friends.

"Congratulations, Nicole! We are all very proud of you!"

Her friend Leah greeted her with a wide smile. Nicole returned the smile and took the initiative to hug her.

"I'm proud of you too, Leah. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me."