Reaching Goals, Reaching Places
OUTSET: Marc with Mayor Guia Gomez during the 38th Commencement Exercises of SJNHS on April 8, 2011 INSET: Laurina at PICC during his college graduation.
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All of us have dreams to fulfill and we all wish to make everyone around us proud. And for Marc Daniel Laurina it was a feat made possible when he graduated Summa Cum Laude just last April from University of the East, indeed making everyone around him extremely proud.
An alumnus of SJNHS, Marc started his education at Camp Crame Elementary School and continued at the then San Juan Municipal High School where he graduated Valedictorian in 2011. During his stay in his alma matter, he became the Editor-in-chief of The Pioneer, the school’s official organ; an experience which helped him hone his potentials.
“Being the editor-in-chief and member of the organization was such a privilege for me. Being open-minded with our environment should be developed if you want to be a good reporter or a writer.” Laurina stated talking about the needed qualities of a journalist.
“One of my most unforgettable experience was joining a journalism contest. You can really feel the support of our adviser that time, Ma’am Callorina. We appreciated how she gave her time on our trainings to enhance our writing. Being a writer and a part of this club was a great help to me in college, most importantly as I said, on being open-minded on what’s happening. It was a great help in writing college papers or a thesis,” he added as he recounted his journalism stints from years ago.
Mrs. Aileen Callorina, now the OIC of the senior high school, likewise had nothing but good words for this achiever as she relived her days with him.
“He's very responsible, persevering and down-to-earth. I remember him telling me that most of the time he'd be sleeping at two in the morning just to make some necessary changes in the layout and other details. Also, when he was taught to use the Corel, he knew very little but was told to just play with the cursor and discover it on his own and he mastered it easily. He won’t stop at something until he is satisfied” said the proud adviser.
These experiences coupled with his stand-out traits led him successfully to his final journey as a student. Although not without difficulty, he graduated at the top of his class in his chosen course - Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. With all of the achievements that he got, he said that the very thing that have kept him motivated was his family.
“It was difficult but my parents were there to support me, especially my father. I was on my third or fourth year when he went abroad. I saw how hard he had to work to provide me and my siblings with good education that’s why in return I did my best to give back. My mother on the other hand was the one to always look after me whenever I get stressed with my school works reminding me to take a rest every once in a while. There was care definitely,” the inspirational lad proudly shared.
Marc also recognized the local government for its special part on his successes for providing him the scholarship and allowance needed to continue with his schooling.
Above all these, he claimed that his main inspiration is God. A conversation with him would give one a glimpse of his deep spiritual connection. He readily cited a verse to be pondered at.
"The bible says, ‘work for the glory of the Lord for the work is not for the man but for the Lord.’ My greatest inspiration is the Lord. It reminds me that I can’t do all these on my own, I can’t achieve all these without the Lord, apart from the Lord I can do nothing. So all that I have accomplished would not have been possible if without Him. He is my greatest inspiration”
He also shared a secret behind his success, a convenient one which we all ought to replicate, and that is to give yourself more time in doing things; things such as your hobbies, routines, etc. It will somehow keep you away from cramming in finishing your stressful schoolwork. And for the future graduates, he advised to always keep in mind to do your best and eventually God will do the rest.
Marc Daniel Laurina – driven, humble, family-oriented, and God-fearing; a great role-model for everyone who wishes to reach high in life and make their love ones proud.
