JON EDWARD A. OSERIN, R.L.

www.facebook.com/PogingLibrarian97

To our ever-dynamic school principal Maria Alma D. Chavez, to our beloved school comptroller
Maria Annie C. Marquez, our well-respected teachers and staff, graduates & completers and our proud
parents, a pleasant and vibrant afternoon to all of you.

I am standing here today in front of you to be a remarkable inspiration to pupils and students who
overcame all challenges and obstacles in their academic lives to complete their studies this year, as well
as to encourage others to strive and reach higher to fulfill their hopes and aspirations in life. I am now
here in your presence to deliver the interesting account of my journey as a Genecian and share some
advice on how to succeed in your goals and objectives in life.

I am a person who is afflicted with autism disorder, as evidenced by my peculiar actions and
difficulty of interacting and socializing with others. When I first stepped into this wonderful school in 2003,
my parents realized that they were right in their decision to enroll me in Genecom Institute of Science and
Technology, Inc. I was accepted wholeheartedly by the school administration regardless of my condition
and limitations. At that time, I was very happy because I felt like I am integrated with other children and
given equal treatment alongside them. Since I acted differently from my classmates in the Preparatory-B
class, I had a guardian at that time who helped me to realize how beneficial education is to my future and
who taught me to always look on the positive side. And she is Miss Andylou Cortez, the woman for whom
I will be greatly grateful for the rest of my life. It was also in Preparatory that I discovered my love of
reading books and other materials, especially encyclopedias, storybooks and other general references.

Throughout my six years of elementary matriculation at Genecom, I dealt with several challenges
that left an imprint in my colorful journey as a pupil. I continued to act strangely, such as flapping my
hands when excited, biting my fingernails when I feel bored, walking tiptoe, jumping at any given time to
calm myself, sleeping or napping when I’m uninterested with the lesson, and drawing random faces or
objects on the pages of my school notebooks whenever I never wanted to copy the writings on the
blackboard. It was also during my primary school years that I realized and found difficulty to look in other
people’s eyes when I converse with them. Due to my weird nature, no one wanted initially to befriend
me-in my mind, but my friendly manners and attitude finally won my classmates and schoolmates over. I
became friends with my buddies in the classroom, as well as other pupils/students, faculty members and
school staff. Actually I was often referred to as the “inquisitive guy” since I kept on asking questions
whenever I talk with other people. Up to the present, I still continue to ask questions whenever I get to
know others.

But being a child with special needs had negative consequences and effects on me, particularly
my relationships with classmates and friends. I experienced being bullied, derided, degraded, and
discouraged by some schoolmates when teachers and other school authorities are not around, and
eventually, I became moody, depressed and despondent upon myself. My father went twice to the
principal’s office due to reports of me being involved in quarrel and bullying, once in the primary level and
once in the secondary level. I was so disillusioned that sometimes I felt like weeping because I lamented
upon the fact that I feel disrespected and isolated from the rest of my class.

At the same time, I realized that I had the potential to be an achiever in my class, academically
speaking. After getting a perfect score in one of my examinations in Grade 4, I finally came to my senses
JON EDWARD A. OSERIN, R.L.
www.facebook.com/PogingLibrarian97

and began performing well, eventually finishing 12th in the class by Grade 5. By the time of my graduation
from the elementary level, I finally gained the lifelong respect and friendship that I had long desired from

my classmates during my elementary years. I graduated 9th place in my class, since I didn’t distinguish
myself in Mathematics, which have been my lifelong weakness since Grade 1. Mathematics has since then
became a little bit easier for me later in college.

After my elementary years were over, I decided to switch to another school at first, but my parents
strongly objected because in other institutions, no one would be able to understand or sympathize with
my condition. So I had no choice but to reluctantly stay behind in the school which had nurtured me for
seven years at that time. I again felt depressed and uncomfortable with myself, since most of my closest
companions with whom I’m acquainted with went on to transfer to other schools. Feeling forsaken, I
never had a good relationship with some of my new classmates, but then by the end of the school year, I
was able to realize that meeting and encountering new faces is one of the best hallmarks of an enjoyable
academic year. Therefore, I resorted to making trips to other classrooms in the school during my free time
in order to create a long-lasting impression among them as a kind, mingling person.

During my first year in the secondary level, I had a comparably lower grade in Mathematics, which
was the main reason why I did wrap up that year without honors.

It is the practice of the school administration to conduct orientation to incoming freshmen and
transferees and even new faculty members on how to deal properly and carefully with learners with
special educational needs like me. But during my second and third years in high school, bullying and
discrimination towards me continued everytime new faces, meaning transferees from other schools,
would become my new classmates. For example, a newcomer degrades me and even put his foot upon
me to rest; another was that this new classmate of mine would hit me always on the head whenever we
chanced upon. They would also get my food & mess up with my belongings. But through the swift
intercession of the twin school principals when I reported the incidents and utmost cooperation with the
faculty and staff members, some classmates, and most especially, my family, the physical bullying had
stopped and no one ever dared to hurt or harass me physically again.

But despite the difficulties that I have endured and the disrespectful people I’ve met, I asserted
myself in my studies and appropriate school behavior, which have positive consequences. I once more
became an honor student and I was able to maintain that prestigious distinction for three consecutive
school years. I received medals for my academic performance and universal critical acclaim from the
school administration, teachers, and my classmates and friends. Many admired my positive outlook,
approachable attitude, love of God and country, courtesy towards educators, enthusiasm to learn, and
obedience to the school’s students’ oath, which encapsulated everything that a Genecian should exercise
as a catalyst of transformation and change. I even won a school-based quiz bee during my second year in
high school, which further boosted my confidence upon myself and made me realize that joining activities
outside the four corners of the institution could help me improve not only my oral and written
communication skills, but also my abilities of socializing with other people.

After four years of perseverance and hardwork, I finally graduated as first honorable mention in
our entire batch, which was the first time that I finished a level of my education with a high level of
distinction. Then I felt confused with my future at that time. Initially, I wanted to be an educator, because
I was inspired by my Social Studies teacher from first to third year high school, Mrs. Ma. Cristina Santillan-
JON EDWARD A. OSERIN, R.L.
www.facebook.com/PogingLibrarian97

Llamoso, who taught with clarity, wisdom, and patience. But since I possessed a short temper and the
teaching profession is somewhat a stressful endeavor, my parents disliked my choice. Then I remembered

my huge interest in reading and I imagined myself as a person arranging reading materials, making them
available to be read and comprehended by people, and promoting the importance and essence of reading.
So I instead resolved to become a librarian and I enrolled at Bicol College in the Bachelor of Library and
Information Science program right after my secondary level graduation, and during my 4-year sojourn as
a student, I learned several things about academic excellence, global competitiveness, desire for
knowledge, respect, gaining friends, and being independent. My college life wasn’t all about academic
pursuits all the time; it also included moments of relaxation and extra-curricular activities.

Finally, on April 9, 2018, I finally fulfilled one of my lifelong goals when I graduated from college
as cum laude and I was way beyond joyful that my four years of sacrifice and diligence had a fruitful result
on my part. I never thought of getting immediately a job and instead dedicated myself to preparing for
the Librarians Licensure Examination that took place on September of that year. Very luckily, I PASSED the
examination not just because I strived harder to review, but also because I kept on praying with a sincere
heart and mind and at the same time, I believed that I can DO it!!!

Then I reflected thoroughly on my personal mission: to pay back all the nurturing and guidance
that I have received from my alma mater during my primary and secondary years by becoming a
trustworthy servant to them. So last November 2018, I finally found the courage to apply as the librarian
of the institution which fully developed me and understood my difficulties in all aspects. With a proud
heart and mind, I presented myself to Madam Alma & Madam Annie my licence card, application letter
and resume with full trust & confidence within me. And I was easily hired because of my sincere intention
to come back and serve my old school.

Last January 2019, I am beyond happy when I commenced my career as the librarian of this
institution. I thought to myself that this great opportunity will open more greener pastures for me and my
career through proving my worth, strengthening my relationship with my fellow colleagues, applying
everything that I’ve learned in the amazing world of librarianship, and above all, be an inspiration and an
instrument of change to my fellow LSENs and non-LSENs.

I was very excited during my first day on duty, when I familiarized myself with the library
collections and felt that the actual working environment is much more different from the classroom
setting that I had wayback ten years ago. Going home every evening was stressful and exhausting, but at
least I’m glad that in every day I render my duty, I achieve and fulfill something valuable. The responsibility
of overseeing two libraries, one at Genecom and the other at Libon Private High School, was somewhat
of a unique experience for me because it enabled me to determine what are the strengths and weaknesses
of a library and what must I do in order to develop and improve myself and the libraries entrusted to me.
When I received my first ever salary on January 15, no words could ever express my utmost gratitude
since I got what I deserved for an excellent job well done. That first salary meant so much to me because
it was somewhat of a just reward that I can utilize throughout the course of my life. It was also the solid
proof that I am doing the right thing.

The challenges continue now that I serve my Alma Mater. In one instance I got reprimanded by
my superiors for allowing my workplace to become disorganized and used as a storage area for all sorts
of stuff. Since then, I have made it one of my missions to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the
JON EDWARD A. OSERIN, R.L.
www.facebook.com/PogingLibrarian97

library everytime. I feel heart-warmed when I hear my co-teachers comment that the library got rid of all
its messy characteristics and became more organized when I became the librarian. But the life of an

employee is not easy-going at all times; there are times when you have to sacrifice everything, work
harder, get stressed and agitated, and then face the consequences for every mistake done. One time,
during the Career Guidance Seminar of the Grade-10 students, the students simultaneously asked pieces
of long bond paper from my desk. I feared that the supply of bond paper would run out due to their
request, so I couldn’t take it and my stress levels increased. I cried because I was anxious of the
consecutive requests coming from clients. With the swift intervention of the head teacher, Teacher Genel
Love, I was able to realize that getting stressed is one huge but effective part of a career because it would
help me assess myself of the skills which I need to further develop. And in addition to my daily
responsibilities as librarian, I was also assigned the role of attendance checker so that I could develop
further my relationships with students in both Junior and Senior High School, as well as not confine myself
to the four corners of the library everyday. Being an attendance checker was so stressful but it was a
blessing for me in disguise because it enables me to become a well-respected figure among all the Junior
and Senior High School students. Besides, it also allowed me to exercise my body, mind and soul. But at
times, I still got caught by Teacher Alma & Teacher Annie behind the shelves, jumping to release my
tensions & stress.

To my co GENECIANS who are all gathered here today, education is very important to succeed in
life. Study hard, fullfill your obligations to the school, follow your teachers, cherish all your moments with
your classmates & schoolmates, be grateful to your parents who have nothing in thier hearts & mind but
you & your welfare. Above all be always thankful & pray to God Almighty.

GENECIANS, studying is tedious, hard, frustrating at times but “If I was able to succeed in life
despite my condition, why not all of you?

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude first to my family, Daddy & Mommy who toiled so
much for me , hoped & prayed everyday for my success. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DADDY & MOMMY.

To my superiors, co-workers, who have and will always continue to support my vision of a
functional library and for collaborating with me on the provision of accurate and excellent references for
pupils and students; to my friends, acquaintances and colleagues, who kept on praying for me and showed
their full support; to all the graduating and completing students, for developing a friendly, remarkable
relationship with me, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

To my Alma Mater GENECOM, THANK YOU for accepting me and other learners with special needs
under your folds. THANK YOU for your protection, guidance, support & nurturing over the years. THANK
YOU for believing in me, in us & in our dreams. THANK YOU for providing me avenue to realize my
profession as the school librarian. I know there are still so much to learn in my career & in life & forever
I will be grateful for not stopping to be my guide, to be my mentor.

Today, we are now ONE & I humbly offer myself to be your partner in your pursuit to help diverse
learners like me succeed in life.

To the Almighty God, for guiding me throughout my ups and downs, THANK YOU!!!. Without all
of you, I wouldn’t become who and what I am right now!!!
JON EDWARD A. OSERIN, R.L.
www.facebook.com/PogingLibrarian97

Again, a good and blessed afternoon to all of you!!!