Summa Cum Laude or Superhero?

Would you want to be a summa cum laude or just a mere superman in your own little ways helping people and changing the world?

Here is how the Ka-balanghays responded in our Yahoo Group Discussion.

Desiree Go opens the discussion:

its a fact that right after the aylc a lot of us are super stressed in catching up with things at school. some lost their target summa and magna grades to cum laude, academic excellence or even only expecting a diploma after graduation.

but really… if you were to choose, would you rather be a superhero and change theworld or at least make a difference or a honorable summa cum laude

Renzo Guinto says:

Hahaha! Nice topic.When I entered college, my number one objective is to be summa cum laude and to break the record in the UP College of Medicine. We only have two summa cum laudes – and both of them graduated in the 1940’s.But when I already experienced the hardships of med school (and obtained not-so impressive marks), I realized that I have to be happy and contented… as long as I deeply understand the lesson! Coz what’s more important in medicine is not really your grade (though it’s an added credential if you want to apply for a reputable residency program in the States) but your mastery of the art and science of healing. The lives of patients are on our hands (next to God, of course).Plus, I just realized that medical education in the 1940’s is far less difficult than it is today due to the growing volume of medical knowledge that we have.

Moreover, some UPCM doctors say that their class valedictorians are not the most successful or significant in the class. (Or excuse lang ito ng mga wala sa top ng class? Hehehe! But factual naman!)

Three months ago, I was asked by our library’s security guard (who is a friend) about my academic status (since she knows that I’ve been one of those on top in my level hehehe).

I was surprised with my answer. “I’m not concerned with my grades in academics anymore. Ang mahalaga sa akin ay ang grade ko mula sa kapwa.”

And we started a conversation about her family, her job as a security guard, and her dreams for herself and country.

What matters to me now is how I can effect a change in other people’s lives.

Your Superman, Renzo

(Btw, Superman is my favorite superhero! Hehehe! Though I didn’t voluntary choose him as my favorite. As I was telling Sam through chat a while ago, my mother somehow dictated me indirectly to choose him, as if saying “Superman must be your favorite hero!” The design of my 12th birthday cake, the ring that she gave me, my Warner Brother shirts that she bought, my cellphone case during high school – all Superman! But haven’t read or watched any of his comics and [old] movies… only the super latest! Hehehe!

Sam and I were also chatting about Superman being a representation of a true “human.”

Samuel Macagba (3/25/2008 11:26:35 PM): the idea of being “human” is prevalently seen in superman
ramonlorenzoluis (3/25/2008 11:26:45 PM): yup i agree
ramonlorenzoluis (3/25/2008 11:26:50 PM): parang irony nga eh…
ramonlorenzoluis (3/25/2008 11:27:04 PM): superman pero very human
Samuel Macagba (3/25/2008 11:27:10 PM): i know the irony makes it a lot more interesting noh

Interesting [thesis] topic to explore! Hahaha!)

Edwin de Leon responded:

My answer to this question:

I would be happy to be either but in all honesty changing the world would need no categorical sphering <that of a superhero or a summa cum laude>.

Earning the degree of a summa cum laude requirses much assertion of efforts, fervor to answer to the resposibilities and atleast some inate excellence in thinking (brain) and feeling (the heart).

Being a super hero requires almost the same.

Changing the world requires almost the same too..

Fact is you can change the world who ever you are granted that you have the willingness, passion and sinceirty to do so.

Those labels in this case aren’t necessary or much of a condition. Just as fitting it is, in my world labels are for canned soups.. We don’t need them, We can change the world in some simple ways with the hope that the society responds by making an echo of our “random acts of kindess”

LET’s all strive to be Summa, Magna, Cum laudes or graduates in our own ways and Heroes in our own days…

We can be both.

LOVE YOU DES!

Amad Domado says:

Everyone is pressuring me to become a summa cumlaude. My family is of course there to back me up whenever I encountered hardships in my studies. My first two years in college shows that I am a potential and I could be summa cumlaude (the fact na determining factor ang first two years namin kaya kayang-kaya ko na ang last two years). My classmates and schoolmates are expecting something from me also kaya kakapressure talaga.

When at the blink of an eye…

Nawala lahat ng yun. Kinain ng extracurricular activities ang time ko. I represented my college in different quiz bee contests, dance contests, at iba pang contests jan. I entered several organizations to see the life on the other side.

I am not putting all the blame to my extracurricular activities. But here is my point: If you want to be a summa cum laude, then be a summa cumlaude. If you want your studies not to suffer then be brave enough not to be tempted by any organizations that you want to be a part of.

I treasured every help my organizations give me. I became a part of Ayala Young Leaders’ Congress and a lot of credit goes to my orgs. Nanghihinayang lang ako na sana naging summa cum laude ako or atleast gumraduate man lang na Class Valedictorian ng school namin kung nag-focus lang sana ako sa studies.

And I sighed a relief after Renzo said karamihan sa mga Class Valedictorian o Summa cumlaude hindi ang pinakasuccessful sa batch.

That would mean, who succeed is those who know a lot about life.

The bottom line is: Hindi naman masamang magkaroon ng social affiliations. Wag lang sinosobrahan to the extent na nakakalimutan na natin ang academics natin.

Tina Mantaring says:

This is an interesting topic, if only because it’s something i’ve thought about a lot in these last few weeks. When I entered college, I resigned myself to the fact that making summa would be almost impossible. Good luck, with my course being Computer Engineering, where graduating on time is already a feat in itself. I said that I did not to be pressured by acads, so I made it a point to NOT compute my GWA. I didn’t want my college life to be dictated by a bunch of numbers on paper. Someone once told me that it was better to be a magna with a life, than a summa with no life. After all, magna is still magna, right?

So yeah, I joined a bunch of organizations, and because active in a lot of different projects, even when I was only a freshman. Still, I never neglected my studies. It was funny, because sometimes my friends and orgmates would find out what my average for the sem was before I did (the list of University and College scholars is always posted in the lobby of our college). I more or less knew my academic standing because I’ve been a consistent University Scholar my entire college life.

Still, imagine my surprise when I finally computed by GWA last October. I’d needed it for the resume I was putting together for OJT applications (which is a lost cause, actually, because our thesis adviser has strongly suggested that we focus on our thesis this summer). After getting my average for my first 7 sems, I discovered that I was THIS close to summa. As in… wow. That’s when I felt all the pressure and the grade-consciousness that I had managed to avoid during my first three and a half years in college. Yuck! >.<

It’s true that grades shouldn’t be the center of your life. Rarely do they reflect your true character as a person. I’d be a whole lot prouder of an active, socially-conscious person than of someone with sky-high grades who doesn’t really do anything useful.

Still, I also believe in making the most out of what you’ve been given. For those of you who don’t know it yet, I plan to pursue my Masters’ degree (and maybe even my PhD) when I graduate, and for that, my college average will play a big part in determining which university I end up in. In this case, my grades aren’t my end goal. They are simply a means for me to make my end goal possible

Summa or superhero? It’s virtually impossible to be both at the same time (believe me, I’ve tried ) But maybe you can use the summa to become a superhero, yeah?

That’s my two cents

Weber Amores says:

8 POINTS why I’d rather be a SUPERHERO than a SUMMA CUM LAUDE

FIRST POINT:

Being a summa cum laude will only prove your accomplishments in your academic life in college, but by being a superhero (depends on how you take it, I take it with powers) you constanly prove how valuable you are to the world.

SECOND POINT:

By being a summa cum laude needs constant upgrading of oneself, thus, when one who is summa cum laude does not meet future expectations carried on by his/her title-frustrations and disappointments comes in. Not to mention the peer and family pressure. When you are a superhero, THE TITLE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. No need for further questioning.

THIRD POINT:

Being a summa cum laude, is most likely a product of persistence towards goals of ensuring financial and job stability in the future. Being a superhero ensures only one thing,

SECURITY in all aspects of the world. Fairly sustainable for one wit hpowers and unfading.

FOURTH POINT:

After being a summa cum laude, you are placed in a yearbook and maybe, in the hallmark of achievers in your school. After being a superhero, you are remembered even without literary mediums. The influence extends to ages, and that if its already millions of year, the superhero becomes a legend.

FIFTH POINT:

After being a summa cum laude, you take efforts in employment. After being a superhero, you are ensured that the world will help you and your family as you retire.(“,)

SIXTH POINT:

After being a summa cum laude, you are faced with fears and challenge of the world. After being a superhero, applause and recognition will come your way for carrying the load of humanity. After being a superhero, you face only tribute and nothing less than respect in your lineage FOREVER.

SEVENTH POINT:

After being a summa cum laude, you tend to envision your sibling of being like you. And you even wish that as they grow, they’d be as competent as you, as intelligent as you, and an achiever just like you. After being a superhero, you only envision yourself in putting a turn-over of responsibility to your siblings because you are already ensured that the legacy lives on, knowing the fact that the power runs in your veins, to you genes, to your blood.

EIGHT POINT:

The life of summa cum laude is bounded by his network who shares his interest, and who he/she thinks could contribute to his/her wellness and at the same time he/she could influence to become a better person. Whereas in the life of a superhero, you have the entire world to explore. A network of billions of people to influence, and a vast array of life to empower and make some significant change.

*Tho latin honors are so fulfilling to have, I could give that up in replace of the responsibilty of a SUPERHERO. Not everyone is given the chance to fly, not everyone is given the chance to manifest magnificent strenght, and not everyone holds accountability. I’d love to be accountable if only I’d play the role with enough power to serve the world. The best thing in there is that you don’t only influence a group of people or some people that you get along or just encounter-by being a superhero unlike being a summa cum laude, YOU INFLUENCE HUMANITY, and I think that’s just the best thing of all. Making a very significant change for the betterment of those who will succeed my generation.

DREAM and it will MANIFEST. ACT on it then MANIFESTations will turn into OPPURTUNITIES that you are to grab, THUS, surely, in a while, your DREAMS will EMBRACE reality.

DREAM BIG. DREAM of BECOMING the BEST SUPERHERO in YOU…

PASS IT ON.

Sam Macagba says:

summa cum laude or superhero… hmmmmmhehehe…cum laude nga lang kuntento na ako e… unfortunately cum laude na nga lang hindi ko pa makuha…hahaha. ..

nung 1st year college talaga ako, i really try to aim high and target at least makapag cumlaude ako.. i became very competitive. .. as in competitive in school… i did not do much of my first year in college… aral…aral. ..aral… . i guess, a lot of you felt this, but having such kind of life made me feel sick and empty… This instance made me realize that there’s more to grades or the title that makes life more fulfiling…

then i joined several organizations. .. i constantly learn how to be a good member and become a good leader in the several organizations in school, which made me a lot happier and made my life a lot more fulfilling. i had more friends, more wonderful experiences and more learninig experinces.. . i gained a better understanding of what i can do and how i can serve others…

then i entered in the school of education (in our school we are only allowed to choose our courses during the second sem of our sophomore year)… i aspired to be a teacher and to be a better person for others…

so anong point ko…? hehehehe

i think that the idea of being a “hero” or “superhero” should not literally be compared to those charcters in the comics or the chracters that the children are watching. the idea of being a superhero should evolve and should fit the status quo.

i prefer to be a superhero since one of the characteritics of a hero is someone who can go beyond his limitations for the welfare of others. wala naman talga akong pakielam dati sa mundo… gusto ko lang ang magpayaman, umunlad ang buhay at matulungan ang pamilya ko… but my college education and my aspiration to become a teacher to others made me understand that there is something more to life and that my life has a purpose.

being a superhero is, i think, a path towards generosity and humility… being a superhero entails a selfless dedication towards helping others grow and be developed… being a superheor entails humility since you are required to acknowledge your weaknesses and try to transcend from them becasue your main object is to be of help to others.

tulad nga ng napag-usapan namin ni bozz renzo, we like superman because although he is a superhero, he is one of the superheroes that closely represents the reality of being a human person. i think that there are a lot of superheroes dito sa mundong ibabaw. although wala nga lng capes tulad nila batman at superman… i think that my AYLC experience affirmed this assumption that i have… i found my justice league sa 74 na taong nakilala ko dun…for this reason, no matter how weak i am at times, no matter how stressed am i with the work that i am doing, i feel encouraged to go above these weaknesses and limitations believing that there are a lot of people who needs to be developed and who needs to be helped and that i am not alone in my aspiration of being a superhero and fly…or sail on…:)

Lester Yee says:

i believe that superhero and (Summa or magna) cum laude is not an either-or to begin with po.

in my case, i am gunning for latin honors because i believe it can help (even in a very tiny way) for employment purposes. If this latin honor can raise a salary even by 500 pesos, this money can be saved up to form part of the tuition of my siblings or the money to build a house for our family (we still rent).

The question i belive is how you plan to be a hero, either in academics, in the arts, in leadership or in all three aspects combined.

We can all be on top in our own ways.

“Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.”

Rachel Milante says:

Hi everybody! How’s the summer going for you guys?

This is an interesting topic Des! Siguro, about time for me to break my silence in this group… hehe. I really wanted to join the chats but I always lose track! You guys seem to be always online! It’s kind of hard to keep following every thread!

Anyway, I’d just like to share my experience on the conflict between trying to become a summa cum laude (or magna cum laude) and a superhero. The truth is, before running for or accepting any position, the first thing I ask myself is: how will this affect my studies? Because, after all, we are student leaders, not leader students. Student first before leader. We go to school primarily for education.

But, I know that all of you dear ka-balangahays would agree that it’s impossible to always put your studies first when the whole college, or the whole university even, is counting on you.

This is the dilemma presented to me by our past student council president. Like most of us, he was also trying to maintain a grade in order to graduate a Magna. But, he found the fight futile. He wasn’t serving anyone but himself in that endeavor. He knew he has to do more.

This, he told me, is a choice. Leadership is a sacrifice, no matter how you rationalize.

So, like what we did in our pre-congress workshop, I began to imagine. I tried to picture myself one year from now. I tried to see, hear, feel, and understand how I will be just before graduation. In my mind, I saw two images of Rachel.

Rachel number one is a Magna Cum Laude, a Rector’s Awardee. She has mastered the thick textbooks of Med-Surg and Psych, and broke the record of the highest GPA in the UST College of Nursing. Everyone looks up to her in that pedestal only a few were privileged to stand on.

Rachel number two is a student leader. She spent weekends and late hours in school, organizing activities for the Nursing community. People know her. They do, but it’s just that. She’s someone they work with and that’s it. She’ll graduate with no awards whatsoever – just a handful of experiences in her pocket.

I thought to myself, would it be Rachel number one or Rachel number two? The first one sure is sweet! But, what have I done after that? If I’ll be a Magna, what have I given back to my college, to my University? The prestige will all be mine.

But, if I choose the second Rachel, then I can say to myself that I have served. Sure, there may be no awards after, but who cares? What matters is what I have done for my community, my college. That is one step closer to changing the world, I bet.

A friend texted this message to me just now. Yup, while I’m writing this! (I know, right?)

“Our goal is to please God in everything we do. It makes no difference whether anyone applauds our actions or not. We’re called to be faithful, not famous.”

So, summa cum laude or superman? None of the above, I’m sorry. Just Rachel number two.

NOTE: Before you guys get the idea that I’m against academic honors, I’d like to let you know that I’m not. Being SUPER is okay, too. What I’m trying to say here (and maybe Renzo and Edwin, too), is that IT’S NOT WHAT MATTERS. What matters is how we make a difference in other people’s lives, how we effect change in our communities.

With all my love,
Rachel M. Ayt?

________

Stacy Alcantara said:

it’s possible to be summa and superhero at the same time.  i can guarantee that 300%.  when i entered college, that was my goal and no less.  i wanted to prove to everyone that it can be done.  these past few sems have been a feat what with all the student activities but hey, you just have to believe in yourself and pull off that balancing act.  i’ve been in the student government for seven years since high school.  last year, i was the vice president but that’s no excuse to let slip your studies.  it’s all about time management.  as of now, my qpa is five notches above the minimum required for summa cum laude.  the point here is that, it can be done.  anyone can do it.  why choose between the two when you can have both?  kudos to you my fellow kabalanghays!

_____

Richard Sagun said:

Nice topic ha!

If I were to assess, being a summa and being a superhero could possibly merged into 1, if and only if you have the great passion and gusto to achieve both. Picture this, which is better? Student A who has a flat 1 grade in all subjects but lacks community involvement or co-curricular activities, or Student B who has a flat 1 grade in all subjects and enjoys his community involvement and co-curricular activities? Both students are qualified to be summa, but the latter gains more meaningful experiences rather the former.

It’s good to get involved into co-curriculars since these are instances where we can put into concrete manifestations the learnings we have in our subjects.

Engaging into superhero acts would also lessen the chances of becoming an INTELLECTUAL MONSTER(haha. ..these are individuals who lack values within them, though they are intelligent)

Summa or Superhero? You are free to choose. There’s no wrong decision. You may achieve both, just make sure you keep your feet planted on the ground(‘wag lalaki ulo).

_________

Germs Salatan said:

one cannot serve two masters at the same time…but he can make them one.. of becoming a summa cum laude and of being a superhero at the same time is possible, very possible. it’s a matter of self-instruction and discipline, taking resources like money, time, health and the like wisely. SUMMA and SUPERHERO??? well for as long as you are happy of what you are doing then that’s what matters most.

_____________

Migs Garcia said:

Indeed, a question that the overachieving student would struggle to answer, unless such student has found the path truly destined. To be summa cum laude, or to be a superhero? That is the question.

I remember climbing the pole back in the Congress and I distinctly remember what I shouted: “I want to graduate Summa Cum Laude…!” And I cannot take back what I said.

Personally, it would be greatly rewarding to be a superhero. However, what kind of superhero? What superhero should we be? My idea of a superhero is your typical save-the-world or save-as-much- as-you can person. True, its virtues are noble and legendary. To become a superhero is to be endowed with the honor of the celebrities hung in the stellar night. To become a superhero, one embraces the role of integrity and commitment– the passion burning from the core, gushing throughout life and history. You are remembered forever; you are immortal throughout time.

But what is a superhero to be quite specific? A superhero NEVER puts into perspective about “himself” doing something for others. A superhero simply drops the “himself” and simply defines his work as simply doing for others without qualms or reference for the self. Let us be practical and real here, the greatest of leaders who have charted history’s course by their impact have always considered “the self” to benefit from being rewarded on being yes, an immortal, throughout time. Personally, these are not superheroes, but simply — “trying hard.” Forgive the tone, but frankly, superheroes are never supposed to claim to be one — people endow them that titular role. It is not for us to decide or to determine or even to dream about. It is something beyond us; it is something we cannot easily claim.

If we go back to what we’ve learned in the Congress, we were taught about SELF-AWARENESS. Self-awareness, if I remember well, is trying to know who you REALLY are and what you can do about it to effectively be WHO YOU ARE. It is balanching your good and not, your best and worst, your strongest and weakest. It is trying to determine specifically the inner nature of the person so that eventually, that person will finally map out the VISION, contribute through STEWARDSHIP, and seek to progress in our COMMUNITY.

For me, SELF-AWARENESS of being a superhero is being aware that you cannot be one unless people call you one and appreciate what you have done. To think otherwise, would only defeat the purpose. Dissecting it in its simplest terms or even running about to decipher its complexity would only lead to one and only one definitive thing — you cannot choose to be a superhero — people choose you to be one. It is like claiming to have gained victory over an election even if nobody has elected you yet.

In connection, that is how most of our political leaders think of themselves. They claim to be superheroes, but would the general mass of people throughout the archipelago would have this general sentiment? I disagree. But how about people like Mother Teresa, Mohammad Yunus, or Aung San Suu Kyi — have they ever considered themselves as one?

If many would remember, Mother Teresa even had doubts with God but conquering her own qualms made her realize her “external” role of being there to help others. It was her advocacy solely grounded on faith and God. Has she ever thought of becoming a saint or some sorts? Never, because to begin with, how would someone think of such a thing when to begin with, that person has already doubted? And for Mohammad Yunus of Grameen Bank — he never dreamed of wining the Ramon Magsaysay Award or even teh coveted Nobel Peace Prize. He used his economic thinking and plant an experiment through microfinancing and presto! He has saved millions of poor Bangladeshi women and children from threatening poverty. His works — not his choosing — gave him his honorific and life-changing title — he is a superhero, as many would proclaim.

And for Aung San Suu Kyi — she risked being house-arrested for her cause and she’s not complaining. Yet, even divorced from civilization — even her not knowing it — people continue to shout for her freedom and call her a superhero of Myanmar.

Yes, yes, the question is “what do you want to be?” Although it is very hypothetical, to answer one or the other would generally lead to “the self.” Hence, the tragedy of commons would lure us to a seemingly self-centered answer. The only self-centeredness superheroes have is for their happiness to be the happiness of others.

For me, I let my grandparents decide.

Going back to what I’ve said, I shouted, “I want to graduate Summa Cum Laude…”

And finally,

“… so that my grandparents will be proud of they’ve done for me all my life…”

My driving force to become one never has anything to do with myself. Why, I don’t even care with the titles–I can survive. However, if my lola and lolo wanted that to be their lasting and final testament as human beings — as MY superheroes — then why not restrain them from giving that. After all, it is a reachable aim.

And there, I let the stars look down upon me to determine my fate. I choose not to be labeled a Summa Cum Laude or Superhero. Why, being a superhero would mean less if you did not help the one’s closest to you. And to become a Summa Cum Laude, it remains only at the halls of your school or in the pages of your Transcripts. Either way, do not be defined by either — be defined on WHAT YOU THINK who you are…

After all, people will notice WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.

_________

Michelle Olvido said:

I laughed (literally) when i read the discussion.. hehe:) you see, my goal in college is to graduate summa and when i was interviewed for AYLC, my plan of making a difference in our university this year is to be student government president and at the same time graduate summa.. kasi sa school nami, there is a growing lack of leaders primarily because they see it as a hindrance to their studies. i am taking up Education and I believe that it is VERY important..but it should never be used as an excuse to not serve others..kaya nga natin pinapayaman ang sarili natin diba para may maibahagi tayo sa iba?

and so this year, my average for the last 5 semesters (my second semester final grades are not in yet) is 0.04 points down the minimum grade for summa..and i thought of not running for presidency anymore. but to cut it short, i am ssg president this year and am hoping and praying that i will still graduate summa.

I have made my choice and it is to be both. i believe that we are all called to be excellent.. we can’t compartmentalize our lives and choose to be excellent in some areas only.. i am not saying we should all graduate summa but what i am saying is we can be both and much much more.. excellent student, friend, leader, daughter, sister, Filipino, Christian.. make the most of who we are..after all, we are but stewards and it is in the end, for the greater glory of God.

DREAM BIG mga kabalanghay. . Do not ask for small things in the presence of a GREAT King:)

4.mga lakad ko this summer!!:) I am going to be in Tagaytay this weekend for our Youth For Christ International Leaders Conference and I will be reminiscing AYLC08 as well:) Be leaving for Manila on Wednesday April 2 and then be leaving for cebu on tuesday April 8. Haha, kaya lang.. small chance that i can meet up with the ncr people kasi controlled lahat ang galaw namin (di pwedeng lumabas ng venue,etc) pero text ninyo ako pag may plans on april 7..baka may libreng oras ako on that day:)

Honestly, nakakatuwa na na-open ang topic na to.

I do learn lots of things from you and I know the readers surely get a handful of your thoughts too. Salamat sa napakagandang opinions about this issue! More to come.

Sail On!