“Kamustahan sa Scholars”, organized by the OSAP of the University of San Carlos, gathered the Carolinian scholars who are supported by government and private organizations. The event was held in the USC-TC Chapel last August 28, 2010 at 9AM.



The program stated with an invocation led by two scholars. It was followed with an introduction by Mrs. Beth Saldivar.

CASA

Fr. Patricio “Pat” R. de los Reyes, SVD, the director of OSAP discussed the purpose of the meeting. He said that the meeting was intended to gather the scholars together for them to meet and know each other. They have to establish a friendly relationship among themselves because they are going to form an association of scholars, which will be called the Carolinian Scholars Association (CASA). Fr. De los Reyes emphasized the abbreviation CASA. It is a Spanish word for house which symbolizes the place where scholars could come. “It is your home in the university,” he said. According to him, the alumni who are willing to help the undergraduate students could contact the school through CASA.

Another purpose of the CASA is for the scholars to have an identity. “We would like you to be proud of being scholars in USC”, Fr. De los Reyes said.

Two alumni who were also scholars before shared their testimonies.

Proud to be called “Carolinian”

Mr. Dioscoro “June” Ayag, a business man who worked in Saudi Arabia for years shared his experience.

At an early age of 5, his father died, leaving all the responsibilities in his mother’s arms. He was the only son, and he had two sisters. Though they were going through a lot of challenges, Mr. Ayag persevered. Because of his perseverance, he graduated as an honor student from elementary to college.

“Kahirapan… that will motivate you to work harder”, Mr. Ayag said.

“Proud jud ko nga Carolinian ko, na hindi lang ibang schools ang magaling.. di ko kaabot sa USC kung wala ang scholarship nga nagtabang nako,” he added.

He also said that scholars should give value to the scholarships that they have because they are so lucky to have people helping them.

Mr. Ayag ended his talk by saying, “success is not measured in what you are or what you have but by what you share.”

The Valedictorian, the Cum Laude and the notorious Student

Engr. Virgilio “Nonoy” Espelita, a CEo of a certain company was the next alumnus who shared his experience.

He started his sharing with the story of the Valedictorian, the Cum Laude and the notorious Student.

“One night, a batch was having their reunion. The valedictorian came. He was wearing thick eye glasses and said that he is now into research. Minutes after, the Cum Laude came. He was so obnoxious. He showed his Mercedes Benz and claimed that he is now the Country Manager of Citibank. Then, the notorious student arrived. He was into buy-and-sell. He buys something and sells it again with 33% interest.”

“Now, asa man ko sa tulo?” he asked.

“Ang Cum.” The scholars answered.

He said that he went through a lot of difficulties when he was in college but his difficulties were lessened because of the scholarship that he had. He graduated as the Cum Laude and was ranked 9th in their Engineering exam.

Reflections

To study in the Premier University of the South FOR FREE is a privilege given to me. It is a blessing that not all students can get. I know that I should study WELL, not hard, because I have to pay back what my sponsors have given me.

I am a Carolinian, and I’m proud to be one.