Stop 4: The Scenic Views – Discoveries and Growth

  Joys and Realizations Along the Way

“When there are hardships, we grow. But to accompany it with stepping even more out of our comfort zones, it is better. Let us watch how such things bring fruitful results to him,” says Mr. Conductor.

Going to college is one of the biggest phases of life, where we are in a new environment and meet new people. Entering DMMMSU-SLUC totally felt new to him, as, aside from his brother, they did not know anyone either in school or in Agoo, La Union—the town location of the university campus. In his first week of school, he met new people, made new friends, and had fun at the welcoming events. His classmates, instructors, and professors were likable.

In his academics, he found it hard due to the hardships of a first-year college student who had to adjust to his new lifestyle. Despite challenges, he remained strong and steady. He made every challenge an opportunity to grow. Ironically, from all his current subjects, he supposedly preferred those like English or STEM strand-aligned subjects, such as Mathematics in the Modern World or Purposive Communication, but overall, their sole major subject is his favorite. Maybe it is because of the topics or his professor of the course, Professor Delia M. Imperial, for her caring characteristics and proficiency in the field of psychology. Ultimately, upon the release of grades, he was congratulated for being the highest in their current sole major subject, Introduction to Psychology.

As he started his new journey, aside from excelling in academics, he wanted to once again join leadership activities. He once attempted to attain a position among the barangay officials, but fate said otherwise. Weeks later, he was informed of two things: that the DMMMSU-SLUC Isang Samahang Ideolohiyang Pangsikolohiya (DSLUC-ISIP) Committee Heads were recruiting members for committees who were willing to take on more responsibilities than being just members of the organization—and with that, he went for the Committee of the Secretary, where he had a background in writing and handling internal affairs or paperwork such as the accomplishment report for the entire school year.

Other than that, there is an organization for his scholarship named Dakilang mga Anak ng La Union para sa Matematika, Agham, at Teknolohiya–South La Union Campus (DALUMAT-SLUC) Chapter. Unexpectedly, during the virtual orientation of this organization, an election for a new set of officers was also included as part of their agenda, and he managed to get a position. He was nominated and elected as the Finance and Business Head.

On top of that, he is the appointed Assistant Head of the Finance and Business Committee of Dakilang mga Anak ng La Union para sa Matematika, Agham, at Teknolohiya (DALUMAT)—the province-wide organization of La Union scholars. He also became a member of the Finance and Business Council under the Department of Science and Technology – Mobilized Amianan Youth Scholars’ Association (DOST-MAYSA), a regional organization ranging from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union up to Pangasinan—a showcase where responsibility is not only displayed within the university but also outside it.

These are proofs that hard work, dedication, and perseverance pay off—that God may not always fulfill one’s desires but can have plans that lead to redirections to something even greater. From wanting a humble position at the barangay level to attaining positions even higher—at the campus level, provincial-wide organization, and a regional-wide association.

We may be on our own now, but we can trust ourselves and God along the way—a living example that God works in mysterious ways.

“That is awesome, Mr. Conductor! This scenario makes my faith in our Almighty God stronger than before!” says the young lad with enthusiasm.

“That’s right, young one. Amidst victories, we remember not to forget our Almighty God, for He brings the challenges that shape and bring productive results. But has he already decided to pursue his program, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology? Let us see it on the next stop,” says Mr. Conductor.