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Daniel S. Balbin, Jr. Magna cum laude of the
94th commencement exercise at Benguet State University.
Photo courtesy: BSU FB |
La Trinidad - Daniel S. Balbin, Jr., a Bachelor of Library and Information Science student, graduated as the magna cum laude on the 94th commencement exercise of Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet on 19 June.
Balbin, Jr. was born and raised in Loakan, Baguio City tracing his roots from Ifugao and Pangasinan.
With the hope to inspire the youth and fellow Cordillerans, WowCordillera interviewed Daniel to share a piece of his mind on how he became who he is today.
Like any other students he also struggled his way to making it through college yet tried hard to balance his lifestyle and schedule.
He chose not to join activities that wouldn't enhance any competencies he will be needing in the future. He chose to spend his time wisely.
While he struggled having a bad handwriting making him not want to take notes in class, he trained himself to listen and developed his listening skill instead.
"Honestly, listening to your instructors and professors is the key," he said.
Asked about his study habits that made him excel in his academics, "read a lot and read ahead...I just don't want to waste my time sitting in the classroom without gaining anything. so make the best out of lecture and class activity.... In short, listen well, read a lot and know yourselves," he answered.
The brilliant librarian Balbin Jr., advocates for developing a good reading culture among every Filipinos.
He envisions a mobile library by bringing reading materials to the community giving an easier access to everyone and hoping that every barangay and purok have their reading centers if possible.
He also encourages parents to buy their young children radiation-free reading materials instead of gadgets that might harm their health.
Being raised in a family of Jehovah's Witnesses, Balbin, Jr. grew up loving reading as he had an easy access to reading materials like the Awake and Watchtower publications.
As he recalled, he already knew how to read and write before being sent to school for formal education because he had these magazines and brochures to practice with.
"It is also where I gained a lot of knowledge not just about Jehovah God but also about the world..We also learned values, manners and right conduct according to Bible's principles," he added.
"You might think it is so hard to have a lot of restriction, but I learned to understand that these are protections. My religious principles dragged me away from vices and bad associations. You see! There are a lot of perks of being a Witness," he shared further.
Asked about his message to fellow youths and students, "My advice is do not just achieve higher because you want a Latin honor or a recognition. Do well in your studies so that all of your parents and your own sacrifices would not be wasted. It is useless graduating as an honor student if you never learned along the journey or process. Remember that we all go to school to learn and to become a useful member of the community. We do not go to school just to earn award and recognition,"
"This is for everyone. Either you already finished studying, or you are planning to study, or you are still studying. Do not just make your education nostalgic and memorable with those diplomas, yearbooks or graduation pictures. Make them last by keeping what you have learned forever. keeping them in your heart and using them to make the world become better." were his words of encouragement.
Picking from the brain of a smart and wise fellow Cordilleran is indeed worth it. Let's give heed to his encouragement and words of wisdom and keep on living the essence life.
