GE10A-DD | Reflections on SU graduates interviews on Oct. 24 & 23
Silliman University is one of the most prestigious education institutions in the Philippines. It focuses on the development of the students in the classroom, the Church, the cultural center, the court, and the community to build competence and character and instill Christian values. As a member of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, it is no surprise that Silliman University offers quality multidisciplinary learning that ensures students, faculty, and staff, including the facilities, continuously develop or improve. A fundamental advance Silliman University took is the integration of Whole Person Education (WPE) in the curriculum. Whole-person education is tied to the vision of Silliman University, which is to become a leading Christian institution that creates societal members with developed intellectual, spiritual, and ethical characteristics.
In the Medical Technology program, the impact of whole-person education is still prominent in the institution’s alumni. As I watched the interviews, I can truly say that the values instilled by Silliman University through WPE still radiate in their hearts. I realized the importance of this aspect of learning and how it heavily affects you as a Medical Technologist. For instance, one of the program’s missions is to produce competent graduates with Christian Values. A registered Medical technologist working in SUMC pointed out that she relies on Jesus Christ every day in facing the struggles of the job. She also emphasized that God was a key to her success in the Licensure Examination. Another alumnus, now the Chief Medical Technologist of the Holy Child Hospital in Dumaguete city, explained that living a life anchored in Jesus Christ helped her overcome the mentally and physically demanding job. This made me realize how important it is to include God in everything we do and will do in the future.
Another segment of the interviews features advice from successful Medical Technologists to us, who aspire to be one of them. As I remember, they emphasized the significance of having a good support system, being faithful to God, and believing in yourself. In my perspective, we must surround ourselves with individuals who uplift and truly wish what’s best for us. As a former biology student, I realized that I was improving not just as a student but as a person as well because of the people that surrounded me. Moreover, it is equally significant that we live in God, with God, and for God. The university alumni reminded me that instilling Jesus Christ in everyday life leads to a path of purpose and success. Lastly, it is fundamental that we exhibit self-confidence and believe in our capabilities. I realized that to become a better individual, we should start overcoming our doubts and fears. I’ve observed that the interviewed Medical Technologists display a certain level of belief and confidence. They know they deserve their position in the laboratory and carry this pride, not in an arrogant manner, but with a sense of passion for service and determination.
The interviews of the medical technologists show how impactful whole-person education and instilling multidisciplinary learning in schools are. It is inspiring that we get to glimpse the experiences of Silliman University’s alumni, particularly in the Medical Technology field. Moreover, they reminded and taught me several lessons that can heavily impact my success in the future, like remaining faithful to God.