School valedictorians get sound advice in life
They did not become valedictorians in their respective schools the easy way. Theirs is a story of juggling assignments, study time and projects. In fact, there may be even sleepless nights contemplating on how to get better grades and how to be more productive.
These are the valedictorians that were given awards by the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo last Tuesday for their exemplary performance.
During the awarding, their parents, guardians and school heads were present.
Also present were Mayor Jerry Trenas; Prof. Josette Biyo, director of the Philippine Science High School in Western Visayas; and Therese Badong, executive director of RockEd. These three including RC Metro Iloilo president Ronnel Quinon, offered sound advice to the valedictorians. Check out what they have to say and be inspired, too.
PROF. JOSETTE BIYO
Prof. Josette Biyo: Success is the ability
to inspire others by our examples.
We have to make things happen
After exalting the parents and school heads for their contribution to the success of the students, Biyo shared what she has learned being a lifetime student herself.
"As a lifetime student, the most important lesson I've learned are basically the same from kindergarten until now," she said.
"First, there is no shortcut to success. I know you studied hard and did your assignments. There is indeed a balance of the equation. What you give is what you get.
"Second, have the love for learning. I admire students who ask questions and those who are not afraid to commit mistakes. Students who are like these accept that there are still a lot of things they have to know.
"Third, follow the golden rule. Do not do unto others what you do not want them to do unto you. It's not just a matter of getting good grades but you should treat others with respect. Be honest and truthful. This is more important than the medals you've reaped.
"Fourth, have a dream and work for its attainment. Follow your dream despite the rough challenges that you encounter.
"Lastly, pray and thank God for your blessings."
Biyo, who had been teaching for 27 years, shared how she worked her way to success and how she strived to become a better person.
"At the end of the day, reflect on how we treated others. Give importance to our inner selves. For I believe that success is the ability to inspire others by our examples. We have to make things happen," she said.
Despite coming from a Third World country, Biyo had a planet named after her. "This shows that despite our limited resources, Filipinos can compete globally. We can move this country forward."
MAYOR JERRY TRENAS
Mayor Jerry P. Trenas: Do your best so
you could give your contribution to Iloilo
City
Trenas congratulated Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo for its laudable project. "I am proud to be part of Metro Iloilo," he said.
Trenas said that the City Government is giving its full attention to the needs of public schools. One of its efforts is a tie-up with the Ayala Foundation for its Gilas project. "As of now, two thirds of high schools here have Internet connection. Then, with the good collection of the government, we added computers to public high schools. We also started giving computers to elementary schools," he said. These pilot schools are Sto. Domingo, Iloilo Central and Sped elementary schools.
He advised the students to excel in college and do their best so they could give their contribution to Iloilo City.
RONNEL QUINON
Ronnel Quinon: Do not go abroad or if
you should, just go back. Citizens of your
caliber, your country needs you most
"A new era in your life has passed once again and you are going into another dimension of the academe. Maybe, this is the most difficult part and the most challenging stage of your academic life," Quinon, RC of Metro Iloilo stated in his messaged published in Metro Post, the weekly publication of the club.
"First, choose the course which suits you. Second, choose your local school. We have good schools here even at par with schools in Manila." He cited instances where students from provincial schools topped in several national examinations.
"Lastly, do not go abroad or if you should, just go back. Citizens of your caliber, your country needs you most."
THERESE BADOY
Therese Badoy: Have fun
Badoy is the executive director of RockEd Philippines, a volunteer group working to provide venues and events for alternative education.
It has a 10-year series of alternative education projects.
Through music, the arts, poetry, sports, photography, fashion, graphic design, literature, new approaches to science, film, cultural studies, theatre, dance, and any other way except being in a classroom, the convenors of Rock Ed decided to Rock Society through Education and educate the youth through rock culture.
They offer alternative class where the substitute teachers are celebrities, musicians, poets, artists, entrepreneurs, and writers; hosts alternative social studies classes through actual school visits or holding the 'classes' in the events venue itself like bars, restaurants, soccer fields, art galleries, among others.
It is a group of private citizens that coordinate joint projects with other NGOs that are addressing any of the 8 Millennium Development Goals; a group of private citizens that believe that poverty should end now; and a group of private citizens that value education in its traditional form but creates alternative solutions for teacher training and student activities to enhance classroom learning --- not replace it.
Badoy told the valedictorians that they should endeavor on things that they enjoy.
Her simple advice? "Have fun!"