The COVID-19 pandemic forced the government to rethink its plans for school year 2020-2021. With face-to-face classes ruled out because of the fear of contracting the virus, it was decided that distance learning would be implemented. The Department of Education would implement blended learning where modules, radio, television and the internet are utilized as media of instruction.
To graduate the top of your class at this time of the pandemic is truly an achievement. One must have worn the armor of determination and resiliency, in short grit, to be able to stand the test of this global health crisis.
So when the SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) presented the 2021 graduates, the theme it adopted for its virtual ceremony was #SMschoalrsStandWithGrit!. The ceremony recognized its 219 college scholar-graduates for school year 2020-2021. Out of the 219 graduates, 38 of them finished with flying colors – nine magna cum laude, 25 cum laude, and four with academic distinction.
Perseverance
Sylvia Joyce De Guzman Lim, the Magna Cum Laude graduate from Angeles University Foundation, chose to persevere without losing sight of her goal.
“With the current situation, it’s very easy to quit and give up on your dreams. But I hope that even if the whole world seems to be stopping you from what you want to do, you’ll still be able to see those who are willing to help you accomplish your goals and you’ll still choose to take that leap of faith, until you reach whatever goal you have set in your heart,” Sylvia said.
While she’s still reviewing for her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examinations in October 2021, she has set her eyes on working with one of the big audit firms in the country. Eventually, she wants to become “the CEO of my own company, to provide job opportunities for those who were unable to finish their studies, and, like SM Foundation, to provide scholarship grants to those who are really willing to finish their studies.”
Hurdling the online and blended learning system, graduating cum laude and top four of the Ten Outstanding Students of Southern Luzon State University with a degree of BS Electronics Engineering, Spencer Allen P. Naynes has this to say: “My advice to my fellow students is that, if ever you have time and energy, learn new things outside your coursework. It will really help you through these ever-changing situations. With a different set of skills, you can adapt and overcome different obstacles that you may find in your way. In addition, learn how to love and enjoy learning.”
Thus, when Spenser starts his first job this June as a Data Analyst, he also aims to become a Machine Learning Engineer in a startup to eventually serve his community “through my knowledge in electronics engineering, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.” He also looks forward to help build his family’s house.
Dream come true
Joniel A. Tirao never dreamed that he would be able to graduate from college since his family did not have the means to pay his tuition. Thanks to SM Foundation, Joniel graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of the East-Caloocan.
His boyhood dream to finish college became a reality “all because of the help extended by SM Foundation Inc.” As someone who has experienced being poor for most of his life, Joniel said he took up accountancy because he wanted to succeed financially.
Joniel was inspired to take up accountancy because of Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” who said: “Accounting is possibly the most confusing, boring subject in the world, but if you want to be rich long-term, it could be the most important subject.”
Full time work
“I intend to be financially successful. I am greatly inspired by Tatang Henry Sy and I plan to do what he has done for me and my fellow scholars someday,” he said.
With CPA Licensure Exams canceled twice in October 2020 and May 2021 due to the pandemic, Joniel is concentrating on his job as Assurance Associate for Isla Lipana & Co. while he reviews for the next licensure exam scheduled in October 2021.
“I am working full-time on weekdays and reviewing for the October 2021 licensure exam on weekends. I enrolled myself in a review center for the 2nd time to be prepared should the Professional Regulation Commission decide to conduct the board exam in October,” Joniel said.
She and her family almost died when Leyte was hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda. However, Roxan Mae S. Batic beat the oods and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor or Science in Accounting Technology from the St. Paul School of Professional Studies-Palo, Leyte.
Inspiration
Her source of inspiration was the advice she picked up from the late American Senator Edward Kennedy who said, “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.” Believing God has a purpose, she promised to make good in college and that she would do everything she could to make her family proud of her. She also wanted to share her blessings with others.
Roxan is also waiting to take the licensure exam and after that she plans to become a lawyer.
When asked what message she would like to share with students on how to deal with the challenges of the new normal, Roxan said students should use this time to make a difference not only in their lives but in the lives of others.
“Work on all areas of personal growth, spend quality time with family and focus goals for the future. You will make it through this difficult time, You are Braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Be grateful for the fact that you are alive, healthy, and breathing,” she said.
End to routine
For Daisy M. Purca, the Magna Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of the East-Manila, her graduation means an end to her daily routine.
“The everyday life of never-ending columnar papers, calculators, readings, discussions, presentations, nerve-racking recitations, projects, quizzes, departmental exams, and concerns about our grades because of the strict retention policy,” she said. “Because of that routine, my consistency, and discipline, I was able to finish my dream course Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and received the honor of Magna Cum Laude.”
While she may still be far from achieving her ultimate goal of having her own business, she is certain that she will eventually get there because “things happen when we believe in ourselves and when we remain committed to our goals.”
At the virtual event, Mario Deriquito, President of the BDO Foundation, served as the inspirational speaker and summed up the dreams and aspirations of the new graduates: “Each of you will also decide what to do with your life. But whatever it is, Tatang’s (Henry Sy Sr.) advice, based on one of his 14 principles is for each one of you to ‘strive to be a leader in your chosen field.’ But to do that requires a lot of hard work, determination, and grit.”
Established in 1993, SM’s scholarship program covers different fields of studies, including Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Education, Accountancy, and Financial Management. It provides students with benefits such as tuition and miscellaneous fees, monthly allowances, part-time job opportunities during academic breaks, exclusive job offers with the SM Group upon graduation, and other SM scholar enrichment activities.