President Mira D. Sinco has exhorted freshmen and transferees to give their four or five-year stay in Foundation University their best shot.{{more}}
In her speech during the Academic Opening Convocation of the Class of 2014 “The Transformers” last July 9 at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall, Dr. Sinco said that unlike
Taking off from the legendary immortal words of a World War II leader, who said, “Never, ever give up!” Dr. Sinco told the students just the opposite.
“I say ‘give up!'” Sinco said.
Expounding on her lessons, Sinco said FU students have to learn to give up three bad habits starting this year — laziness, mediocrity and extravagance.In order to give up laziness, FU students have to be diligent and go the extra mile, she said.
On her second point, Sinco said students have to give up mediocrity. Oftentimes, she said, we tell ourselves, “pwede na” when doing something. There should be no room for “pwede na” in Foundation University, Sinco said as she encouraged the students to do their best in their class work and in their extra-curricular activities.
On extravagance, Sinco said students have to learn to differentiate between their needs and wants. “If you see something and you want to buy it, ask yourself, ‘Do I need this?’ if not, save your money for a rainy day,” she advised.
Sinco’s message complemented the keynote address given earlier by Dumaguete City Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova, who called on the students to strive for a balance in their student life and personal life.
“I go by five main points–family, friends, health work and spirit,” Cordova shared. He said it is important for people to live a healthy a balanced life through sports.
Cordova also noted a dwindling work ethic among today’s youth, where more people now simply ask for things rather than work for them. “I was taught not to accept charity–we were taught to work for money.”He said only through diligence, hard work and industry can one gain moral stature.
Cordova also said that everyone must strive to be at peace with God. “Soldiers pray as well, and we pray before and after combat,” Cordova, a former Scout Ranger, said.