“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 the 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. Their father did everything to sustain the needs of his family—it was his aspiration that his children finished their education. This had been his father’s dream since he himself did not have the opportunity to finish his elementary grade studies.
Despite his educational background, Justine’s father taught them the value of education, perseverance, and passion. He instilled in them the mindset that education is the ticket toward exploring a wide world of possibilities.
These were the values that Mr. Lanaque kept close to his heart 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 strived to find ways to help—working as a part-time student at a fast-food chain and helping at relatives’ businesses in exchange for free accommodations near the university premise.
He has been always reminded of the teachings of his father, ‘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, Lanaque juggled his side hustles and grueling academics, beating deadlines and submitting assignments at the eleventh hour just to satisfy course requirements.
His head spun from stress and the many requirements, not to mention the strength and vigor demanded by his part-time job.
On top of that, Mr. Lanaque was an active organizational leader at school, exemplifying servant-leader character and navigating the Office Administration organizations to greater heights.
But behind all these multifaceted roles portrayed by Lanaque—a self-supporting worker, a student, and a leader—lies a heart that grew weary over the course of time, a soul demotivated by life’s rough journey, and a light that seemed to flicker in times when nothing made sense.
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.
Yes, there were moments of seething frustration, self-doubt, a seemingly directionless path, leaving him unsure of which path to take in a future full of uncertainties. Yet, one thing kept him going, a simple but effective reminder—know your why.
After a series of melancholic solitudes, Lanaque wiped his tears, rolled up his sleeves, and strengthened his heart, encouraging himself that he can weather the storm, and that ‘there’s always a rainbow after the rain.’
These breakdowns brought about by life’s hardships reminded him that he is just human, prone to weakness. For Lanaque, it was a valid outpouring of sentiments.
Justine’s dream and by extension, his father’s dream, is now turning into a reality.
His father must be in cloud nine, knowing that his little dreamer has rose through life’s challenges, and is now ready to conquer the wide world of possibilities that they talked about all those years ago. 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 result of a synergistic effort—Mr. Lanaque himself, his deeply rooted familial support, the encouragement of dauntless academic advisers, and a determined spirit set on earning said award.
He fondly remembers how his adviser had fervently pushed him to apply for the search. ‘Waray man mawawara kun aton ig-try,’ Lanaque stated.
But behind this bold statement was a stark feeling of skepticism that infiltrated his mind. However, Lanaque steeled himself with a simple reminder—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.
Lanaque stepped on the stage not to flaunt his personal achievement, but, bringing with him the hopes and dreams of his father for his children—not to mention his inspiring story which a lot of working students can relate to.
The moment he faced the crowd and saturated himself in the spotlight, he introduced himself with ingenuity—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 milestones, exemplary scholastic portfolio, and inspiring narrative as a person whose love for family has led him to great heights.
As the curtains fell and his name was called, it marked a groundbreaking victory.
His tears flowed with excitement, inasmuch as the people around him supported him with gaiety.
Asked about his advice to all the working students, he smirked with a concise yet obvious answer, ‘know your why’.
He went on to explain, when darkness fills your life, that is the very moment you must grow stronger as that is when you prepare for takeoff.
As of June 18, 2025, Mr. Lanaque has graduated Magna Cum Laude in the Office Administration program. He also received 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 this is merely the beginning of his personal 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.
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education;SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
Written by: J Genobiagon | UMDC
Edited by: JS Beleña | UMDC
Photos Courtesy of The Industrial Wheel
