"It doesn't matter how tough the goal is, as long as you are persistent enough to learn, you’ll achieve that impossible goal."
This is the personal mantra of Gerome B. Jacinto, a BS Statistics student of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), who will lead the graduating class of 2023 during the 71st Annual Commencement Exercises on July 14 as Summa Cum Laude - the highest academic honor.
Being born and raised in an abandoned comfort room of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Mr. Jacinto learned to be consistent and optimistic as he always sees the bright future ahead of him despite the limitations surrounding him.
"Akala ko talaga nung bata ako mayaman kami, kasi yung pader namin naka tiles pero yung sahig sementado lang, walang tiles. Yun pala ang bahay namin ay banyo ng PNR noong araw," Jacinto narrated.
For his family to make ends meet, his father, Mr. Roberto Andaya Jacinto, tried several jobs to sustain their household needs while his mother, Ms. Eleanor Bernabe Jacinto, at the age of 27 decided to leave the country and work abroad to finance his studies and his sibling.
"Malaki yung pasasalamat ko sa kanila, kasi nung pinanganak nila ako 23 years old lang sila parehas noon at marami pa sana silang pwede makamit at magawa sa edad na yun. At alam ko nung ipininanganak ako, sinakripisyo nila yung mga pangarap nila para sa akin. Kaya sabi ko, gagalingan ko at papatunayan ko sa kanila na hindi masasayang yung mga paghihirap nila Mama at Papa."
Seeing the sacrifices and hard work of his parents, Gerome made it a goal to help his family in every way he can. Despite his academic achievement, his attempt to apply for a scholarship was denied, nevertheless, Gerome always looked for the silver lining in every situation. He used this as his motivation to excel in his studies, leading him to earn flat one grades in almost all of his subjects."
"By continuously doing good things, opportunities will arise, hindi man agad-agad but it will, and true enough, dahil saking magandang academic performance during my 1st and 2nd year, nakapag-qualify na ako sa DOST Scholarship nung mag 3rd year ako." Jacinto added.
With his consistent grades, he obtained the highest GPA of 1.05 and will be awarded as Summa Cum Laude, but despite being the valedictorian of his batch, he believes that it's not just pure intelligence but his grit, positivity, and perseverance that made him accomplish this difficult colossal academic feat.
Hardships always happen to us but if we can keep looking at the bright side of every situation like Gerome who always stays optimistic even in the hardest situation, consistency in our actions will make us limitless.
