It is typical for someone who becomes popular or who starts getting what he wants in life to instantly get consumed with fame and to end up being excessively proud of oneself. Although this person is able to enjoy the perks of being famous for a certain period of time, he is bound to head downhill if he continues to be arrogant and self-righteous. Thankfully, for Eduard Joseph V. Narciso, things are totally different. The brightness of his light still lingers on up to this day. This is because Eduard, or Nars to his high school buddies, has maintained his humility, his respect for others, and his faith in God even if he has achieved so much during his academic years.
Smiling big for his promising future. Photo taken from Eduard's Facebook account. |
Aside from being an awarded debater, campus journalist, orator, student leader, and community service volunteer, this twenty-one-year-old lad (he turned 21 today!) has also been chosen to be the Philippine-Tohoku Goodwill Youth Ambassador to Japan (Disaster Management and Recovery Efforts) in May 2012 and a grantee of the Study of the United States Institute for New Media and Journalism for Student Leaders- Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA in June-July 2012. What's even impressive is his recognition as National Awardee during the Search for Outstanding Paulinian Students of the Philippines for SY 2012-2013 and his recent graduation as cum laude from St. Paul University of Dumaguete.
Let us get to know more about this young Canlaonian's life, the thoughts he has about our country, and the plans that he is excited to fulfill. Read on.
Rhoda: Hello, Eduard (or how do you want to be called?). How are you doing today?
Eduard: Hi :D I would like to be called Eduard (although my classmates in high school used to call me NARS)
Me: Graduating as valedictorian in your elementary days, finishing with honors during high school,
and now marking your name as cum laude in St. Paul University in Dumaguete this year! How does it
feel to achieve something so big during your academic years?
E: During my younger years, I felt so proud every time I achieved higher grades because I have
topped other students from my batch. I really like to compete when I was young. But now that I grew into maturity, things have changed for me. I felt fulfilled after so many struggles in my collegiate studies and I felt challenged because so much is expected from me as an honor student.
Me: So were you ever studious? Who or what drove you to work hard to be consistently the cream of the crop in school?
E: I am studious but I’m not really devoted into “pagsusunog ng kilay”. When I study, I just read
and comprehend my notes. I am not the nerdy type of student. I rarely have a perfect score in exams.
I never aspired to be the cream of the crop in school. My parents kept on reminding me to be myself. Dili sila ganahan nga trying hard ko. They just wanted me to be successful in my studies. Becoming the cream of the crop is the just an icing on the cake because my diploma is more important to them than fame and glory.
Eduard: Hi :D I would like to be called Eduard (although my classmates in high school used to call me NARS)
Me: Graduating as valedictorian in your elementary days, finishing with honors during high school,
and now marking your name as cum laude in St. Paul University in Dumaguete this year! How does it
feel to achieve something so big during your academic years?
E: During my younger years, I felt so proud every time I achieved higher grades because I have
topped other students from my batch. I really like to compete when I was young. But now that I grew into maturity, things have changed for me. I felt fulfilled after so many struggles in my collegiate studies and I felt challenged because so much is expected from me as an honor student.
Me: So were you ever studious? Who or what drove you to work hard to be consistently the cream of the crop in school?
Photo taken from Eduard's Facebook account |
E: I am studious but I’m not really devoted into “pagsusunog ng kilay”. When I study, I just read
and comprehend my notes. I am not the nerdy type of student. I rarely have a perfect score in exams.
I never aspired to be the cream of the crop in school. My parents kept on reminding me to be myself. Dili sila ganahan nga trying hard ko. They just wanted me to be successful in my studies. Becoming the cream of the crop is the just an icing on the cake because my diploma is more important to them than fame and glory.
Me: Indeed, your parents have raised you well. I'm sure you had a great time growing up with such amazing people. Since we are already at it, I'd like to know how it felt living with them and with your brothers and sisters.
E: I have four siblings. Every day is a fun-filled day! We always have endless games, chats and frolics. I feel complete when I am with them. They are my best friends. We sometimes bicker over small things but we never sleep at night without reconciling. It was not difficult to grow up with them because my parents lovingly molded us equally as responsible persons. I never felt that my parents love my other siblings more than me. There may be some deprivations to my needs but they made me understand that I can’t always get what I want. I also understand the financial capacity of my parents. It is financially challenging to grow five kids! But I am proud of them because they have made us successful despite od their struggles.
Me: I couldn't agree more. I also come from a family with six kids and I understand how difficult it is to raise a lot of children. Anyway, aside from anything scholarly, do you have other activities that highly interest you?
E: I have been involved in our campus prison ministry and the prison fellowship international. I have participated in weekly prison visits. I am devoted to the care of human dignity through prison ministry. What motivated me to embrace this ministry is the welcoming response of the prisoners during my first prison visit. It was a humbling moment for me to see how they value freedom and liberty. In them, I found the opportunity for me to use my God-given talent of speech by proclaiming the good news. I oftentimes feel weak after every volunteer work but I know that I have added strength in the spiritual life of the prisoners in the rehabilitation center.
Me: That is very moving, Eduard. I know you’re into journalism. And everyone from Canlaon is pretty much aware that you went to the United States for a one-month (or two-month) study on new media and journalism last year. Tell us about the experience.
E: I have four siblings. Every day is a fun-filled day! We always have endless games, chats and frolics. I feel complete when I am with them. They are my best friends. We sometimes bicker over small things but we never sleep at night without reconciling. It was not difficult to grow up with them because my parents lovingly molded us equally as responsible persons. I never felt that my parents love my other siblings more than me. There may be some deprivations to my needs but they made me understand that I can’t always get what I want. I also understand the financial capacity of my parents. It is financially challenging to grow five kids! But I am proud of them because they have made us successful despite od their struggles.
Me: I couldn't agree more. I also come from a family with six kids and I understand how difficult it is to raise a lot of children. Anyway, aside from anything scholarly, do you have other activities that highly interest you?
E: I have been involved in our campus prison ministry and the prison fellowship international. I have participated in weekly prison visits. I am devoted to the care of human dignity through prison ministry. What motivated me to embrace this ministry is the welcoming response of the prisoners during my first prison visit. It was a humbling moment for me to see how they value freedom and liberty. In them, I found the opportunity for me to use my God-given talent of speech by proclaiming the good news. I oftentimes feel weak after every volunteer work but I know that I have added strength in the spiritual life of the prisoners in the rehabilitation center.
Me: That is very moving, Eduard. I know you’re into journalism. And everyone from Canlaon is pretty much aware that you went to the United States for a one-month (or two-month) study on new media and journalism last year. Tell us about the experience.
Eduard with his new friends in the Big Apple. Photo taken from Eduard's Facebook account. |
E: Last June-July of 2012, I was one of the six Filipino students who were chosen by the US Department of State as international scholars to the Study of United States Institute for Student Leaders on New Media and Journalism at Ball State University in Indiana. The opportunity to study new media and journalism in an American context is very significant for me. It affirmed my passion for journalism.
The study grant opened a bigger avenue for me to expand my audience through value-centered blogging and responsible netizenship. I learned that I can serve a larger civic through the World Wide Web. The grant exposed me to American society and culture through our homestays, study tours in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, the historical Gettysburg, the New York Times, United Nations, Voice of America, Broadway and major cultural and political locations in Washington DC. The study grant also gave me learning experiences in leadership and community service that I continually use in my life, the student council and the prison ministry. Studying in a foreign country made me more patriotic to the Philippines. It compelled me to resonate the meaningful lessons that I have learned to the rest of the Filipino people.
Me: I'm impressed that you learned a lot and have expressed a deeper sense of nationalism after your trip. Did you also feel the same during your trip to Japan? With your exposure to two power countries’ means and ways, did you immediately felt compelled to help people in the local setting?
E: The titles International Scholar and Ambassador hold prestige and reputation. This is what I thought at first, only to find out that this entitles me to greater responsibilities back home. Indeed, it is an accomplishment to be given the responsibility to promote responsible netizenship and disaster preparedness in my own community, all at the same time. I have presented into various classes back in my university about my learning experiences from these international exposures. The mission does not end in school. The valuable learning experiences will be with me in my professional life and in my future plan to serve the local community.
Eduard with the inmates at the Negros Oriental Detentiton and Rehabilitation Center. Photo taken from Eduard's Facebook account. |
E: The Philippines is still the best place to stay for Filipinos. Walang RICE sa US! Walang Kutsara’t Tinidor sa Japan!
The Philippines need not to be pressured with the technological advancement of these countries. I think we must pursue to be an agricultural country because we are blessed with so much land, vegetation and hardworking Filipinos. We are very fortunate to be Filipinos. My teachers in the US envied us because we are skinny and tan-skinned (while Filipinos even like to be bigger and whiter). Our country is rich in natural and human resources. We need to care of these resources before it’s too late.
I was born in the Philippines. God destined me to become a Filipino because He wants me to make a difference in the lives of my fellowmen.I have thought of staying in another country but as a tourist and not as an immigrant. I still love this country! I want my kids to experience an unexamined life in the volcanic city of Canlaon.
Me: Having achieved so much at a young age, you have made your parents, your siblings, your schools, and even the Canlaon community proud. Does the fame ever blind you?
Eduard: A mentor once told me, “You should step on each achievement so as to keep your feet on the ground.” I feel humbled that my relatives and my fellow Canlaonians are proud of me. However, I try to make sure that fame does not consume me. I do not attribute all of my achievements solely to myself. God gave me all these things. If I will be blinded by fame, it is easy for Him to take away these graces.
Eduard doing the news. One of the things he got to try while at the States |
E: I am planning to start my own business in Dumaguete. I have always been amazed with the beauty of cars and engines. I want to open a carwash and car detailing business. It is not a multi-million stake but I know that this will bring me contentment. I am also planning to pursue my master’s degree in business and serve as a part-time college instructor in our university.
Me: Wow, I hope you can work on your plans right away. Anyway, you may not know it but a lot of people have been inspired by your academic excellence. What can you tell young Canlaonians who also want to apply for scholarships and grants especially abroad?
E: Always start to improve yourself! You can never give what you do not have. Opportunities will
always be around but a good personality is really hard to find. Most scholarships consider students who have lived a balanced life as a student.
Self-introspection has helped me balance my life as a student. I always ask myself two things: “Am I spending my time and energy on the right thing?” and “Will Jesus be happy of what I am doing?”. My student life has been filled with problems and worries. These certain circumstances are the detriments for me to balance my life as a student but I always believe that complaining about the heavy challenges instead of solving it one at a time does not work as a good strategy to balance life. Instead of letting the negative energy consume me, I put a pause in my life, pray and ask God to give me the strength to overcome these difficult encounters. Instead of worrying and complaining, I put up an umbrella of confidence and keep the rain of problems and worries from running down my back.
Whenever I commit mistakes, I humbly admit that I made a fault and resolve to do better next time. I keep records in my mind of what were the foolish things that I have done. Since I am not a perfect student, I constantly ask for unbiased helpful criticisms from people. God also gave me good friends and family to lean on when I can’t solve problems all by myself. Balancing my life as a student is never easy. This is the reason why I ask for the guidance of God and other people so that I can have a better view of where I am standing at a certain point of my existence.
Me: How humbling, 'duard. I hope a lot of young people will take inspiration from you. Finally, what is your philosophy in life?
E: Go lang ng Go! Albert Einstein once quoted, “Life is like riding a bicycle. You have to keep moving to be on track.
The multi-awarded Eduard with his proud family. |
- Eduard Joseph V. NarcisoIn the most unexpected moments, God knocks at your heart and opens opportunities for you beyond your imagination. Pray hard and do it daily. In order for all of us to survive this temporary life, we need someone higher than us to lead us in whatever journey we have. Above all things, God will be our strongest refuge. God alone can approve our proposed future.
:)
ReplyDeletecongratulations as well to mam narciso for raising such well rounded kids.... i salute u mam
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. :) good parents breed awesome children.
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