By James Edgar T Sia

“Do not deprive the world of your talent. ... Share what you have.”

Xavier University treasurer Engr Lennie K Ong shared these words of encouragement during her inspirational talk at the university-wide scholars' general assembly held at the XU Covered Courts on September 18.

Ong told the 741 scholars in attendance that while all students undergo difficulties in their studies, the key difference among them is their level of determination.

She also related the story of Marlon Boro, who started out at XU as a janitor to finance his studies, until a scholarship grant courtesy of the Ateneo Alumni Association of British Columbia and the PLDT-Smart Foundation enabled him to pursue his course studies full-time. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in secondary education major in mathematics and aims to teach in a rural community.

Ong urged the scholars to be like Boro, “a wonderful inspiration to all the other students who are aiming for their dreams.”

Organized by the XU Scholars Guild and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the assembly carried the theme “Atenean scholars: keeping unity amidst diversity.”

Other activities during the event included induction of officers, a “getting-to-know-you” game for groups of scholars, and song and dance presentations by representatives from the different XU colleges. ∎

Photos courtesy of XU Scholars Guild's Facebook page.