'Small but terrible' is top grad

MANILA, Philippines - At just three feet, she is the smallest student in her school, but Jeniffer Vinoya will definitely stand tall when she marches up on stage to receive the Academic Excellence Award as she receives her Bachelor of Elementary Education in commencement exercises at the city government-owned Binalatongan Community College in San Carlos City, Pangasinan tomorrow. She joins six Information Technology and 12 Education graduates.

Since first year, this Iskolar ng Bayan has been at the top of her class, according to Adonis Bautista, the school’s vice president for administration and operations.

Bautista admires Vinoya for having the determination to finish college despite financial constraints.

“Now I appreciate better her persistence to go to school although she could hardly produce money for her transportation as she comes from a remote area, about eight barangays away from the school,” Bautista told The STAR.

The BCC, founded by the late Mayor Julian Resuello and Marcelo Casillan, started with 45 students in 2006. It now has about 500 students, all scholars whose parents’ combined income is not more than P7,000 per month.

Vinoya told The STAR that despite her physical disability, she is encouraged to excel and fulfill her dreams through this verse from Philippians 4:30: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Her physical disability and poverty almost ended her dream to go to college. She stopped for one year but by God’s grace, a benefactor came along to help her in her financial needs.

As part of her curriculum, she observed classes at the Abanon Elementary School, her alma mater. Teachers proudly introduced her as among their “good products,” which boosts her morale to go on and aim high.

“They (teachers) said I’m small but terrible,” she laughs, adding that faith in God makes her strong and helps her attain her dream.

“But you must also work hard,” she said.

Next year she hopes to pass the teachers’ board examination. But even now, she shares her knowledge by teaching her neighbors and other members of their church.

Her mother Rebecca, a vegetable vendor, said when her daughter was only three years old, she had already wanted to go to school. She said extreme poverty prevented her from seeking medical treatment for her daughter’s condition.

“She is really studious and persistent,” the proud mother said.