by Arah Sacdalan
First things first! How do you want the student body to know you? Siyempre yung first years, they’re not your classmates, they don’t interact with you daily. So how would you present yourself to them? Who is Cheska?
I think, more than anything else, I would want them to know that I am like a sister. You could approach me if you have problems, if you have any concerns, especially about the school. I want them to be comfortable enough to approach me, tell me what [their] concerns are.
What compelled you to run for presidency?
I don’t know when it started, but I’ve always felt like I wanted to do something more for others. I can see so much potential in the students despite the small community that we have. I don’t think that’s a barrier at all when I see the students and how talented they are.I see that there’s a lot of opportunity here, but I feel like there’s not enough—di naman to exploit—but to showcase that. I feel like I want to be president in order to create opportunities for a lot of students.
So you talked about being the “drum that keeps everyone in rhythm, pushing everyone towards the same unified goal of helping Lukans reach their highest potential”. In your opinion, anoba tong “highest potential” napwedeng ma-achieve ng isangLukan? And how would you help us reach it?
The highest potential is being able to realize all of your talents. To learn more about things that interest you. A doctor must be someone who’s open enough to learn more things from the outside, and when I say that, I say na, pwede kasi tayong magexplore ng opportunities, for students to go out of St. Luke's and actually learn some more. I can see that there are a lot of learning platforms and opportunities abroad, kahit locally, but we haven’t (backed) into that yet.
Also, a doctor is a person with feelings. And that’s the best way to be a doctor kasi you’re going to treat patients who are humans. So, if we want to get out of the mindset that a doctor is someone devoid of emotion because we have to be objective, then right now, we have to start training ourselves to feel, to get in touch with our emotions. I would like to have activities for self-awareness, in a way.
You also talked about projects. In relation to that—in helping us reach our “full potential”—ano yung concrete measures na, as of now, naisipmongi-introduce to us? Kasi you mentioned yung Outreach, Learning, and Creating a Well-Rounded Lukan Community. Can you talk more about them?
Pagdating dun sa academic aspect, I’m really interested in exploring the possibility of students going in seminars and conferences abroad. Di tayo masyadong familiar, but actually some international organizations do offer medical students, pwedeng discounted and sometimes free admission to their conferences, and mind you, these conferences that I’m speaking of range from $500 and up. So diba, kung makakalibre ka dun, then why don’t we take the opportunity to do so? So one is to promote those possible venues for learning. Of course, I would like the school to help us actually get out there to learn those things. So I hope I can be that person—broker, in a way, parang a deal with Dean or some of the administration. Sponsorships for us na, “Uy, Dean. Gusto po ng mga students na pumunta sa otorhinolaryngology conference sa Vietnam. Hindi po ba pwedeng free naman po yung conference, pero kailangan lang ng konting help with the fare. Why can’t we find sponsors for that?
With regard to Outreach, I think all of the people who know me, know of my passion in helping others. I’m really passionate about applying all the things I’m learning right now. I started with the tree-planting activity. Kasi nga one of my passions talaga is the environment. You have to be more proactive in taking care of the environment, ‘cause in the end, that’s what’s going to take care of us.
Come March, there’s going to be another outreach activity. Di pa namin nappromote, but it’s going to focus on pre-natal care and post-natal care. Kasi hanggang ngayon, super sad, but until now we haven’t reached the millennium development goals for 2015, and our OB profs mentioned na it’s supposed to be [less than] 50 deaths per 100,000 moms or something like that. But until now, we have like 200 moms dying for 100,000 births. And that’s sad. All those poor children, losing their moms dahil lang sa hindi naalagaan ng mabuti or di lang na-guide ng mabuti yung pregnancy and what-not.
First things first! How do you want the student body to know you? Siyempre yung first years, they’re not your classmates, they don’t interact with you daily. So how would you present yourself to them? Who is Cheska?
I think, more than anything else, I would want them to know that I am like a sister. You could approach me if you have problems, if you have any concerns, especially about the school. I want them to be comfortable enough to approach me, tell me what [their] concerns are.
What compelled you to run for presidency?
I don’t know when it started, but I’ve always felt like I wanted to do something more for others. I can see so much potential in the students despite the small community that we have. I don’t think that’s a barrier at all when I see the students and how talented they are.I see that there’s a lot of opportunity here, but I feel like there’s not enough—di naman to exploit—but to showcase that. I feel like I want to be president in order to create opportunities for a lot of students.
So you talked about being the “drum that keeps everyone in rhythm, pushing everyone towards the same unified goal of helping Lukans reach their highest potential”. In your opinion, anoba tong “highest potential” napwedeng ma-achieve ng isangLukan? And how would you help us reach it?
The highest potential is being able to realize all of your talents. To learn more about things that interest you. A doctor must be someone who’s open enough to learn more things from the outside, and when I say that, I say na, pwede kasi tayong magexplore ng opportunities, for students to go out of St. Luke's and actually learn some more. I can see that there are a lot of learning platforms and opportunities abroad, kahit locally, but we haven’t (backed) into that yet.
Also, a doctor is a person with feelings. And that’s the best way to be a doctor kasi you’re going to treat patients who are humans. So, if we want to get out of the mindset that a doctor is someone devoid of emotion because we have to be objective, then right now, we have to start training ourselves to feel, to get in touch with our emotions. I would like to have activities for self-awareness, in a way.
You also talked about projects. In relation to that—in helping us reach our “full potential”—ano yung concrete measures na, as of now, naisipmongi-introduce to us? Kasi you mentioned yung Outreach, Learning, and Creating a Well-Rounded Lukan Community. Can you talk more about them?
Pagdating dun sa academic aspect, I’m really interested in exploring the possibility of students going in seminars and conferences abroad. Di tayo masyadong familiar, but actually some international organizations do offer medical students, pwedeng discounted and sometimes free admission to their conferences, and mind you, these conferences that I’m speaking of range from $500 and up. So diba, kung makakalibre ka dun, then why don’t we take the opportunity to do so? So one is to promote those possible venues for learning. Of course, I would like the school to help us actually get out there to learn those things. So I hope I can be that person—broker, in a way, parang a deal with Dean or some of the administration. Sponsorships for us na, “Uy, Dean. Gusto po ng mga students na pumunta sa otorhinolaryngology conference sa Vietnam. Hindi po ba pwedeng free naman po yung conference, pero kailangan lang ng konting help with the fare. Why can’t we find sponsors for that?
With regard to Outreach, I think all of the people who know me, know of my passion in helping others. I’m really passionate about applying all the things I’m learning right now. I started with the tree-planting activity. Kasi nga one of my passions talaga is the environment. You have to be more proactive in taking care of the environment, ‘cause in the end, that’s what’s going to take care of us.
Come March, there’s going to be another outreach activity. Di pa namin nappromote, but it’s going to focus on pre-natal care and post-natal care. Kasi hanggang ngayon, super sad, but until now we haven’t reached the millennium development goals for 2015, and our OB profs mentioned na it’s supposed to be [less than] 50 deaths per 100,000 moms or something like that. But until now, we have like 200 moms dying for 100,000 births. And that’s sad. All those poor children, losing their moms dahil lang sa hindi naalagaan ng mabuti or di lang na-guide ng mabuti yung pregnancy and what-not.
How do you intend to get more people involved in these projects?
I think the only way to do that is to raise enthusiasm. You make them excited about it. Kasi pwede naman the students are interested, but then [iniisip nila], “Wala akong time. Sayang mag-aaral na lang ako.” But if you will be able to tell them na, “Hey, guys. This is only going to take like, what? 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours of your time?” What you’re going to get out of it is so much more. You’re going to be able to face people. You’re going to be able to face your future patients na, at least, we will be able to practice what we’re learning here—the whole patient centered thing. And the best way to do that is to get out and interact more with people. I know the school is trying their best to provide us with opportunities to interact with patients, pero I think [we also have to] do our part and “get out of our way”, to pursue opportunities to actually go there.
Speaking of getting students involved, noh? There’s the annual MGMR and Palarong Med. How do you intend to take (make the most out) of our small population? Give us an edge when it comes to those activities?
Maybe yung iniisip ng ibang tao na kinakain tayo ng buhay ng mga bigger med schools noh? Kasi they have what? 400, 500 students? So they have more people to volunteer for events. But then, have you heard our chorale sing? Our dance group dance? Nakikita mo naman yung players natin tsaka performers natin na meron silang puso. I don’t necessarily think na kulang tayo sa talent.
I’m really happy this year, that there are more people showing their support for the different teams that we have. Based on what I’ve seen from the first years, mas madaming tao ang nagshoshow ng active participation sa mga events. And what we have to do is just to make sure that we keep on increasing attendance. We have to show them that we’re there for them all the way. We have the pep rally for that. But I feel like there’s more that we can do for them. Instead of sila yung pupunta sa room, wag na natin paabutin sa ganun. Tayo-tayo nang magpromote at maghatakan. “Guys, punta tayo to MGMR.” Usually naman after exams yan eh, support natin mga friends natin, sa liit ng community na ‘to usually magkakaibigan lang din naman ang mga yan eh. We really have to be more passionate about that. We really want to show them that we care. It’s not just about the players, it’s all about us. Kasi they represent us. So how enthusiastic they’re going to be when they’re out there performing is based on how enthusiastic we are in showing them that we believe in them.
In your personal statement, you talked about inspiration. You said you wanted to inspire the student body, especially in making them realize that they’re so much more (than they are right now). How would you inspire the student body? By showing enthusiasm ba, (as you’ve mentioned)? Paano?
First off, I probably won’t be an effective person to encourage people to be enthusiastic about things, if I’m not like that myself. Admittedly, I’m not the best med student. [But given that] I study every day, makikita nila yung dedication ko. If I show them how positive I am about our school’s performance, hopefully that rubs off on them.
I can only do so much, I can only be as motivating as I want to be. It’s really up to the people receiving it if they’re convinced of what I’m showing them. When it comes to inspiration, nanggaling din kasi yun sa what drives you. I can share to people what drives me, but it also comes from what drives them. What drives me is the idea of knowing that I can do so much for you guys if you tell me what you want. Just tell me what you want then let’s talk about it. The student council won’t be the student council if it wasn’t elected by the students. You have to talk to us so that we can do something for you. Maybe that can inspire people to participate more kasi alam nilang may boses sila dito.
You also mentioned that communication and collaboration are critical for a good relationship between the admin and the student body. How do you intend to strengthen the role of the Student Council as the link between these two bodies?
First, we actually have to be thankful na maliit yung school natin. Second, we have an administration who is very welcoming when it comes to what the students are saying. I’ve been told by the staff mismo, “Alam niyo, kayong mga students, may boses kayo sa school na ‘to eh.” Which basically is telling us that all we have to do is go talk to them.
But I understand that some people are not comfortable in approaching, let’s say Dr. Atienza or Dr. De Ramos, so what we can do is just tell us what your concerns are, kahit ano man yan. I mean, if we can something off the bat, diba, madali lang yan. Parang, “Cheska, di ko kasi marinig yung professors ko eh, sobrang hina ng microphone, sira ata.” Eh di kakausapin ko si Pards. Or you know, you guys are able to do that naman on your own. But if it’s like the big things, you’re having problems understanding your prof. Or like, the profs are usually late. That if I should be president, gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng dialogue with the professors. Yeah, it’s a two way thing. Late tayo, so iniisip ng profs, “Eh, late naman yung mga estudyante, so magpapalate ako ng fifteen minutes. ”So yung mga maaga pumasok, nagbobother sila. So next time, late na ang mga tao. But if we strike a bargain with teachers, “uy, doctor so and so, pwede bang ganito na lang, 70% of the classroom will be there on time, pero sana naman po when we’re there we can start na so that we’ll have time to learn more, ask more questions, we will have time discuss them.” That’s what I want it to be.
With regard to feedback, I heard that you guys had an issue on “professionalism” and “rudeness” with your feedback. What’s your take on this? How do you intend to address this problem?
In a way, I do understand why Dr. Atienza didn’t want to forward those comments. I [also] understand some people, in the heat of the moment, magrereklamo sila. [So] the SC’s job is to filter out those comments, and see what’s constructive about it. Kasi I feel na those people won’t be complaining naman if they’re not in distress. Kaya kailangan mo lang gawin is to find out what’s really bothering the students, and then extract the very essence of what their complaints are, that’s the time you come up with a very effective concern that you can bring to the admin. In that way, we won’t appear as immature people just complaining about everything, that we really do have genuine concerns that we want to be addressed.
(If ever you win as president), how will you improve the visibility of the council?
Gusto ko yung idea na every block, pupunta lang ako sa classroom, “Hi, guys! Kamusta kayo? Meron ba kayong concern?” Para magets ko yung general feels ng mga tao. Kasi gusto ko yung idea, “Oo nga, ang hirap ng third block.” Para in that way ma-air out niyo yung concerns niyo, and is a faster way to get feedback to the admin. It’s not promising anything, but at least it’s another venue for us to see and improve things.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing problem of the council this year?
I think it’s still attendance. Kasi even if we plan so many activities for the students, if they’re not coming, anong mangyayari diba? Would we be more enthusiastic about doing things? Magsusuggest pa ba kami ng bagay kung alam naming madaming hindi pupunta? So we hope na through the years, talagang ma-address ‘to. Kahit anong year ka pa, you can talk to your professors kasi nandyan lang naman sila. But we have to maximize and utilize that advantage we have, given na wala naman tayong frat at soro sa school. Do we actually have reasons to be indifferent towards others people pa? Eh ang onti natin. Another thing is to actually to ask the students. Ano ba yung gusto niyo?
Or every after event, ung feedback (sheet)?
Yun nga eh. Kaya nga lang kasi mas maganda nga kung nagfefeedback all the time. In a lot of things, actually. Di lang council-related activities, sana in all things. Para you know what you need to improve on. What you did wrong. Or what could have been done.
Speaking of improvements, what do you think the SC needs to improve on?
Feedback.
What else?
I dunno. For the most part, in the current group we have now, people are willing to step in if ever someone can’t do [a project].
That’s in the current council. If ever you’re elected as present, what if in the new council, you encounter someone who’s not willing to step in?
Bakit pa siya nag-Council diba?
What will you do when it comes to these kinds of conflicts?
Ako kasi I’m a very big believer of being honest and proper communication. I would take that person aside, and see where he’s coming from. Malay natin, may pinagdadaan siyang di natin alam. Siguro he needs to work on his stuff, because he’s in dire need of acad time. Given that parepareho naman tayong med student, we have to respect that. It’s just that, of course, kailangan maging honest siya na di niya kayang umattend. Sabihin niya lang para alam namin na di niya kayang magspend ng time on council work, so we’ll spread out the task. So that no one feels like they’re so burdened kasi sinalo niya lahat ng trabaho. But that’s also coming with the promise, that the next time around, magperform na siya. Kasi binigyan na siya ng time to focus on his things. Tsaka no one really forces people to run. Even if you were convinced actively by people, some part of you wanted to do this. That’s why you have to be responsible enough to do your stuff and communicate to others because that’s the only way the team will function.
I think the only way to do that is to raise enthusiasm. You make them excited about it. Kasi pwede naman the students are interested, but then [iniisip nila], “Wala akong time. Sayang mag-aaral na lang ako.” But if you will be able to tell them na, “Hey, guys. This is only going to take like, what? 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours of your time?” What you’re going to get out of it is so much more. You’re going to be able to face people. You’re going to be able to face your future patients na, at least, we will be able to practice what we’re learning here—the whole patient centered thing. And the best way to do that is to get out and interact more with people. I know the school is trying their best to provide us with opportunities to interact with patients, pero I think [we also have to] do our part and “get out of our way”, to pursue opportunities to actually go there.
Speaking of getting students involved, noh? There’s the annual MGMR and Palarong Med. How do you intend to take (make the most out) of our small population? Give us an edge when it comes to those activities?
Maybe yung iniisip ng ibang tao na kinakain tayo ng buhay ng mga bigger med schools noh? Kasi they have what? 400, 500 students? So they have more people to volunteer for events. But then, have you heard our chorale sing? Our dance group dance? Nakikita mo naman yung players natin tsaka performers natin na meron silang puso. I don’t necessarily think na kulang tayo sa talent.
I’m really happy this year, that there are more people showing their support for the different teams that we have. Based on what I’ve seen from the first years, mas madaming tao ang nagshoshow ng active participation sa mga events. And what we have to do is just to make sure that we keep on increasing attendance. We have to show them that we’re there for them all the way. We have the pep rally for that. But I feel like there’s more that we can do for them. Instead of sila yung pupunta sa room, wag na natin paabutin sa ganun. Tayo-tayo nang magpromote at maghatakan. “Guys, punta tayo to MGMR.” Usually naman after exams yan eh, support natin mga friends natin, sa liit ng community na ‘to usually magkakaibigan lang din naman ang mga yan eh. We really have to be more passionate about that. We really want to show them that we care. It’s not just about the players, it’s all about us. Kasi they represent us. So how enthusiastic they’re going to be when they’re out there performing is based on how enthusiastic we are in showing them that we believe in them.
In your personal statement, you talked about inspiration. You said you wanted to inspire the student body, especially in making them realize that they’re so much more (than they are right now). How would you inspire the student body? By showing enthusiasm ba, (as you’ve mentioned)? Paano?
First off, I probably won’t be an effective person to encourage people to be enthusiastic about things, if I’m not like that myself. Admittedly, I’m not the best med student. [But given that] I study every day, makikita nila yung dedication ko. If I show them how positive I am about our school’s performance, hopefully that rubs off on them.
I can only do so much, I can only be as motivating as I want to be. It’s really up to the people receiving it if they’re convinced of what I’m showing them. When it comes to inspiration, nanggaling din kasi yun sa what drives you. I can share to people what drives me, but it also comes from what drives them. What drives me is the idea of knowing that I can do so much for you guys if you tell me what you want. Just tell me what you want then let’s talk about it. The student council won’t be the student council if it wasn’t elected by the students. You have to talk to us so that we can do something for you. Maybe that can inspire people to participate more kasi alam nilang may boses sila dito.
You also mentioned that communication and collaboration are critical for a good relationship between the admin and the student body. How do you intend to strengthen the role of the Student Council as the link between these two bodies?
First, we actually have to be thankful na maliit yung school natin. Second, we have an administration who is very welcoming when it comes to what the students are saying. I’ve been told by the staff mismo, “Alam niyo, kayong mga students, may boses kayo sa school na ‘to eh.” Which basically is telling us that all we have to do is go talk to them.
But I understand that some people are not comfortable in approaching, let’s say Dr. Atienza or Dr. De Ramos, so what we can do is just tell us what your concerns are, kahit ano man yan. I mean, if we can something off the bat, diba, madali lang yan. Parang, “Cheska, di ko kasi marinig yung professors ko eh, sobrang hina ng microphone, sira ata.” Eh di kakausapin ko si Pards. Or you know, you guys are able to do that naman on your own. But if it’s like the big things, you’re having problems understanding your prof. Or like, the profs are usually late. That if I should be president, gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng dialogue with the professors. Yeah, it’s a two way thing. Late tayo, so iniisip ng profs, “Eh, late naman yung mga estudyante, so magpapalate ako ng fifteen minutes. ”So yung mga maaga pumasok, nagbobother sila. So next time, late na ang mga tao. But if we strike a bargain with teachers, “uy, doctor so and so, pwede bang ganito na lang, 70% of the classroom will be there on time, pero sana naman po when we’re there we can start na so that we’ll have time to learn more, ask more questions, we will have time discuss them.” That’s what I want it to be.
With regard to feedback, I heard that you guys had an issue on “professionalism” and “rudeness” with your feedback. What’s your take on this? How do you intend to address this problem?
In a way, I do understand why Dr. Atienza didn’t want to forward those comments. I [also] understand some people, in the heat of the moment, magrereklamo sila. [So] the SC’s job is to filter out those comments, and see what’s constructive about it. Kasi I feel na those people won’t be complaining naman if they’re not in distress. Kaya kailangan mo lang gawin is to find out what’s really bothering the students, and then extract the very essence of what their complaints are, that’s the time you come up with a very effective concern that you can bring to the admin. In that way, we won’t appear as immature people just complaining about everything, that we really do have genuine concerns that we want to be addressed.
(If ever you win as president), how will you improve the visibility of the council?
Gusto ko yung idea na every block, pupunta lang ako sa classroom, “Hi, guys! Kamusta kayo? Meron ba kayong concern?” Para magets ko yung general feels ng mga tao. Kasi gusto ko yung idea, “Oo nga, ang hirap ng third block.” Para in that way ma-air out niyo yung concerns niyo, and is a faster way to get feedback to the admin. It’s not promising anything, but at least it’s another venue for us to see and improve things.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing problem of the council this year?
I think it’s still attendance. Kasi even if we plan so many activities for the students, if they’re not coming, anong mangyayari diba? Would we be more enthusiastic about doing things? Magsusuggest pa ba kami ng bagay kung alam naming madaming hindi pupunta? So we hope na through the years, talagang ma-address ‘to. Kahit anong year ka pa, you can talk to your professors kasi nandyan lang naman sila. But we have to maximize and utilize that advantage we have, given na wala naman tayong frat at soro sa school. Do we actually have reasons to be indifferent towards others people pa? Eh ang onti natin. Another thing is to actually to ask the students. Ano ba yung gusto niyo?
Or every after event, ung feedback (sheet)?
Yun nga eh. Kaya nga lang kasi mas maganda nga kung nagfefeedback all the time. In a lot of things, actually. Di lang council-related activities, sana in all things. Para you know what you need to improve on. What you did wrong. Or what could have been done.
Speaking of improvements, what do you think the SC needs to improve on?
Feedback.
What else?
I dunno. For the most part, in the current group we have now, people are willing to step in if ever someone can’t do [a project].
That’s in the current council. If ever you’re elected as present, what if in the new council, you encounter someone who’s not willing to step in?
Bakit pa siya nag-Council diba?
What will you do when it comes to these kinds of conflicts?
Ako kasi I’m a very big believer of being honest and proper communication. I would take that person aside, and see where he’s coming from. Malay natin, may pinagdadaan siyang di natin alam. Siguro he needs to work on his stuff, because he’s in dire need of acad time. Given that parepareho naman tayong med student, we have to respect that. It’s just that, of course, kailangan maging honest siya na di niya kayang umattend. Sabihin niya lang para alam namin na di niya kayang magspend ng time on council work, so we’ll spread out the task. So that no one feels like they’re so burdened kasi sinalo niya lahat ng trabaho. But that’s also coming with the promise, that the next time around, magperform na siya. Kasi binigyan na siya ng time to focus on his things. Tsaka no one really forces people to run. Even if you were convinced actively by people, some part of you wanted to do this. That’s why you have to be responsible enough to do your stuff and communicate to others because that’s the only way the team will function.
Paano naman kung ikaw yung nagkaroon ng problems? Kunwari sa grades? How will you balance your acads and council work?
This all boils down to proper time management. Sobrang cliché pero totoo kasi yan eh. You only have so many hours a day, and the only way you can accomplish things is if you appropriate time. Pero dahil pinili ko to, I need to have time for everything. I need to use my time wisely, if that means on Saturdays and Sundays I can’t watch tv, then so be it because sacrifices must be made. But family and church time are non-negotiobale. Those are essential, I won’t be centered if babad na babad ako sa inaaral ko. If you only have three hours to plan an activity, then you have to finish that in three hours.
Points of improvement in yourself?
I need to be less intense. Whenever I feel strongly about something, I really get into it. When I’m mad, I’m really mad. And then when I feel strongly about someone being wrong, I really say it. I need to learn to be more mellow, like taking a five-second breather. To re-assess everything, and just so wala akong masabaing masama or masakit. And just so I can put everything in perspective.
How do you want to be remembered, if you were to be elected? Ano yung magiging mark mo sa student body?
I can only be myself. Pag may kailangang gawin, ibubuhos ko lahat ng sarili ko kasi nag-commit ako dyan. I want to be known as that committed person who does things to her utmost capacity. And at the end of the day, tried everything she can possibly do to accomplish the best thing she can dish out. I can’t promise people that the projects I’m coming up with will be perfect, will be flawless. But I want them to know that I tried so hard. Because I’m doing this for you guys. This is not something that I will get paid for. This is something that we do because gusto talaga naming mag-serve. Though we can’t be perfect, we’re doing this for you guys. I believe that it’s worth it, serving the Lukans. Kasi I see where the potential is, and I really want to help reach that potential. Yun natalagaang tagline ko, “Realizing the Potential.”
We’ve been talking inspiration, motivating the student body. What motivates you?
What motivates me is the dream, the dream of becoming a doctor. That’s a very important thing eh. Kasi more than having a parent as a doctor, it’s the prospect of helping people. I can’t see myself doing anything else. I want to do everything I can do to help these people.
Final words?
Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about Henson. I’ve seen how passionately he works, so I believe kung sino man ang manalo samin as President, I think that the Lukan community will be very lucky. But if you choose to put your trust in me, I promise to do my best to serve you and serve as your voice, the student council’s and of course the student body. I will do my best to provide you with venues to have fun and make medical school a little bit more tolerable. Out of all these, it’s really up to the students how they’ll make use of their time, I’ll encourage people to be more involved in what the student council is doing, in what the organizations are doing. Tayo yung lifeline ng mga organizations, and if we’re not going to exert effort and volunteer, walang mangyayari. You know, you have to sacrifice a little. And honestly, it’s not that big of a sacrifice if you think about it kasi at the end of the day you’re going to be thinking about all the interactions you had, all the people you could have possibly helped in that three-hour health promotion activity. These things are immeasurable and cannot be equated to time studying and money wasted. All you have to look at is the fact that you gained some learning out of these opportune moments, when you reached out, when you told people that you’re here to help, kahit konti.
This all boils down to proper time management. Sobrang cliché pero totoo kasi yan eh. You only have so many hours a day, and the only way you can accomplish things is if you appropriate time. Pero dahil pinili ko to, I need to have time for everything. I need to use my time wisely, if that means on Saturdays and Sundays I can’t watch tv, then so be it because sacrifices must be made. But family and church time are non-negotiobale. Those are essential, I won’t be centered if babad na babad ako sa inaaral ko. If you only have three hours to plan an activity, then you have to finish that in three hours.
Points of improvement in yourself?
I need to be less intense. Whenever I feel strongly about something, I really get into it. When I’m mad, I’m really mad. And then when I feel strongly about someone being wrong, I really say it. I need to learn to be more mellow, like taking a five-second breather. To re-assess everything, and just so wala akong masabaing masama or masakit. And just so I can put everything in perspective.
How do you want to be remembered, if you were to be elected? Ano yung magiging mark mo sa student body?
I can only be myself. Pag may kailangang gawin, ibubuhos ko lahat ng sarili ko kasi nag-commit ako dyan. I want to be known as that committed person who does things to her utmost capacity. And at the end of the day, tried everything she can possibly do to accomplish the best thing she can dish out. I can’t promise people that the projects I’m coming up with will be perfect, will be flawless. But I want them to know that I tried so hard. Because I’m doing this for you guys. This is not something that I will get paid for. This is something that we do because gusto talaga naming mag-serve. Though we can’t be perfect, we’re doing this for you guys. I believe that it’s worth it, serving the Lukans. Kasi I see where the potential is, and I really want to help reach that potential. Yun natalagaang tagline ko, “Realizing the Potential.”
We’ve been talking inspiration, motivating the student body. What motivates you?
What motivates me is the dream, the dream of becoming a doctor. That’s a very important thing eh. Kasi more than having a parent as a doctor, it’s the prospect of helping people. I can’t see myself doing anything else. I want to do everything I can do to help these people.
Final words?
Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about Henson. I’ve seen how passionately he works, so I believe kung sino man ang manalo samin as President, I think that the Lukan community will be very lucky. But if you choose to put your trust in me, I promise to do my best to serve you and serve as your voice, the student council’s and of course the student body. I will do my best to provide you with venues to have fun and make medical school a little bit more tolerable. Out of all these, it’s really up to the students how they’ll make use of their time, I’ll encourage people to be more involved in what the student council is doing, in what the organizations are doing. Tayo yung lifeline ng mga organizations, and if we’re not going to exert effort and volunteer, walang mangyayari. You know, you have to sacrifice a little. And honestly, it’s not that big of a sacrifice if you think about it kasi at the end of the day you’re going to be thinking about all the interactions you had, all the people you could have possibly helped in that three-hour health promotion activity. These things are immeasurable and cannot be equated to time studying and money wasted. All you have to look at is the fact that you gained some learning out of these opportune moments, when you reached out, when you told people that you’re here to help, kahit konti.