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| Photo from bidbook for Ten Outstanding Students of Saint Mary's University |
"Trust your rebel heart and always take the way that is less traveled" has been my mantra in life since I entered the university up to now. This became my guide and confidence booster whenever I feel wary. This mantra made me realize to always step up and do not be afraid of trusting my gutfeel and taking the alternative route whenever available.
June 19, 2020, was my supposed to be Graduation Day. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation rites were canceled. Finally, after 5 long years in the university, I finished my degree Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. But those 5 years was not as easy as people would think because I experienced a lot of ups and downs – a roller coaster as they say.
I entered the University on June 8, 2015. It was a normal day for me – a freshman who came from a different province where he doesn't have any friends in the new environment. I was silent during the first week at the university, so much different from my real personality – a loud and cheerful person. But as time passed by, I communicated and interacted more with my classmates and build friendships. By the way, I was in the second block of BSA-1. I can still remember that I was elected as the class president in our NSTP class. I don’t know but out of the four candidates where I was the only guy, they gave me that position. I then dreamt of becoming an officer of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, the Accountancy Central Council, and other organizations that I like.
My first year was tough because the program I enrolled was not even on my Top 3 choices; in short Accountancy was not my dream program. My top 3 are Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Education. But when I found out that Saint Mary's University was not offering Chemical Engineering, I then enrolled accountancy, a dream acquired from my friend Myra Lara.
It was tough because I had no idea about the program and I don’t know what to expect then, but as time passed by, I learned to love it. Some would say that if you are good in mathematics you are good to go in accountancy but I tell you at this very moment that if you know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide you can pursue accountancy. Basic math, analysis, and common sense are the 3 gems you need to have in order to finish the degree.
My experience in the program is colorful. I can still remember the scary atmosphere whenever we enter the Sacred Heart Center to have our departmental exam where the person beside you is sometimes not at your year's lever but is at a higher or lower year. Another thing is exam chairs and tables always have a gap from each other – 1 meter – that is why it is hard to copy (they say). Accounting, Law, Tax and Audit subjects normally have 3-5 hours of examination and the worst is you cannot make a single noise, you cannot ask your exam seatmate because your professor is manning around and watching all of you.
After that very long 3-5 hours of examination, expect to see students who are crying and complaining because they find exam very difficult, students who are just laughing because after reading the direction and answering the first five questions they gave up already, and lastly those students who come out from the exam center quiet and opens their reviewer to see if they answered correctly, these students are often confident with their answers and often gets the highest scores.
The Gold grade for Accountancy in my University is 84 which is transmuted from the base 65% is to 75%. For example in a 100 item exam, you need to get at least 77 items correct in order to have an exam grade of 84. Getting at least 84% grade on all board exam subjects is required and when you fail, you need to repeat the subject and get at least 87% on the second time. Most of the students feared this retention policy ever since and it became subject of debates and topic for decision making subjects. But on the good side, this trains the students to always study and understand their subjects; it is also a way of preparing them for the board exam.
In my personal experience, I failed to reach the cut off for my two subjects, first is Management Accounting 1, and Auditing Problems. My grade in these subjects is between 75 and 84. If I was from another program, these subjects are passed already but since there is a policy, I have no choice but to re-enroll and retake the subject. My advice is to not be ashamed if you failed and repeated too many subjects, what’s important is you’re still fighting for your dreams.
Luckily, I graduated as a regular student on my regular graduation day – that is with no extension nor delay. But being delayed and extended does not mean you’re less of a person and. It’s just but normal to experience these. Remember the phrase “Do it on your own pace”.
My University days do not only revolve on my Academics but also on leadership and social responsibility. Here are some of the highlights.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
1ST PLACE, FINANCE AND ECONOMICS QUIZ BEE
Out of all the 3rd year students in BS Accountancy, I ranked 1st in the Finance and Economics Quiz bee. At first, I did not expect to win not even on the top 3 because I was not able to review the subject before the quiz bee. But since finance and economics are my favorite subjects, even if I will not review, I can still recall topics and items on my mind. This award is significant for me because first, attaining rank 1 is a good indicator of my capabilities as a student; that I can surpass even the smartest person in the class, and secondly, the award reflects my level of understanding of the subject. This means that even if I will not review that subject more often, I can still be able to answer questions correctly.
1ST PLACE, MANAGEMENT ADVISORY CASE STUDY
Decision-making is always part and parcel of our life. We always make decisions even on the simplest activities we do. Management Advisory Services provides decision-making activities to the management of an entity. I am very happy when I together with my team were awarded 1st in the MAS Case Study; a case study where we have to examine the situation, evaluate the alternative solutions of the management to the issue of the problem and give solutions to resolve such issue. Having able to place at the top of this activity gave me the realization that solving MAS problems is like solving personal problems. The award is very significant to me because it validated my capabilities in evaluation and decision making. And I will surely use my knowledge in solving problems in my personal life.
ACADEMIC SCHOLAR AND DEAN’S LISTER
The third rank listed on the highlights of my academic achievements is me being an academic scholar and dean’s lister for most of the semesters I attended. Probably some would not highlight this but as for me, being an academic scholar is something to be proud of and is worthy of showing to the public. Being an academic scholar is the end result of our endless efforts and sleepless nights reading books and modules just to be ready for the next day’s class. I am happy every time my name is included in the list of scholars because the award is the only tangible remembrance for the hard work and tiring experiences in school.
LEADERSHIP
PROPONENT & FOUNDER, SIRIP-SIRIB MARIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Filmmaking is very close to my heart because I'm a frustrated filmmaker. I make videos when I was still in my humble alma-mater, the now Burgos National High School.
The SIRIP-SIRIB Marian Film Festival is a very special achievement for me because this is a dream come true. The film festival gave me an opportunity to cater to the innovative minds of the Marian community. This also enabled students who are inclined to filmmaking to share and explore the industry. It started with my simple idea of having a University-wide film festival. I really wanted to leave a tangible project for the Marian Community since I will be graduating.
I started informing people in position about this project, told my Council President, Marc Wendel Rivera and the DSAS, Mr. Samuel Damayon. They asked me to draft the paper for my proposal.
I prepared the necessary paperwork for my film festival proposal. This includes the rationale, objectives, implementing rules and regulations, criteria for judging and the awards to be given. I spent a series of sleepless nights drafting and checking all possible loopholes for my paper. Made sure that the objectives of the event are for the benefit of all. Then entered into a partnership with CAO head Mr. Sherween Jerry Paul V. Saquing and asked the approval from DSAS.
When it was finally approved, we had a call for submission of synopsis and we were delighted when we received entries. Then we started with a scriptwriting workshop lead by Mr. Jayson Mondragon, Senior Scriptwriter of ABS-CBN. Then the teams started to produce their films despite a heavy school schedule.
It took almost 7 months from conception of the film festival idea up to the showing of films and then to the Awards Ceremony. It's quite sure that there are a lot of challenges we, the organizers and production teams faced but still managed to finish the Film Festival full of pride and honor.
However, It will not be possible if not with the help of so many people. So I'm taking this opportunity to thank all the people who have contributed to the success of this First-ever SIRIP-SIRIB Marian Film Festival from Paperworks to decors and program for Awards Ceremony. (You know yourselves, di nako magmention kasi baka may makalimutan ako)
Hopefully, in years to come, this humble event started by a frustrated filmmaker and the organizers & partners will be the Grandest Film Festival in Saint Mary's University and would welcome possibilities of outside university entries.
PHILIPPINE CONFERENCE ON NEW EVANGELIZATION
This conference is significant for me because I was able to meet and be with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. He is a special person for me not only because he holds a high position in the Catholic Church but also he emerges himself in communion with the people. He is my model of spirituality and leadership. He continuously inspires me to enrich my spiritual life and practice of servant leadership. When I was informed that I was chosen to attend the conference, I was so happy because only 20 participants were picked to represent the school. One thing significant in the event is the story sharing of forgiveness of a man when he met the killer of his brother. Here, I learned that forgiveness gives a person the peace of mind he deserves. Forgiveness is not easy; however, it can be learned through time.
ACUP NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Out of all the students of Saint Mary’s University, I was delighted when I was chosen to be one of the four student delegates of the University to the Association of Catholic Universities in the Philippines National Conference 2017 at the former Aquinas University now the University of Santo Tomas in Legazpi City. It is a very memorable event for me because it was my first time to ride an airplane. In the conference, I was able to meet and greet Mrs. Leni Robredo, she talked about the relationship between the government and the church. I consider my participation in the conference as significant because here, I was able to know that the church and the government must come together in harmony to address issues in the country even if there is the separation of the church and state.
Here are some of my officerships in the University.
⭕ Auditor, SMU Student Central Council (2019-2020)
⭕ Vice President (2018-2019; 2019-2020), PIO (2017-2018), CICM Campus Mission Volunteers
⭕ Head for Religious Affairs (res.), Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (2018-2019)
⭕ Writer, ARGENTS Performing Group (2018-2019)
⭕ Executive Vice President (res.), Kalikasan Youth (2016-2017)
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
SPEAKER, SAINT DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI PARISH YOUTH CAMP
Being a speaker and recollection master during the Parish youth camp of Saint Damien of Molokai in Ambaguio is the most significant achievement for me because I was able to inspire my fellow youth to always be connected with God. I remember I told them to have a silent time and have a conversation with God. I believe that He is always listening to us. I told them that in everything they do, they must think of God first, fight with God, keep God in their lives, and give back to God. Having a genuine and strong relationship with God is the best weapon that someone can carry anywhere in the world.
MISSION VOLUNTEER
I started to serve in the church since the fourth grade. I started as an altar server and year after year, I started to learn the other ministries this includes being a lector, collector, and commentator. In university, I always give time to serve during Eucharistic celebrations and special masses. Serving the Lord became my way of expressing my love for Him. Being a Mission Volunteer is very significant for me because of the satisfaction I get from it. I remember someone asking me why I am still serving in the mass while in fact there is no allowance given. My only answer is that my reward is being given in secret, which are the blessings I receive day by day.
FEED THE STREETS
One significant event for me is when we had the Feed the streets activity. It is when we gave food to children on the streets of Bayombong and in the provincial capitol. This activity made me open my heart more to giving without expecting any return. I believe that God bestowed us a missionary work and our responsibility is to do our part. Each of us has special gifts; may these gifts be utilized for the benefit of the community – God's people.
Actually, there are a lot of activities, seminars, summits, conferences, and convergence I attended during my University days. These include not only university-wide but also provincial, regional, and national events. These events enabled me to travel for free to places I've never been like Banaue, La Union, Baguio, Legazpi City to name some. The perks of being a student leader I must say.
MOTIVATION
Motivation is something that pushes us to create things beyond the body level. It is the inspiration to keep us doing our best to attain our dreams in life.
God, our life situation, my family and friends, and the inspiration I get from the people whom I meet every day keeps me motivated in becoming who I am now.
I come from a not so rich family – an average one. Our life situation gave me the inspiration to dream as high as the heavens. However, thinking the worst was always on the side. My family’s support and guidance gave me a strong heart to believe that I can reach my dreams. They made me realize that poverty is never a hindrance for one to be successful in life. They taught me to use our life situation as stepping stones to reach my dreams. They are the reason why I still exist, fighting for our dreams.
I entered the University with few friends, afraid to talk in front of the crowd, and hesitant to mingle with others. However, everything changed when I joined the CICM-Campus Mission Volunteers. Here, I was able to explore my spirituality and known my mission to the community. I have also developed interpersonal skills especially talking in front of other people and being in communion with them. They are the reason why I enjoyed college life.
All the achievements I have, they are all God's work. All of these are nothing without the inspiration He provides. He is the main source of my motivation and inspiration in life. He is present in all situations that I face. He is the fire that keeps me eager to achieve my dreams.
Take this from me, "Trust your rebel heart and always take the way that is less traveled." you never know, you're taking the road that will lead you to success.
CARLO JOSEPH S. REGLOS
Bayombong, Philippines 2020
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