Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

Career Awareness Forum —Helping Students How to Choose A College Course

By: Betty Centeno

“Your Career starts when YOU DECIDE on your CHOICE”, this was the salient point raised by PP Manny Tamayo, of RC Pasig West and resource speaker of the “Career Awareness Forum” jointly sponsored by RC Makati North and its sister club RC Wack Wack. It was held last Friday, Sept. 9 at the Makati Science High School for 206 third year students.

The forum was attended by RCMNers led by Pres. Archie Reaño, Dir. Danny Rayos del Sol who acted as the day’s moderator, PP Vic Austria who gave the closing remarks and IPP Mac McLean. From RC Wack Wack: Sec. Neslie Tan, Rtn. Eric Ringor, Rtn. Fely Abuso and PP Gina Roxas who represented Pres. Jo Vigden who was out of the country. The Makati Science High School was also represented by Ms. Tet Ruiz who gave the welcome remarks and Ms. Lu Gonzalez, the school guidance counselor.

After the formal introduction and messages of both presidents, PP Manny Tamayo delivered his lecture. He said that choosing a college major for some is easy; some people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. For others, choosing a college major is probably one of the hardest decisions they will make in their life. It doesn’t help that there are now lot of college courses and college programs among which you have to choose. There was once a time when choices were simple: good or evil, ketchup or mayonnaise, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts.
Nowadays, you have to choose between shades of gray, one gazillion condiments and plethora of majors. The trick in making a college major choice, they say, is to narrow things down as you go along.

The following are some of the things you must consider when choosing a college courses:
1. Your Interest
2. Your Aptitude
3. Your Values
4. Money Matters
5. Time and Practical Considerations
6. Your Commitment
7. The Times
8. Other People’s Feedback
9. Your Choices
10. Spiritual Considerations

PP Manny Tamayo further said that the objective of the career awareness forum is to
CAP—Create…….Awareness Arouse……….Interest Prepare………….Future

Also, he mentioned that Education System (6yrs. elementary and 4yrs. H.S.) is preparing the students for college. Their career starts when they DECIDE on their CHOICE. They EARN when they invest. “Invest on your Career” PP Manny urged the students, “Know where you are going”, “Make your 4th Year the best of your high school years….. On your graduation, thank your parents and guardians… for believing you will finish high school”, these are the inspiring words he shared. As in a tv show: DREAM that you Can Make It, BELIEVE, that you Will Make It and SURVIVE To Make It.

While it is true that it is up to the person to make a choice, it does not hurt to consult other people regarding this issue. Our parents have one thing to say, even our teachers, guidance counselors and friends have another. So it is vital for the students to have every information or guidance available to ensure that they will not regret their decision.

After the forum, some of the students rendered some songs and even Pres. Archie did a duet. Indeed, it was an informative afternoon not only for the students but also for the Rotarians who are present.