Jurydel Rama

IN THE ZONE

He always wanted to be invisible, take the backstage, and hide from the limelight. But Jurydel Rama could no longer escape from getting noticed. This 18-year old third year IT student had taken the centerstage again when he topped the honor roll for his department. Our interview with him rightfully earns him his title: Scholar of the Month.

CITE: You have been consistent in the director’s list. Are you planning to get the Academic Excellence award during your graduation?

Jurydel: I think it’s not more on my personal intention. There are things that you just don’t give up not because you love (doing it), but because you love those people who are expecting from you.

CITE: You commented before in a Blink! issue about CITE teachers who give you hard time during the summer training? Or was it “teachers don’t give in-depth discussion”?

Jurydel: (laughs) Here we go again. When I said that, it was not meant to offend the teachers. I just realize now that teachers may not be aware that by giving their students a hard time, they are teaching the students to do their best.

CITE: So far, are we meeting your expectations?

Jurydel: Yes.

CITE: You were the class valedictorian in Busay National High School. Is that the reason why CITE just became a piece of cake to you?

Jurydel: No. It is hard to maintain grades here. It’s like everyday you gamble your life. You don’t know what to expect.

CITE: How do you measure up?

Jurydel: By giving my best always. I don’t give my best just to satisfy myself but also for the teachers who require me.

CITE: You said you were relatively nobody during high school. What are the changes now?

Jurydel: I have become more active in CITE. I mean, if I continue to be timid, I wouldn’t be able to grow. I’ve done things I am afraid to do before like emceeing, oration, being a class officer.

CITE: Is that all?

Jurydel: I have strengthened my foundation not just in academics but as a Christian…as a human being.

CITE: You are the scholar of the month. You must be the best.

Jurydel: No, sir. There are other students who are better. They just need inspiration and the right motivation.

CITE: What do you advise them?

Jurydel: Focus. They must not learn to do things because they want to, but do things because they like to.

CITE: By the way. So far, you have a perfect attendance and no record of offenses. Are you eyeing on another award?

Jurydel: No, I don’t know what lies ahead.

CITE: You are now having your in-plant training at Lexmark Research and Development Corporation (LRDC) as a trainee Infrastructure Support Department. Tell us about your job.

Jurydel: I create user accounts for LRDC employees. It’s a simple job and I get to face other people because I also troubleshoot their computers.

CITE: Any unforgettable experience so far?

Jurydel: I was scolded over the phone by a client. All I had to do was to explain and explain until I was about to cry.

CITE: Any valuable lesson?

Jurydel: I have improved my communication skills…and be more responsible in my job. We always see to it that our job will not interrupt the work of others.

CITE: How do you see yourself down the road?

Jurydel: (Pause) No idea. But my passion is singing. I want to form my own band.

CITE: How about your course?

Jurydel: Well, I can do both. (laugh)

CITE: That’s revealing. How about for your family?

Jurydel: I want both of my parents not to work in the farm anymore. I see both of them in our veranda, watching the sunset.