I remember overhearing one afternoon a friend who asked if they would be willing to donate to UP after graduation. "Aminin nyo, hindi naman talaga kayo magbibigay di ba?" And proceeded to say that after he graduates he won't be giving donations to CMC or UP.

What I find interesting in this statement is that, while many will probably deny it, many also have the same mindset. Not too many, though, as so many alumni have donated to UP long after they have graduated.

It is quite saddening that here in UP we breed future leaders but so many of us fail to give back. Not simply to the university per se, but simply the nation who bore the burden of sending each one of us to school, so that we will be able to be the graduates that this nation needs.

It is my hope that one day I will be able to give back to the people the education that this premier institution gave me. Not in monetary terms, but more so in service, in integrity, in the pride of this country.