Thursday, July 16, 2009

Career Orientation

One of the programs of the Guidance Center of SFAS for SY 2009 - 2010 is the Career Orientation for the Juniors and Seniors. A whole-year program of activities have been planned to help these students prepare for college and eventually their professional life that will help change not only their lives but that of society's.

Last July 10, 2009, two speakers were invited to share how they were able to go to college with very little financial capacity. They shared how they hurdled the many challenges that they had to face in order to get to college, stay in college and graduate in college! Ms. Leofil finished her Nursing in Riverside College with full scholarship and currently is taking up Masters in Nursing. Sir Arman graduated BS Secondary Education Major in English in Colegio San Agustin Bacolod.

And now, they are working professionals and have successful careers. Both were elementary graduates of SFAS: Ms. Leofil Gulmatico, a clinical instructor and nurse in Riverside College and Mr. Armando Gayatenia, JR., teacher and adviser of SFAS for the past six years (since he graduated in college).

Ms. Leofil also mentioned that "Nothing is free." A student may get a free tuition through scholarship but he/she needs to work for it and continue working for it to maintain it. She wanted to take up medicine and passed the screening in UP Los Banos but her parents pulled out because they could not afford board and lodging.

Sir Arman shared his sacrifices of earning even for his daily allowance to cover for his fare and school requirements. He also shared his graduation day meal was "Pinamalhan nga Asuos" (fish cooked in vinegar). A student asked him: "Did you not feel bad that you only had that when you got home?" Sir Arman humbly said "No, because that is what my parents could afford during that time and I never competed with other classmates in matters that were material."

I realized that choosing a career is not easy. (Michael Navigar, 3rd year)


I learned that in order to achieve the career I want, I should be able to get good grades and that I should choose a career that interests me. (Martha Quiamco, 3rd year)


The speakers inculcated in our minds that we, the youth, must strive harder to pursue our dreams by getting a college degree. (Juliza Rivera, 4th year)


I'm really inspired with what Ms. Leofil and Sir Arman told us. I realized that poverty is not a hindrance for success. (Fiona Hyacinth Mulle, 4th year)




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