Success in the Eyes of a Summa cum Laude

“When you want to achieve something, you shouldn’t wait for it to come. You have to reach it through hard work, perseverance, patience, and prayers.” This is the life formula of Mr. Jerwin De Leon, a 21-year-old BS Mathematics student of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), who is set to receive his diploma and academic distinction with the highest academic honor this coming July 15, Friday during the 70th Annual Commencement Exercises. Jerwin is a product of the first batch of K-12 learners who will graduate as the lone summa cum laude of the class of 2022. He lives a simple life in the province of Nueva Ecija. His mother, Mrs. Marilou De Leon is a street food vendor who would regularly wake up at four o’clock in the morning to prepare the ingredients needed to operate her small business. His father, Mr. Joseph De Leon is a tricycle driver who endures the scorching heat of the sun every day to earn additional money to support his studies and school needs. Being the eldest son of his proud parents, he grew up unsheltered from the realities of life making his family his primary source of strength and inspiration. “My success is not for me, it is for my family,” Jerwin blithely shared. Graduating with a general point average (GPA) of 1.13 was indeed overwhelming news for him. In fact, his course was not his first choice. Contrary to what is expected, Jerwin shared a love-hate relationship with numbers and formulas. He vividly recalls his younger days when he would cry because he was having a hard time understanding mathematics. “Patience is a virtue. Hindi naman ako nag-umpisa na magaling na talaga sa math; tiyaga lang talaga. Tiniyaga ko talagang pag-aralan, tiniyaga ko ang maraming pagkakamali para lang magkaroon ng isang tamang sagot,” he bravely confessed. Inspired by his past mentors, he started developing a love for the equation. His enthusiasm for mathematics was further developed when he joined the CLSU Math and Physics Circle which later on he became the president. It is one of the student organizations in the University; this is where he realized that there is more to learning and studying inside the four corners of the classroom. His passion for education, however, was tested during the pandemic wherein the medium of instruction was limited to online platforms, and students were forced to stay in the confines of their homes. For students like Jerwin who enjoy and find studying in a group beneficial, the new normal set-up is indeed a challenge. “The student organization served as my support group. It is also through this that I was able to help my fellow students who are struggling in mathematics by providing free tutorial services,” he said. For Jerwin, being of help to others is a fulfillment. He is an achiever but he clarifies that he is never in competition with other people other than himself. “Success for me is knowing that I gave my best effort, and I did the best I could,” Jerwin said. Learning requires patience. It is a trial-and-error journey. Sometimes, one has to try a hundred times in order to get that one correct answer. Struggles and mistakes are part of life, and it is during these trying times that one must trust and believe that they are capable. Just like what Jerwin did, he believed that he can and so he did. “Wag tayong maghintay lang sa biyaya, or wag tayong umasa lang sa iba. Maging matiyaga tayo upang makamit ang tagumpay na ating inaasam.” he said. Jerwin is indeed a living proof that patience and perseverance are greater than life’s uncertainties and trials.