Sunshine in Charlene Ararao…
She donated half of her prize money for placing 6th in the licensure exam for teachers to help build her church. The other half will be spent , among other sundries, to have electricity back in their house.
Charlene spent the last three years of her college education without electric conveniences we all take for granted. But looking at her face during our interview, I would swear that she lives under constant sunshine. Her eyes light up with glee and her smile comes easy. She speaks of God’s goodness in such manner that makes this Cor Jesu administrator wish our school had much to do with such faithful disposition. Apparently, her grace in life came much sooner. In the 5th Grade, she found her light in a Baptist church through the kindness of a British sponsor who paid for her monthly allowance while attending elementary school at the Remedios N. Saplala Elementary School in Matti.
“Did she always want to be a teacher?” Charlene started college as an Accountancy freshman in 2011. When financial support became scarce after the first semester, she had to scramble for a CHED scholarship that prioritized education programs. The shift to education was done for practical reasons but the choice of English as her major – Charlene credits this to her English subject teacher Mr. Jay Heliane, who consistently praised his young student’s command of the English language in his class. A gesture of encouragement that motivated this budding soon-to-be educator to carry on influencing the young in positive ways.
Not surprised.
The result came as a matter of consequence of her constant prayers and preparation – replied a confident Charlene when asked how she received the news of being Top 6. One can sense not an ounce of arrogance in her speech but a deep sense of faith in the kindness and justness of her God. She felt blessed and thankful.
Focused on Giving.
Her preparations started a year before graduation. She combed through online reviewers and frequented the library. With academically-inclined friends , Charlene felt motivated to perform well. But the two factors closest to her heart in aiming for the prize incentive for exam topnotchers were her desire to help build the Bible Center Fundamental Baptist Church in this city, and to have electric service installed in their residence.
“I want to teach high school students kay humok pa ilang heart ug dali pa sila i-mold”
I wish she gets to do just that!