The Path Less Taken

The University of the Philippines student, also known as "Iskolar ng Bayan", is one of the greatest desires of every Filipino student. In accordance to the Charter of 2008 (RA 9500) or The Mandate as The National University, being an Iskolar is more than how it seems to be, because to be one is an honor coupled with huge responsibilities and an expectation to excel in the chosen career. There are many courses to choose from, professors that will challenge choices, and good quality education. Each Isko may have different paths. Some may pursue a career in science; others may become doctors and some may be world renounced artists, dancers, singers and many more. The path is long, rocky and expectations are conveyed here and there. Like what Winnie Monsod a UP economics professor said in her annual patriotic pep talk “Students are encouraged to stay in the Philippines after graduation and work in the country and give back to the society who paid for the tuition fee”.

Fulfilling one’s promise and potential as a university student, Iskolars ng Bayan are in a position to be a part of the solution to this country's problems, not a part of the problem. Iskolars ng Bayan, define honor as fulfilling our duties to the people. Define excellence in the context of advancing the students and the people’s interests at all times. State universities as defined in Merriam Webster are maintained and administered by the state as part of the state public educational system. Students are expected to finish their chosen paths and succeed in their career. But people just often look at the bigger picture to celebrate honor and excellence. From near-perfect-GWA graduates to Scientist III to being a well-known Oncologist, excellence is expected. But what if an Isko took a path less traveled? What if he did not pursue his chosen career? Will he be called a traitor?, a question that is also asked by the author of a blog Kikomatching a former UP student and now works as Overseas Filipino Worker.

Like an OFW, not all can have a white collar job. They are just trying to earn a decent living overseas, are they betraying the Philippines? While it is a must to work in the country to help in its recovery, where do graduates go?, if there is no better job. By working abroad, it entails a lot of sacrifices with every penny that they earn. The blog author adds, “Many working overseas are trying to give honor while striving for excellence. This is their way of giving back to the country while in the process of helping their families”. 

An excerpt from Isaiah Paolo A. Lee’ s speech “ A Graduate’s take on Honor and Excellence”, mentions, “Are you going to be a full-time parent because you had a successful relationship? You might proudly send your child to UP only to learn that your precious Iskolar ng Bayan has turned into a class-cutting, DRP collecting, tuition-burning machine despite your warnings. Wake them up in the morning, give them their allowance, and support them without nagging. See to it that they march and that you get to be with them. That is honor and excellence.”

The fight for the path does not end here. As Iskolars ng Bayan strive to do well in everything. Every Isko is different. All may have started in different paths, but with one goal: Honor and Excellence. These different paths may merge into one same end and that is to serve the country in their own simple ways. According to the statement of the UP Diliman published in Agham Youth Online, “We seek leaders who refuse to remain in the top, and who will instead keep their feet on the ground with direct and concrete actions to help the people”. Elvin B. Cruz a magna cum laude BS Civil Engineering graduate of UP Diliman once said “Iskolars ng Bayan must understand that honor comes first before excellence and must not sacrifice integrity in pursuit of glory”. But who can really help the people; honor and excellence from every Isko out there, every single day. Doing well is good, but doing it for the people would be better.