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| Photo from Zharlaine Wang |
"Naisip ko kasi na all the ups and downs I experienced are meant to happen to put me on this path. From what course I took, from what friends I got, and what happened in my personal life, I believe na it is all meant to be and a part of God's plan," said Wang, an AB Communication graduate, in an interview for the CASAn Spotlight.
Zharlaine "Zhar" Wang finished Magna Cum Laude and is the Batch 2021 Salutatorian. Despite the rollercoaster of events that have happened to her life, the loss of her mother, and other problems, Zhar has finally achieved her goals and made her family proud. "It is a bitter-sweet feeling that happened to me. I am very thankful to UST for molding me as an individual. That incident made me strong."
After more than two years of inactivity, the University of Santo Tomas held its traditional face-to-face graduation ceremonies and Baccalaureate masses for the Batch of 2020, 2021, and 2022. For the CASAn Spotlight of Batch 2021, Chronicle recently caught up with Ms. Wang to share her overall experience with the university, her problems during the pandemic, and the much-awaited in-person graduation ceremony.
Wang shared that after experiencing a number of personal challenges, the difficulties of online learning and the pandemic, she did not give up on life and instead, used those problems to motivate her and continue and persevere. When asked about the problems she encountered during the pandemic and how she overcame them, Zhar answered that she was initially shocked by the online learning setup, and that it put her at the lowest point of her life. “There are a lot of problems. From face-to-face biglang nag-shift to online. Nagulat tayong lahat at nawala lahat ng fun part dito,” she said.
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| Photo from Zharlaine Wang |
Aside from the pressure of having to maintain her academic life, Zhar had experienced the most terrifying moment in her life with her mom, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cancer back in November of 2020. Unfortunately, Mrs. Wang passed away last August 30, 2021, even before getting a chance to see her daughter walk up on the stage. “After ma-diagnose mom ko, gumuho mundo ko. Parang ayaw ko na. Nainis ako sa sarili ko kasi ang dami-dami kong responsibilities na pinasok tapos ito pa nangyari.”
Although the pandemic had made it harder for the lives of students, for Zhar, it was a great opportunity to be with her mom, even for a short time, to take care of her and be with her. "The pandemic allowed me to accompany my mom on her treatments… I need to be strong because kailangan makita ng mom ko na strong ako. That's why I keep on pushing myself."
When asked about what kept her motivated to pursue her studies, Zhar stated three factors: that she had no choice, her mom, and God. “Pinaka-motivation ko talaga is I do not have choice; ayaw namin mahuli kaya we need to adapt sa situation because life is uncertain. Second, my mom is my motivation. Since she graduated as batch valedictorian in her time, I kept pushing myself to be a Dean’s lister. Lastly, si Lord. I’m thankful kay Lord kasi my achievements won’t be possible without Him,” shared Zhar. “Ako kasi kapag nasimulan ko, dapat tapusin ko.”
Regarding the communication with her friends and classmates, Zhar mentioned that there were a lot of changes that made keeping in touch and staying connected probably the hardest things in the online setup. "Communication is the hardest thing in online learning. Less conversation, especially with the quiet ones. It is ten times more difficult than before. Aside from that, miscommunication often exists, and there are many freeloaders."
Zhar also shared advice on how to keep the balance between extracurricular activities and academic life. "If there's a will, there's a way. If you want to graduate with flying honors, you need to work hard and take the initiative. Weigh priorities and alamin mo kung ano ang uunahin mo.” She said.
As the Batch 2021 Salutatorian, she mentioned the three greatest lessons she learned from this pandemic. First, do not take things for granted. Zhar expressed the importance of cherishing the moments with your family and friends because life is short and uncertain. Second, regardless of your problems and status, family always comes first, especially now that the pandemic has made everyone in need of love and care. Lastly, in this world full of hatred and violence, always choose to be kind to everyone.
Meanwhile, when asked about her reaction to the resumption of face-to-face graduation after two years and her overall college experience, Zhar happily shared that she's grateful to the university for including her batch. In addition, she was emotional because she finally saw her classmates and friends, which she considered a 'mini-reunion.' “Ang masasabi ko lang is grabe sobrang emotional na parang ang sarap sa feeling. Kahit na [alumna na] ako, isinantabi ko ito at talagang iniisip ko na okay today, student ako. Kahit may love-hate relationship kami ni UST, it is like a home… It feels so great.”
Even though Zhar witnessed a lot of difficulties in life, she is a testimony of how dedication, perseverance, faith, and trust in the Lord are the keys to achieving our ultimate goals. Every student can derive inspiration from her rollercoaster of a journey. Ultimately, we must be reminded that life must go on despite our circumstances.
