GCian Alumni Makes Name on OSLP 2023
Mr. Marko L. Aratea and Mr. Nieki E. Garigo, both alumni from Gordon College’s College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS), stand out as finalists during the award ceremony for Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP) 2023 held at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City, on October 1, 2023.
In an interview with The Forefront, Aratea and Garigo claimed that the Office of Student Welfare and Service (OSWS) and GC-CEAS had announced that they would represent the institution in the aforementioned competition and directed all requirements to Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC).
“I was astonished and exhilarated when it was announced that I was one of the top 20 finalists. Knowing that out of 135 applicants across our nation and at various colleges and universities, I was chosen. For me, I consider that one of the great achievements that I had,” Aratea said, reflecting on how he felt when he knew that he was one of the finalists.
While Garigo stated, “Syempre napasigaw ako that time, because bago pa dumating sa point na yan ay marami kaming dinaanang proseso at screening. I still remember the day where they conducted our final interview and sakto pang nakaduty ako sa Cooperating School ko for my practice teaching, and as in, medyo mahina ang signal niyan kaya during my 1-hour interview, ay naroroon ako sa ilalim ng manga ng Regional Science High School para maging stable ang internet, and sobrang naging successful naman ng interview dahil every time na may mga ganyang screening, kasi ako I always put in my mind na parang “kachikahan” ko lang ang interviewer at sobrang ganda ng discussion namin, especially yung point na may SDG pa sa question, like I am not ready that time dahil ang nasa isip ko talaga niyan ang lesson sa susunod na subject na tuturuan ko. But thank God because everything went well.”
They expressed their deepest gratitude to TRAC for the opportunity they attained and to their co-finalists from different schools. The representatives would also like to thank Gordon College, the GC Alumni Association, Inc., GC-RDCES, GC-OSWS, GC-CEAS, their families, and lastly, the Almighty God.
“Be who you are, be true to yourself, and always know your advocacy by heart and mind. Think of this competition as a way for you to raise your voice as a student leader, an advocate, and a champion,” Aratea said, while Garigo stated, “Be a leader na hindi tuta; be a leader na boses ng mag-aaral; be a leader who is pro-people, pro-student, and pro-community,” as their advice for those aspiring student leaders of the institution.
Aratea was also hailed as the champion for the Student Research Paper Presentation at the said event.
🏻: I-man Anthonie Klay M. Garcia | News Editor
: Angelique Jose | Graphics Editor