OSA scholar graduates as top of the class

He gets up, takes a shower, walks to a lecture room then suddenly realizes that he is not yet ready for the quiz that day. So 10 minutes before the class, he crams all his notes in the hope of getting at least a passing grade. This is the story of a lot of college students in the world and Paoloregel Samonte is not an exception.

Although the scenario is familiar to most students, not all can get good grades with just a few minutes of studying. Night before the exam, almost every place around the campus is filled with caffeine-induced students trying to pull an all-nighter for the test. Meanwhile, Paolo is already in Snoozeville. For him, getting eight hours of sleep is very important because in doing so, he is able to perform his tasks well. According to him, memorizing is one thing; understanding is another.

To say that he got lucky is more than an understatement. The 21-year-old was recognized as the class valedictorian during his elementary and high school years so for some, it is no surprise that he will again finish his studies as the top of the class. However, for him, he is still in disbelief that he got the highest overall general weighted average (GWA) of 1.25.

According to him, his only goal was to maintain a good scholastic standing. Becoming a valedictorian was only a plus. Nevertheless, he is very grateful because all his hard work and effort eventually paid off. He was given more than he asked for.

With all the blessings he has received, he never forgets what his parents always say to him. "Ang galing-galing mo, anak, pero huwag mong kalimutan yung Diyos kasi sa Kanya nanggaling lahat," he recalled. (Great job, son, but always remember to thank God, the source of all things.)

Pursuing his passion

When the Paete, Laguna native first entered the university, Paolo's degree program was BS Computer Science. However, he did not feel that it is right for him. "Mas gusto ko na gumagamit ng human language, hindi C language," he said, referring to the C Programming Language. (I like using human language more than employing C language.) After seeking advice from his friends and family, he finally decided to take up BS Development Communication.

He chose Educational Communication as his major because the subjects offered are in line with his interests including photography, video editing, manual drawing, journalism, and creative writing. "Gusto ko talaga yung lumalabas sa field, kumakausap ng tao. Nailalabas ko yung artistic side ko at the same time ‘yun, nagsusulat." (I really want to go out in the field and converse with people. I get to express my artistic side as well my writing abilities.) Through his major, he was able to enhance the skills he is passionate about.

His parents' support to pursue a degree program he likes motivated him to maintain his good academic standing. "Hindi naman kasi lahat nabibigyan ng privilege kagaya ko na may magulang na supportive...pero as much as possible...pumili talaga [yung mga estudyante] ng trabaho or course na gusto talaga nila kasi ‘dun sila mag-eexcel," Paolo shared. (Not everyone is given the privilege of having supportive parents...but as much as possible...they should choose a job or course that they [the students] really want because it is there where they would excel.) Also, the very supportive faculty and staff of the college encouraged him to perform well on his subjects.

A student that delivers beyond expectation

When he entered the College of Development Communication (CDC), he was invited to be a part of the CDC Web Development Team under the Information Technology Resources Unit (InfoTRU) of the Department of Science Communication. Prof. Sherwin Felicidario, the officer-in-charge, saw his potential and appointed him as a content manager of the team. He described Paolo as "tahimik pero alam mong may ibubuga." (silent but works beyond expectation).

Paolo has also been his student assistant (SA) for several semesters which is why he considers Prof. Felicidario as one of his mentors. He was his student, colleague, and teammate. Of all his exceptional qualities, his ability to listen and tell stories is what the professor likes the most. "Hindi siya basta-basta nagsasalita just because he wants to speak up," (He does not speak up just because he wants to.) Prof. Felicidario shared. "Bihira yung estudyante na maabilidad, street smart, and book smart at the same time...mapagpakumbaba and very approachable," he continued. (It is rare to find a student who is skillful, street smart, and book smart at the same time...humble and very approachable.)

A multifaceted man

Aside from excelling in his academics, Paolo is an active member of various political, cultural, and religious organizations such as Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership (MOVE UP), Linking Everyone Towards Service – College of Development Communication (LETS-CDC), UP Photographers' Society, and UPLB Campus Crusade for Christ. He was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) for Region IV-A. He also served as the councilor and vice chairperson for the college student council for academic years 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 respectively. In addition, he has been a student volunteer of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod since 2013.

In 2014, he was accepted as an exchange student in the National University of Singapore (NUS) for one semester. He joined NUS organizations such as Young Men's Christian Academy and NUS Photographic Society during his stay there.

He does not want to waste his time that is why he finds productive activities to focus on when he is not preoccupied with schoolwork. Aside from being CDC Web Team's content manager, he was also a contributor for the DevcomMail newsletter and LB Times Online.

OSA lessening his family's burden

Bagging CDC's award for the highest GWA in his batch for four consecutive years, Paolo has been granted a Presidential Scholarship for several semesters through Office of Student Affairs' (OSA) Scholarships and Financial Assistance Division. He has also earned extra money as a student assistant. According to him, he was able to lessen the burden of his parents with his tuition fees through OSA's programs. They allowed him to purchase the gadgets he likes without asking his parents' help. "May sense of fulfillment. Hindi nasasayang ang oras mo ‘pag SA ka kasi yung vacant time mo, napupunta sa isang bagay na worthwhile." (There is a sense of fulfillment. When you're an SA, you do not waste your time because you use it for doing something that is worthwhile.)

On serving the nation

When asked about his goals, Paolo plans to acquire a scholarship grant in order to pursue a master's degree. Another option is to work as an instructor in CDC while pursuing a postgraduate degree.

Prof. Felicidario looks forward to him being the newest addition to the CDC faculty. According to him, Paolo shared in their recent conversation that "the best way to help other people is to teach here at the university." He is proud that he became part of Paolo's life journey and believes that he will succeed in any field he wishes to pursue.

With the upcoming commencement exercises, most graduating students will bid goodbye to their student life and are now prepared to write a new chapter to their story. But in Paolo's case, he is not yet ready to leave the university. Everyone is looking forward to know which path he is going to take and how this decision will turn out. And now, everyone waits.