The last 17 years made quite a difference.
This was the observation of alumna Ricna Lou Pinili who visited Foundation University High School two weeks ago.
Pinili noted the major improvements made in the buildings in the north campus. “We used to complain about the leaky canteen roof during the rainy days, and we also had to endure the humidity and the heat. We also had to rush to the canteen to be able to get seats during snacktime and lunchtime. Now, the canteen can accommodate the entire high school population,” she said.
Security has also greatly improved. Pinili noted that high school students back then would cut classes by jumping over the wall. “Now,” she said, “each student is ensured of attention, instruction, and supervision because of the low teacher-student ratio.
The iPad program has also improved the learning conditions and the students’ lives. Pinili said she remembers that students back then would crowd the library to finish term papers and other requirements. Now, with every student owning an iPad, they can do their assignments and other schoolwork anywhere on campus. “The research is almost effortless,” she said.
As a mother whose son and two nephews are now students at the FU elementary and high school, Pinili said she is happy to see that the iPad has also freed students from having to carry huge bags filled with books and notebooks.
“They now go to school with just a light bag, an iPad, and some notebooks. Yet, the quality of education is not compromised.”
The newly-inaugurated air-conditioned classrooms are also a big improvement for the FU High School. “During my time, we had to bring a fan. We could barely concentrate on our lessons because we were uncomfortable with our surroundings.”
“You are all lucky,” Pinili told the students. “I hope that you will appreciate the opportunity to having a pleasant, comfortable, and cool environment while studying.”
Another parent, Joel Balajadia, said the parents of the current students laud the improvements that are being introduced in the school. “We are happy to see that our school is always on the lookout for ways to improve its facilities for our children to use and enjoy,” he said.
FU High School is now headed by Chris Calumba, a young and dynamic teacher who is also an FU alumnus.
“Studying at Foundation University is now like ‘going to school’ in the ordinary sense of that phrase. We are from now on part of a higher educational institution,” he said.
Having witnessed the various improvements made at the FUHS has made Calumba realize that he is more than just a participant in this historic development. “Not only have I had the opportunity to engage with teaching and learning to a degree never before observed. I’m also seeing teachers and students engaged and motivated with their craft to a degree never before witnessed.” (AP)
