Right now, I'm sure all of us are struggling and cramming our way out of a hectic schedule and an almost impossible list of exams, papers, and deadlines. For us here in the State University, it is always easier to say "stay cool" than actually do it. But hey, take a peek at the quiet corners of the UP School of Economics, and you will find an SV alumna who stayed cool, kept her composure, trusted God, and made it all the way to the finish line in flying colors. She is, in every way, a testimony of grace under pressure. Read her life (written through the eyes of Ate Lovelle).. and learn. ;) -- Ed.
An Angel Without Wings
By Lovelle Reyes
Ever heard of an angel who walked on this side of the earth? Or then again, ever met one? I have. But this angel has no wings or halo for that matter.
With a general weighted average of 1.006 (the highest in UP), the angel I’m talking about is the University Valedictorian, a Summa Cum Laude, of SY 2002-2003. She’s an economics major, and is now having her doctorate at age 22.
The name? Saralyn Daway.
Does her name ring a bell? Well, it must, coz Saralyn Daway one of our very own. She’s an SVCFer, applicant of batch ‘99.
She’s a woman who attributes all her excellent achievements as a gift from God and thankfully, shares it to other people and fellow students.
Does her name ring a bell? Well, it must, coz Saralyn Daway one of our very own. She’s an SVCFer, applicant of batch ‘99.
She’s a woman who attributes all her excellent achievements as a gift from God and thankfully, shares it to other people and fellow students.
The Academics.
“What are your study habits?”, after all, a University Valedictorian must have a secret for her academic excellence. “I study at least four hours everyday.” Ate Sarah’s answer made me mentally count of my own study hours and quickly realized I would never be a summa cum laude material. But she quickly added that se does not study four hours straight.
“In between studying, I do my hobbies like surfing the net, watching television, and listening to broadway music. I figured out that I won’t be able to retain much of the information if I study for long hours. Also, I’m not a crammer. I wouldn’t be able to study well if I’m pressured for an exam tomorrow.”
When asked about what’s her feeling about being always number one, a shy smile swept her face. Despite everything, she is still not used to the compliments that people give her, especially in terms of academic achievements.
“For me, I always consider it a blessing from the Lord. My mom always reminds us of James 1:5-6, “If any one of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him..” she recited as if it came from the heart, with a smile.
With humility exceeding from her personality, Ate Sarah admitted that disappointments come especially on those subjects when she gets a grade lower than 1.0 “But then again, I’m always reminded that there are a lot of factors in obtaining a grade. Kaagad nawawala yung disappointment ko when I realize that I deserve the grade I got.”
Ate Sarah is currently taking up her doctorate at the UP School of Economics, plans to take a GRE and hopefully study abroad to finish her doctorate there.
The Personality.
Only the words “soft,” “gentle,” and “kind” are apt to describe Ate Sarah’s personality. Once you get to know her, you wouldn’t even think that she’d be able to scream or get angry at anyone. “Of course I get angry. I’m the type who lets the person know that I’m angry at him or her. But it fades away easily,” even if she herself admits that in fact, most of her friends attest that they have never seen her angry. She is always soft-spoken and composed, you’d wonder if she were an angel reincarnate.
One of her extracurricular activities is teaching Sunday School on children grades 1 and 2. Now that she has more free time with regards to her class schedule, she enjoys preparing the bible lessons she teaches the kids.
“I was asked to teach Sunday School when I was in second year college and I enjoyed it right away,” Ate Sarah related the experience of having to monitor kids which requires a lot of patience and responsibility. “I was a Sunday School kid din so I would like my students to experience the joy of knowing Christ in spite of their age.” With shining eyes, her face was full of joy and tenderness that you’d be a fool not to like her.
We burst into laughter and giggled like two high school girls when I asked Ate Sarah about a particular “kilig” moment that she will never forget. After all, with a beautiful face and a charming smile that could easily touch a guy’s heart, it is hard to believe that she never had a boyfriend or a formal suitor at least. “I already have a mental list of the qualities I want in a guy,” she confided laughingly. “He must love God above everying, must love me and my family, as for the means, hmm, maybe just enough to sustain a family.”
…And for the finishing touché, “kung pwede rin.. foreigner.” A sheepish smile was all over her face as she added that last part. Ate Sarah plans to teach in UP after finishing her dissertation and… have that family that she has always been praying for.
The Angel.
For a lot of people, Saralyn Daway is just another brainy person who happens to be so blessed with among other things, good looks, personality, and family.
So she’s not an angel. Okay, sue me. But beyond the economic law of supply and demand that she has mastered in every way, Sarah has a very blessed calling.
Her friends call her Sarah.
Her siblings call her Ate.
Her parents call her ‘Nak.
And God calls her His.
