TECH4GOOD
I recently received an invitation to be the keynote speaker at my high school’s alumni homecoming. A wave of nostalgia suddenly washed over me, igniting a spark of excitement I had not felt in years, which I do not usually experience during my usual speaking engagements. I was suddenly transported back to those carefree years of being a teenager. The prospect of reconnecting with my former classmates, whom I have not seen since I moved to another school, fills me with joy and anticipation.
It is hard to believe that more than half a century has passed since I walked those hallowed halls of Central Mindanao Colleges (CMO). Yet, the memories remain vivid – laughter echoing in the classrooms, the friendships, and occasional fistfights that shaped my formative years. CMC is a school located in the beautiful city of Kidapawan in Cotabato, where I spent two years in grade school and the first two years of high school. For me, those were the foundational years of my life. I discovered my love for chemistry, books, and mathematics during those years, including those of my first crushes.
This gathering promises a celebration of our shared early life journeys and an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and the paths we have taken since those youthful days. I can already envision the warm smiles, heartfelt catchup stories, and perhaps even a few tears as we reminisce about our journeys and celebrate the bonds that have endured through time.
Alumni homecomings serve as important milestones for educational institutions. They provide a platform for reconnecting with former students, celebrating achievements, and fostering community spirit. They are more than just social gatherings; they are opportunities to celebrate an institution’s legacy and its graduates. They honor the past and inspire future generations, making them pivotal in the life of any institution. They help reinforce the bond between alumni and their alma mater, encouraging ongoing support and engagement.
Invitations as keynote speakers at an alumni homecoming are usually reserved for individuals who have accomplished a lot or have deep connections to the institution, neither of which I do not profess to possess. I was invited because they wanted somebody as ordinary as I am to share experiences, contributions to the community, and influence within their fields. However, it is also a unique opportunity to share my life journey, insights, and motivational messages that I hope will resonate with alumni and current students.
Alumni homecomings often bridge the gap and strengthen connections between past and present students, emphasizing alumni support in shaping current students’ experiences. These events create a unique environment where students interact with graduates who have successfully navigated their careers. The alumni can provide invaluable insights into potential career paths and professional development. They often share experiences that highlight the importance of perseverance, networking, and lifelong learning, which can inspire current students to pursue their goals with renewed vigor.
The motivational aspect of homecoming is essential for students who may feel uncertain about their future aspects. Hearing from successful alumni can instill a sense of hope and ambition in current students.
Homecomings usually extend beyond individual interactions as they also contribute to building a stronger school community. These events help cultivate a sense of belonging and loyalty among alumni and current students. Such narratives help foster a sense of continuity and shared purpose among generations. The speaker’s message should help reignite the alumni’s passion for their alma mater and encourage them to get involved through active participation in future events and community building.
Furthermore, schools benefit from the insights gained during these interactions. Alumni feedback can guide institutional improvements and innovations in academic programs and student services. By listening to former students’ experiences, schools can better align their offerings with the needs of both current students and future graduates. This will help them ensure that their missions stay relevant to the changing times and needs of the evolving job marketplace.
I look at homecomings not just as a gathering of old friends but as a venue for sharing insights that will undoubtedly play an essential role in shaping the institution’s future and the educational experience and career trajectories of its current and future students. The legacy of an institution is usually carried forward not just through academic excellence but through its vibrant community of engaged alumni who remain committed to supporting the institution and future generations.
The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, Lead Convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. ([email protected])