Tabuk City, Kalinga – Another youth joined the roster of Kalinga pride after graduating as cum laude with a degree in political science from Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
Jamesun Wacnang Bejarin, son of James Bareng Bejarin and Laurie Monayao Wacnang Bejarin, graduated top of his class.
In an interview, Bejarin disclosed that he studied in Ateneo de Manila from elementary level as his parents believed that the school would form him ‘into a servant leader who is a person with and for others.’
In his valedictory address, he related the struggles their batch had to face, especially with the national K to 12 reform, the global transition to pandemic learning, and the changes in their school’s core curriculum.
“Our batch was the pioneer of these changes. We were used to test if these changes would actually work. Jokingly, we called ourselves ‘guinea pigs,’” he disclosed.
Despite all the challenges, he was able to advance and engage in activities that contributed to the progress of the university.
During his reign as the President of the Sanggunian or the sole autonomous student government of said university for the 2020-2021 school year, he initiated ‘Academic, COVID Care, and Cura Personalis-centered projects to help the Ateneo Community transition to the online set-up.’ These are just some of his many accomplishments.
He believes that each individual has an inherent capacity to do good, and that each has the agency to choose to set aside self-interests in pursuit of the common good.
Having been recognized as class valedictorian, Bejarin shared he felt honored to have represented his tribes in his journey towards such academic achievement.
“Malaking karangalan po para sa akin – bilang isang Ilokano at katutubong yKalinga mula sa tribo ng Tulgao, Tingguian mula sa Abra, at Ifugao – na ilahad ang kuwento at mga hangarin ng Klase ng 2022 ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Manila. While we cannot determine what the future holds after graduation, hope lies in us choosing to take a chance on ourselves, on our country, and on each other–of pushing back as a way of moving forward,” he stated.
He further encouraged his fellow Cordilleran youth to continue their studies, do their best, and participate in community activities in their areas.
“Kas agtutubo ti henerasyon tayo, datayo ti namnama ti ili a Kalinga ken Pilipinas tapno sumayaat ti biyag ti kakailyan tayu ti masakbayan,” he added.
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