So What If You’re From UP? A Call to Stay Grounded
During the University of the Philippines Diliman commencement on Sunday, veteran journalist Jessica Soho posed a powerful question to the graduates: “So what if you’re from UP?” This phrase, she explained, is not just a challenge but a reminder of humility and responsibility.
She recalled how, 40 years ago when she was just starting as a reporter, one of her cameramen asked the same question. “He even told me, ‘carry those things and the tripod. Learn to do lighting and how to plug in the microphone,’” she shared in Filipino. For Soho, this reflects the reality that so what if you’re from UP means that education alone does not guarantee success; hard work does.
“Work is an equalizer,” Soho said, urging graduates to carry the same question with them. Being from UP should not be a badge of entitlement but a call to stay connected with the community, grounded, and humble.
UP’s Connection to Community
Soho emphasized that UP is not an ivory tower detached from society. “UP is not a vacuum. It is easy to connect what we learn to real life because beside our academic buildings are homes and small businesses of workers,” she explained. This proximity should remind graduates that their education is intertwined with the lives of everyday Filipinos.
She reminded the graduates that studying at UP is a privilege funded by taxpayers — ordinary people who work hard every day. “Yes, there are high expectations for each of you. Not for entitlement, but to be humble and thankful,” she said.
Building Relationships Beyond UP
Soho also highlighted the importance of forming meaningful connections beyond familiar circles. She recounted a conversation with a soldier in 1989 who spoke about Spratlys Island, a place few knew about then but now a critical geopolitical issue. “Relationships are important. Your lives will be richer if you include people who are not like you,” she said.
“Reach out to more people. Get out of your own circles or echo chambers. We all have voices amplified by social media, but listening is just as vital,” Soho advised graduates to broaden their perspectives.
Gratitude and Teamwork
Looking back on her four-decade career, Soho expressed deep gratitude for her colleagues. She acknowledged that her accomplishments were a shared effort, recalling a memorable exposé titled “Kidneys for Sale.” An old acquaintance trusted her team to investigate the plight of poor men selling kidneys in Tondo, which eventually led to government regulation of kidney donations.
Despite progress, she noted that many challenges persist. “Our problems keep repeating, as if recycled. They aren’t solved; more are added,” she observed.
Never Stop Asking Hard Questions
Soho encouraged graduates to be fearless in questioning the status quo. “The system is broken. We need to keep asking the hard questions. If we are free to dream, we should also be free to ask questions,” she urged.
Her message was clear: being from UP is not just a title but a call to action, humility, and constant curiosity.
For more news and updates on UP graduates and education, visit Filipinokami.com.