What Do You Want to be Known For?

I delivered this for the STI College Novaliches Commencement Exercises last May 22 and 23 of this year.

A pleasant morning/afternoon to everyone!

Naalala ko, nung nag-aaral pa ako sa college, nauso ang jejemon. Hindi naman ako naging full-blown jejemon na bumabati sa text nang “e0w pHouz”. Pero kapag tinitingnan ko yung “On This Day” sa Facebook, nakikita ko kung paano ko paikliin ang mga salita noon at kung paano ko gamitin ang letter Q kapalit ng salitang “ko”. Now, I find it so corny to the point that it’s already embarrassing and cringy. And I said to myself, I will never do it again. And I’m proud to say that I’ve learned from STI how to keep professionalism even on simple things.

Who among you here do not have a social media account? Well, I believe most of us, if not all, have our own Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter accounts. Through these platforms, we’re not only allowed to interact with other people, but we are also able to present and expose ourselves in public. Whatever we express in public, not only in social media, becomes our branding. It is what we become known for.

Graduates, now that you’re preparing yourself to dive into the “real world”, have you ever asked yourself the question: “What do I want to be known for?” Do you want to be popular for being rich and having the stuff that people lust for? Do you want to be famous for having the most-coveted position in the company? Do you want to be a prominent traveler exploring the wonders of this world? Though none of these is wrong, but I believe these shouldn’t be the core of your personalities. You are not measured by how much you earn, nor by how high your position is, nor how many places you would traverse.

Today, let me share with you three points on what I personally believe you should be known for.

First, you should be known for your COMPETENCE. Be an expert on the skills that you are good at. And learn to practice some skills that are quite awkward to you. Of course, you can’t be good in everything, but make sure you have your specialization. When I was working at SM Supermalls, when it comes to leasing reports, I was the first person that they would tap. And sometimes, if there would be errors on the other team members’ reports, they would ask me for troubleshooting. I have known then that I have analytical skills. What about you? What are your skills?

However, being competent does not mean competing with others. Be an encouragement to the team rather than a threat. Just compete with yourself. Always try to do your tasks better each time. That way, you would not only earn the trust of your team, but you would also feel fulfilled with your job.

Second, you have to be known for your CREDIBILITY. Napakahalaga nito. We have seen so many highly-intellectual and considered successful people who have ruined their established good images just because of lack of credibility. Sa trabaho, marami kayong makakaharap na tukso – at may iba’t ibang levels yan. Level 1: Yan yung maliliit at parang mga simpleng bagay lang katulad ng pag-ooverbreak o kaya, pangungupit ng pagkain ng co-worker sa fridge sa opisina. Level 2: Yan na yung medium-level – kapag may nagawang pagkakamali, isisisi sa iba o kaya, maghahanap ng pagpapasahan ng workload. And Level 3, ito na yung high-level ng tukso – gaya pandodoktor ng dokumento o kaya, pagnanakaw ng pera. Huwag na huwag niyong gagawin yun. No matter how small or big temptation is, you should emerged as someone who is trustworthy. The Bible says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” You have to protect your credibility.

Lastly, you have to be known for your CONCERN. If you have real concern about your job, you wouldn’t be self-serving. Some people find themselves unhappy and discontented with their jobs because they are too focused on what they would be getting and not on what they can offer. Remember, you are hired to serve the company and get paid in return. It is not the other way around. Always ask yourself, “What can I do to help?” Be proactive and be willing to go an extra mile. It is one of the values that STI has instilled to me: MALASAKIT. It is about making the company you work for just like your own company and your co-workers as your own family. The reason why I love my work today as a courseware consultant for the partnership of STI Foundation and Jollibee Group Foundation is because I know I am able to serve the hardworking and hopeful farmers in our country. I believe there is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that you have touched the lives of other people, directly or not. And what an encouraging reminder also is that Jesus said that whatever you did for the least of His brethren, you did for Him. Surely, there is a reward for it.

Graduates, what do you want to be known for? Ponder about what you should do in order for you to be known for your COMPETENCE, CREDIBILITY, and CONCERN. You are more than your possessions. You are more than your power. You are more than the places you would ever reach. Focus on the right things. There’s a bright future ahead of you.

Congratulations, graduates and parents! Mabuhay ang STI! Thank you and God bless.