By Ruthy Mae B. Valdez, contributor
Dependent on his crutches, Niño Joseph Espiritu, once a BS Information Technology student, had been asked by his mother to stay home when there was heavy rain.
Instead, Niño insisted on attending his classes.
Since “habal-habal” is the main transportation in Jasaan, Niño rides a “habal-habal” to school with his arms lifted up, carrying his crutches, amidst the heavy rain.
He arrives at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Jasaan (USTP-Jasaan) with his jacket, pants and socks soaked. He then goes to the computer laboratory at the second floor of the campus’ building, to attend his classes.
When asked if his disability hindered him in his studies, he said, “Naanad naman ko.” (I got used to it).
Niño was diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer when he was still an infant. His leg was amputated to save him from cancer.
Niño’s determination to finish his studies, and his family as his inspiration, made him emerge as a Magna Cum Laude or the Class Valedictorian of USTP-Jasaan’s graduates for School Year 2022-2023.
Stage 4 Bone Cancer Survivor graduates as class valedictorian. | Brielle Studio
“Akong pagka magna maam, wala ko nag expect jud. Kay gaskwela rko, then dapat naa koy matun-an (I did not expect to be a Magna Cum Laude. I just made sure that I learn something in each of our classes.),” Niño expressed, upon reminiscing how he achieved such an academic award.
Aside from his academic award, Niño was also awarded with an Excellence Award by Congressman Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano.
When asked what his advice to all college students would be, he stated, “Dili mo give up, just enjoy. Tip is tsada jud kung naa ka sa mga circle of friends nga mga maayo. Kung asa ka dili maayo, didto ka kay ma adapt man nimo. Like ako maayo ko sa programming, pero dili gyud kaayo ko maayo sa English. So akong mga friends, mga maayo sa English. So sila sa English, ako sa programming. So tinabanga lang. Ing ana lang na sya para maka survive sa college. (Don’t give up, and just enjoy it. My tip is to be with a circle of friends that has a positive impact on you. For example, since I am good at programming, and not at English, I chose to be with friends that are good at English. With that, we help each other with the different skills that we have).”
With the number of opportunities that came to Niño after graduation, he chose to teach in his alma mater this September.
Getting an academic award in college comes with a number of privileges and advantages. However, obtaining it is not the essence of graduating from college; the learning you get from it is. Any physical limitations cannot hinder a person from learning and getting a degree.
Niño delivers his valedictory address during their graduation at USTP-CdO’s gymnasium. | Brielle Studio
Stage 4 Bone Cancer Survivor graduates as class valedictorian. | Brielle Studio
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