COA’s Cum Laude twins underscore values of giving back to family

“If kapoy na, I always remember na mas kapoy among parents and mga kuya na nagapaskwela sa amoa.”

This was the inspiring statement shared by Jackielou Llanera Paches, one of the twins who graduated as Cum Laude from College of Agriculture (COA), under the course of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering (BS ABE), emphasizing how important to think and give back the sacrifices of a family for one’s educational life.

“Giving back to my hardworking parents and brothers is my priority. I love the subtle smiles my family would react every time we deliver good news,” Miss Jackielou stressed.

Meanwhile her twin Jackielyn Llanera Paches, who took the same course with her twin, also highlighted the importance of repaying the sacrifices done by their family considering their poverty situation.

“Eskwela kamo tarong kay wala gid kami sang manggad nga ipanubli sa inyo,” Miss Jackielyn said as she reiterated the words of her parents often said to them.

The twins take pride in every endeavor they achieve because they think this is how they will return all the time poured on them by their family and by graduating, they know that they can alleviate the financial burden, at least, of their current living situation.

Since they were motivated by their family to do good in studies, Paches twins entered Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City with a dream to graduate with Latin honors and it became true as they marched the aisle during the 44th Commencement Exercise wearing the Cum Laude medals.

Twin Scholars

Luckily, the sisters were also scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which gave them big relief to not worry about their education financial expenses.

“We never had to ask for money from our parents and we even provided for them,” the sisters pointed out.

Through the scholarship, it boosted their motivation to work hard because their pride and privilege were anchored on the expectations from many people which heightened their eagerness to prove their worth as scholars.

TWINS’ REMEDY TO CHALLENGES

No doubt that the twin sisters did not graduate easily as they stumbled upon on many obstacles along their journey just to accomplish their struggles.

“The major challenge is the hit of the pandemic in 2019 and classes shifted to online learning. I lost my focus and was struggling to cope up with my lessons,” Miss Jackielyn said.

In addition to that, during the pandemic they worked hard to provide additional finances for their family.

Then the twins were worried again when the classes shifted back to physical interaction and had the hard time adjusting themselves especially on study habits.

“I questioned myself kung maka-graduate ba talaga ako on time because everything was hard. We were challenged on our last academic year in BS ABE,” she stated.

However, as twins, they could rely only on each other and survive these obstacles, that is why in terms of studying, Jackielou shared that they would go separately and if they feel that they are ready to answer then they will throw questions to each other like a mock exam.

“I believe that a diamond earns its sparkles from the pressure it endures. Because of that, we managed to study well and reminded each other whenever we have requirements to pass,” Jackielyn uttered, which is one of the reasons why they were able to secure Cum Laude honors.

TWINS’ ADVICE

Miss Jackielyn always bears her motto in life, “the harder you work, the better you will be,” which made her survive in Mindanao State University-General Santos.

“You have to balance everything. As a person na may pakialam, I also try to initiate things in group activities because in doing so, I can learn,” she shared.

She also said that finding a good circle of friends will make students’ college life easier and happier.

On the other hand, Miss Jackielou relayed that all of the courses are not easy which made her start to doubt.

“I have big dreams for myself and for my family. I assess myself and learn to conquer my weaknesses,” she emphasized.

The Paches sisters are now reviewing for their board examination this coming September in great hopes to pass it or even top it.

MARK NEGRO