Angelica A.

Quiambao
MGT 19
MTH 10:30-12:00
Jan. 25, 2016
Our Return on Investment
by Sabrina Ongkiko
Reaction Paper
What is the return on your investment, when you know you can be something
more but have settled for less? When you know you can please others by choosing a
better alternative but chose not to? Or when your better judgement opposes the norm?
I know we all aspire to become better than what we are now. When our
professors ask us why we chose to be here and what we want to achieve, we had
different responses, but I know one thing thats common among all answers; its having
the same end point, the same goal line that were trying to reach. We dream of a
greener pasture so we strive a lot in its pursuit. Were heading steadfast in this direction
and so are the youth today. Ms Sabrina Ongkiko testified against the stereotypes of
todays young generation. Once she was like us, having an eye only for her dreams
which concerns her and the people directly related to her. Putting myself in her shoes, I
thought, am I not like her? Have I not considered that my success would only favour my
own fashioned circle? Ive had. But for a person like her to be able to stand firm with her
better judgement, that is something worth looking up to; something exemplary. Thats
our difference, she had overcome herself and is now serving the society in the best of
her ability as a Public School Teacher. Her cause is an eye opening phenomenon; her
story is profound that it inculcates in the young minds the value of touching and making
difference in the lives of our fellowmen.
Public School; Public School Teacher; Public School Students She asked what
comes in our mind when we here these words. Coming from a public school myself, I
could not help having a biased view. Experiencing the standards of a public school first
hand, made me see its ups and downs; overall, its competence for being able to
compete with known-to-be-best schools. Thats why, my top concern is not the
stereotyping on the peoples perspective about Public Schools. Stereotyping on this
matter can be moderated if not totally restrained by exposing people in a public school
environment. I was awestruck by her courage for taking on the taunts she received from
her surroundings because she chose to be a teacher rather than the doctor she

wouldve been. How many people do you know would do such a thing? I know I would
be reluctant in doing so.
According to Prof Yunus, we have to attend to our obligations on our society and
all of its members even if its demanding and costly since it is for the greater good. In
Ms Ongkikos case, even if it compromises her own well-being. If I dont know any
better, I would have been as shocked, amazed and dismayed by the thought just like
the people around her. But within herself, she knows that her cause weighed more than
her success. She is living not her dream life but the life she have chosen as a tool in
helping her society, come what may. In the end she is contented, for it had never been
about herself. What did she gain out of this? Purpose in life and true happiness. A
purpose driven life is living with hope, faith and love for ones passion. Coupled with true
happiness that comes from having fulfilled the role given to her by her destiny, it
becomes the ultimate driving force that made her overcome the struggles she faces in
her endeavour. What strengthens this force is being able to see that the result of all her
hard work paid off. Believing by putting faith on a persons ability to see how far it will
take him is her best attitude. Yes, it was usually to see is to believe, but having heard
her story made this upright phrase look upside down. I believe that this model of a life
she lives would raise awareness, to the next generation, of what may be the solution to
the social problems in our community. It is only when we truly understand the value of
being selfless will we appreciate its works in ourselves and with others.