“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The recently concluded prestigious search for The Most Outstanding Student left him in an awe as he earned the coveted title.
Justine Lanaque, a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration graduand, won secured Most Outstanding Student accolade. Lanaque outperformed nine (9) other vying students from across the colleges, obtaining the spotlight of prestige and potential. But what was the story behind this promising success?
Born and raised in a separated family, Justine’s father raised him with his other sibling. His father did everything to sustain the needs of his family and he wanted his children to finish their education. That had been his dream since he himself did not finish elementary grade level, passing on his vision to his children as possible front-runners in achieving his dreams.
Despite the educational background, Justine’s father taught them the value of perseverance and passion. He instilled in them that education is the ticket toward exploring the world of possibilities.
These were the values that Mr. Lanaque kept and brought with him as he sailed into life’s uncertainty. With his father’s job not being enough to sustain the needs of the family and his other miscellaneous needs at school, he found ways to be of help—working as a part-time student at fast-food chain and helping relatives’ business in exchange for free accommodation near the university premise. He has been always reminded of the teaching his father told them, ‘bis diin kamo mahingadto, bubulig kamo ha mga tawo.’ This was not an option, but a necessity for him to survive through a number of debacles amidst the backdrop of economic constraints.
As a part-time worker, he needed to juggle side hassle and grueling academics, beating deadlines and submitting assignments at the eleventh hour just to satisfy the requirements of the course. His head was spinning from stress and the submissions, not to mention the physical strength and vigor required for his part-time job.
On top of that, Mr. Lanaque has been an active organizational leader at school, exemplifying servant-leader character and navigating the Office Administration organization to greater heights. The organization became more spirited by letting them join activities and competitions. A testament indeed to his dynamic leadership.
But with all these multifaceted roles that Lanaque portrayed—a self-supporting worker, a student, and a leader—lies the heart that grew weary over the course of time, a soul that got demotivated when life’s sailing got rough, and a light that seemed to flicker out when nothing made sense. Yes, there were moments of seething frustration, self-doubt, a seemingly directionless path reality, doubting him where to go in a vast array of uncertain future. Yet, one thing kept him going—KNOW YOUR WHY.
After series of melancholic solitudes, he wiped his tears, rolled his sleeves up, and strengthened his heart, encouraging himself that he can weather the storm, and that ‘there’s a rainbow after the rain.’
This momentary status of life’s breakdown made him realize that he’s just human, prone to frailty and he knew it was a valid outpouring of sentiments. Further, there were instances where he slept with an empty stomach, went to school penniless, and burned the midnight oil just to value the education that his father had long envisioned for his children.
That dream is now turning into a reality. His father must be on cloud nine, knowing that a little dreamer back then has already conquered a territory, and is now ready to conquer the world in no time. His father’s love fueled him to excel in everything he did, and he was thankful for the tutelage that his father and family gave him, which shaped him into the person he is today—The Most Outstanding Student 2025.
The competition’s success was the synergistic effort of Mr. Lanaque himself, his deeply rooted familial support, dauntless academic advisers, and a determined soul to get the award. He could fondly remember that his adviser had pushed him to apply for the search, motivating him to explore limitless possibilities. ‘Waray man mawawara kun aton ig-try,’ Lanaque stated. But behind this bold statement was a stark skepticism that infiltrated him. Then he reminded himself—know your why.
The search required a hodgepodge of parameters, to wit– resolute grit, academic excellence, pure talent, and active academic and non-academic participation.
When he went on the stage, he did not only bring with him his achievements to flaunt, but, again, the dreams of his father for his children—not to mention his inspiring story which a lot of working students could relate to.
The moment he faced the crowd and saturated himself in the spotlight, he started introducing himself with ingenuity, and that his passion to advance his personal and professional life served as a compass toward spreading his wings and conquering the world.
It was a competition marked by preparedness and vitality, sharing his humble life through his organization-led milestone, exemplary scholastic portfolio, and inspiring narrative as a person whose love for the family has led him to greater success.
Finally, when his name was called, that was a historic victory. His tears flowed with excitement, inasmuch as the people around him supported him with gaiety.
Asked about his advice to the working students, he smirked with a concise yet obvious answer, ‘know your why’.
He went on to elucidate that when darkness fills your life, that is when a person should get stronger and be ready for a takeoff.
Mr. Lanaque will be graduating Magna Cum Laude in the Office Administration program. He will also receive the YMCA award, academic excellence award, among others.
He is now reaping the fruits of his labor—the toilsome life which promises to yield a hundredfold—and it is just the beginning of his odyssey.
As he crosses the threshold of his alma mater, he will bring with him the didactics that his professors and the university taught him. Further, he will always cultivate EVSU’s core values—excellence, virtue, service, and unity. Mr. Lanaque’s personal and academic diary is a testament to his commitment to excellence in everything he does, and that he always finds a purpose for everything. This purpose will give him a renewed sense of direction that will illuminate the undulating path of life’s mystery.
Written by: J Genobiagon | UMDC
This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
