Scholar finds inspiration in poverty
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines—For a young Physics teacher at Pampanga National High School (PNHS), some basic things in a student’s life could stand in the way of success – things like transportation money or food for lunch.
“There were days when I can’t go to school because I didn’t have money for jeepney fare,” recounts 23-year-old Rodel Verzosa to FilAm Star in Tagalog. “And if I did, that’s all I had. So during lunchtime, I just stayed in the library because I had nothing to eat.”
But Rodel was an intelligent student, and determined to overcome obstacles that would keep him home and away from school – a characteristic that did not escape the attention of Imelda Macaspac, Ph.D., PNHS principal. At the time, San Francisco (Calif.)-based philanthropist Rene Medina, a PNHS alumnus, had just established a scholarship and feeding program, under the Rene and Mila Medina Foundation, for his alma mater’s underprivileged and deserving students and alumni. The support program was launched just as the foundation was at the completion phase of the multi-million-peso school infrastructure-rebuilding project that Rene had started in 2003.
“It was poverty that inspired Rene Medina to do these things for PNHS and its students,” Dr. Macaspac told FilAm Star. “He came from a poor farming family in Arayat (Pampanga) and I’m sure he went through the same experience that Rodel did.”
Rodel was already in his senior year at PNHS when he was enrolled in the scholarship and feeding program. Graduating at the top of his class as valedictorian, he was chosen as one of the foundation’s college scholars. He went to the Philippine Normal University (PNU), where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Education.
“This college education would not have been possible were it not for the full scholarship benefits,” said Rodel. “For how could I have stayed, lived, and studied in Manila without the financial support from the foundation?”
At PNU, Rodel only had one objective – to finish his studies and help his mother and five other siblings.
“My parents had separated when I was still young and it was my mother who supported us. She worked odd jobs despite her age and frail body …. as street sweeper, as housemaid ….. to put food on the table and to enable us to finish even high school, at least,” Rodel said to FilAm Star.
Just as quickly as his eyes welled, his face lighted up. “And now, I’m so happy that I am able to help the family with financial needs as a teacher here at PNHS. Before, I had nothing. Today, I have something to share, ” he added.
More valuable than the knowledge of physics that he passes on to his students, Rodel is impassioned sharing the invaluable experience of being poor, yet driven to hurdle life’s obstacles.
He said: “I’ve learned how to value education for I knew it was my only passport to a better life. I also tell my students and fellow scholars to take advantage of the help available out there, and put it to good use ….. just as I used the scholarship program of Mr. Medina to get me to where I am now.”
Having fulfilled his dream of earning a college degree and mentoring young kids, Rodel just has one more wish to fulfill.
“One day, I would like to meet Mr. Rene Medina and personally thank him for everything,” he said.
