|
I was inside the reception room waiting for the other guests to arrive for the Pagtatap Philippines party when he came in. Clad in a simple but stylish polo shirt and slacks, he greeted me with a very confident smile. "Is this the same gaunt kid who used to come to our house and play with my brother," I asked myself. Why, he has grown to be a fine young man! We chatted for a while sharing each other's activities. Then I realized that here is a simple guy with a big heart and big dreams. Jay Galido Olle, at 21, has achieved so many things, the reason he has gained the admiration of people. How did he become to be so?
Here is his story. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate on September 2, 1982 at Occidental Mindoro, Jay survived the critical condition he underwent during his first month as an infant. His parents, Baodello Sr. and Ever, and brothers and sisters nurtured him with special care until he was able to cope with his physical condition. He was often taunted by other kids, but determined as ever, he was able to accept it as part of his system.
Even as a young boy, Jay was noted for his bright mind and willingness to serve. He received awards and honors from kindergarten in Pandan Central School to high school in Pandan Bay Institute. With a strong sense of leadership, he was the president of the Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral ng Suriang Look ng Pandan and was very active in projects for his fellow students.
Jay used to dream of becoming a painter and a doctor, perhaps brought about by his family's concern to choose a career with less verbal interaction. However, inspired by his vision of serving others, he desired the career path contrary to what his family advised. To help him understand himself and others more, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas in Cavite. He became the dynamic News Editor of Heraldo Filipino, the student publication. As a writer, he saw the grimness of politics and fought it through his write-ups. He let his fellow students see the real picture through his criticisms and appreciation. Impelled by his ideals to change the system and serve the students as a leader, he decided to run for office. He won the hearts of many and became the president of the University Student Council fighting for the democratic rights of the students.
His graduation from college has not hindered him from serving the students and the community. He engages himself as a Deputy Commissioner of the Special Projects Task Force of the Lasallian Youth Commission (LYC). He participated in organizing the two national projects of the LYC Task Force… the Serbisyo Mediko, an annual medical-dental-surgical mission for the indigenous people and the Lasallian Youth Summer Caravan, an annual advocacy campaign on the rights of children.
At present, Jay is working as an Executive Assistant at EMPIRE Solutions Management Corporation, a public relations, information, publications and events management firm based in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. Aside from his regular work at the firm, he is also working as a travel agent of one of the top travel and tour companies in the country.
Jay did not just fight for the acceptance and belonging from other people, but he achieved their respect as well. He is indeed a true achiever.
- By Ardaine M. Ocheda, Philippines
|
