CALL THIS a rejoinder to my previous column “Beyond honors, medals and awards.” I have given you a glimpse of my struggles and challenges as a school administrator in addressing some of the myriad concerns of parents when it comes to their children running for honors and exemplary awards. Now, allow me to share my own story as a student.
I am a proud alumnus of the Macabebe Central School and a member of Class 1979-1980. I was nurtured by some of the best public school teachers who have remained my mentors, second parents, and good friends to this day. Some of my batch mates became my life-long friends with whom I continue to share occasional, but nonetheless quality bonding time over good food and beer, unending trip down memory lane and of course, the staple “maritess” moments.
But back in the days, I was a headstrong, competitive elementary pupil who would not settle for anything less than what I worked hard for to deserve. I remember my Tatang telling my Imang Onyang in jest that I would one day make a good lawyer. When asked why, my Tatang, with a heavy laugh explained, “O potang apilit na ing kaya, ali mu ne apakli eh. Ing maputi agagawa neng matuling.”
Part of that was true. But at the risk of sounding very defensive, I would like to believe that I was simply a hardworking and diligent student who wanted to do well in my studies. Like any other child, I wanted my family to be proud of me.
Long story short, one day in March 1980 my classmate and I were called by our class adviser to be informed that he was the batch valedictorian and I, the salutatorian. After this private announcement, we were instructed to inform our parents and prepare our speeches for the graduation exercises.
I went straight home and told my parents, without batting an eyelash and with full conviction, “Ali ku mag-attend keng graduation mi. Mepanekas ku. Ali ku deserve maging salutatorian.”
My Imang Onyang assured me that it was okay that I ended up second in class. But my Tatang knew right there and then that no one and nothing could convince me to attend my graduation. I remember my Tatang going to school the next day to inquire from our class adviser about the process and the result. Looking back now, I think my Tatang was not also convinced of what he was told. But being a public school principal during that time, he opted not to file any complaint or make a mountain out of a molehill of an ‘issue.’
So, I was the first in my alma mater to snub the graduation exercises. Something to brag about, you might say? Far from it. It may be something that I will always be associated with, but over the years, it is something that I am not particularly proud of.
Again, this is not about the merits of the deliberations that took place, or did not take place at all, more than 43 years ago. I could have just allowed my parents to convince me to join my batch mates in that one momentous event in our academic journey. But I allowed pride to take over my young mind; I opted to be a sore loser, than a gracious second placer. I could have taken the higher moral ground, took everything in stride and then owned the stage while I delivered my salutatory address with much aplomb. I could have just disregarded about the title and valued more the once-in-a-lifetime moment with may batch mates and teachers who were after all part of my growth as a young learner. But then, that was my immature, proud and headstrong 12-year-old self deciding what I thought and felt was right.
I have always been consistent with my stand when it comes to honors and awards. While they are lasting reminders of an exceptional performance, and a validation of the hard work you exerted during the year, they do not by any means define you as an individual. Similarly, the absence of medals around your neck at the end of each year will not limit your chances and determine your future.
Walking up the stage to receive your awards and medals is but one fleeting moment. But when you look back at your journey as a student, what really brings warm memories to your heart and the inspired resolve to be better each day are the invaluable lessons you have acquired and the friendships you have forged with your school mates and teachers. It is your shared memories of struggles, failures and triumphs over so many things that will make you go back to school and relive your student days. It is never, and will never be the honors, medals and awards.
