Graduation and Generosity

Over the past few months, I have been giving a lot of thought to my completion of the Master in Learning and Teaching (MaLT) Program.

One of the realizations I have had regarding graduation was that graduation is generally for our significant OTHERS. Why so? I would think that graduation is not about your 20 second walk to the stage --- it is essentially a recognition of those who have made graduation possible --- our families and our friends, who have supported us through tumultuous times in our academic and non-academic life.


















These handful of teachers then, have been my "comrades-in-arms" in the MaLT Program. From left: Ms. Ma. Teresa Matriano, Ms. Charina Li Ong (With High Distinction), Ms. Marissa Rodriguez (With Distinction), Mr. Rogelio dela Cruz, and Mr. Antonio Ingles (With Distinction). It has been an honor and a pleasure working with these talented people.















Among these teachers, however, I appreciate being with Ms. Charina Ong the most.

Despite her amiable and charming personality, Ms. Cha brought out my most competitive self - Grabe talaga yun, ayaw magpatalo. Tapos dadaanin ka pa sa sipag at tiyaga, kaya mapipilitan ka talagang magsunog ng kilay.

Kaya ayun, palaliman kami ng eyebags... Kaya lang, masama yata pagsusunog ko ng kilay... The thing burned through my hairline... :)

I think this sacrifice was well worth it though --- we BOTH graduated with highest distinction - although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if her academics also affected her hairline. :)















I was accompanied by my mother and my aunt during my graduation. This graduation was FOR THEM, for it was their vision and their selfless sacrifice that enabled me to complete my schooling. I shudder thinking what life would be like had they been less generous.

It is a strange cycle I think. Of how we can give so much more to others, precisely because others have given us so much.

Sabi ni Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility."


I think the more apt quote is "With great power comes great power bills." No, I'm not even talking about our friendly neighborhood MERALCO.

What we have achieved (our power) has been made possible only through the sacrifice and contributions of others. They have in a sense paid the bill. I hope we draw strength and inspiration from the generosity of others as we likewise seek means to make a difference in this world.

Animo Benilde!