For 107 years, no one managed to get the highest academic honor at Benguet State University. This is until a 22-year-old achiever from Pangasinan arrived to take Bachelor of Science in Development Communication.
After four years of hard work, diligence, and dedication, Vjnhyl Zam Alvendia Pondivida will be wrapping up her college journey as the first and lone Summa Cum Laude of BSU on July 21, 2023.
As she made history, filling in a post no one has ever managed to among the students of BSU in the past century, you might ask what was her life like in the past four years – did she devote all her energy only to her books and notes?
Balancing acads and extracurricular
Leaving her home in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Vjnhyl entered BSU with the aspiration of finishing her course with the highest Latin honor.
“But more than the award and more than achieving this feat, what always matters to me are the lifelong lessons that the Devcom and BSU has taught me and the hope to transform lives someday,” she added.
She confirmed to GURU Press that people perceive her to be the studious type of student. Well, she is that but she’s more than just ‘academics’.
Wanting to make a change and transform lives, she juggled her studies with campus journalism, community engagements, and volunteer work.
“Sinisikap natin na hindi lamang mag-excel sa acads, kundi pati na rin paghusayan at bigyang oras ang gawaing pagkilos sa komunidad,” she said, adding that serving the community always fueled her.
Her college life, just like any other student, was certainly not a stroll in the park. She also had a fair share of trials to overcome since her freshman year at BSU.
Vjnhyl recounted there were moments of ‘self-doubts, failures, rejections’ but she triumphed over them with the belief that all of these are part of learning, growing, and becoming a better version of herself.
The Covid-19 pandemic likewise caused her to struggle ‘academically, financially, and mentally’. But with great support from the people around her, she conquered this tough time.
Wanting to continue her advocacy on community journalism, Vjnhyl plans to enter the academe to teach and inspire others. She also commits to improving herself and her skills, stressing that life is a continuous learning process.
“Naniniwala ako na learning is a lifelong process, patuloy nating hahasain ang ating kalakasan at papandayin ang ating husay at galing upang mas mapaigting ang adbokasiya para sa sarili at para sa komunidad,” she conveyed.
Having broken a century-old record, Vjnhyl could hardly believe she did saying, “It feels surreal, but overall I am extremely happy.”
This milestone, she added, is not just about her as she likewise dedicates the award to BSU’s 1,835 graduating class of 2023.
“This award is not just about me, I want to dedicate it to all the graduands who gave their best efforts and showed tenacity even in the days of uncertainty. The undertakings and learning never stop here. This is a humbling moment and we will continue to learn and serve more,” she expressed.
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