A BSIT student successfully ends the 12-year magna cum laude hiatus of the Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta City Campus.
With a General Weighted Average of 1.4, Michael A. Sabado will graduate as Campus Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude with a degree in BS Information Technology Major in Web and Mobile Technologies.
Sabado is from at Calepaan, Asingan, Pangasinan. He is the 2nd child of Mr. Emerson T. Sabado and Mrs. Nelia A. Sabado. He is also a Provincial Scholar.
He shared that he initially planned to take Accountancy in Baguio City, however, due to financial constraints, they decided to look for another school that offers free education.
But before he made the final decision, he asked himself “If I become an accountant and work in that industry, will I be happy?” His answer was, “no.”
Like other students, his college years were not easy. He also had his ups and downs, breakdowns, and sleepless nights. But he said that these are just some of the sacrifices he has to make.
Sabado said that he challenged himself to graduate with Latin honors when he entered the institution four years ago because of others’ expectations.
“I always have this initiative to monitor my performance once in a while to ensure that my grades are within the bounds to be a Latin honor awardee,” he added.
He emphasized that being surrounded by people who encourage and support him is the main ingredient to his success. As they are the ones who allowed him to reach his full potential by always recognizing his capabilities.
He then added, “My family, mentors, and friends believed in me therefore I also believed in myself. And I think that’s how I managed to remain on track towards my goals.”
And when the moment he found out that he was a candidate for Latin Honor and the 2022 batch’s valedictorian, his heart was racing. All the years of studying flashed before his eyes and he cannot contain his excitement to tell everyone.
“To be honest, it’s a mixture of fulfillment and pressure. Knowing I’ll be graduating with Latin honors simply means all of my hard work and sacrifices paid off. But knowing to be the next Magna Cum Laude Awardee after 12 years is something to talk about. The expectations of everyone is enormous which makes it a bit of pressure on my part as a student of PSU Urdaneta, home of the top-notchers,” Sabado said.
Furthermore, he also shared his experience being a leader. He said that he is not the kind of student who leaves others behind when he has the opportunity to assist them.
“As a leader, it simply means I have a faster foot than the others, but my struggle is to use my strength to help those in need… So, I always make sure my group absorbs what I absorb.”
When the pandemic arises, their struggles became heavier which affected the modes of learning. But he thanks the PSU-URD which remained an institution that provides quality education despite the new normal.
Lastly, he ended his interview by giving a piece of advice to the students who also aim to graduate with Latin honors.
“Personally, graduating with Latin honors is a given. Every student is a prospective candidate for this award. What they need to focus on is how they can utilize their abilities to be better. It is so much easier to achieve something when you love and enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t be the student who is just forced to do something rather find your will. But I must say having the passion is not enough, they must also have the commitment to pursue what they want to achieve. Sometimes, setting personal standards is an effective tool to take away distractions. And of course, the ultimate advice that I could give is to always seek God’s Kingdom first and they are bound to succeed.”
Edited by | Adnes Jay Estrada, Editor-in-Chief
Photo by | Lady Megan Barrozo, Associate Editor
Photo Edit by | Roma Marie Signey, Layout Artist