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The Road Taken

by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Jul 06 2024

 

“Money can’t buy happiness” has always been a debatable statement. 

To be able to utter these words is telling of one’s privileged position in this society and more often than not, I have a hard time reconciling with this very thought because while I subscribe to the idea and could vouch for the truth that happiness comes from the connection we make with people, things that are not necessarily tangible, so many circumstances remind me of the fact that our economic disposition dictates our quality of life. 

As the Commencement Ceremonies draw near, I am once again reminded of the weight one has to carry to get through the ordeals of being an undergraduate– stories of perseverance, grit, longing for freedom, some about almosts, and others about the shared dilemma of financial struggles. 

This year’s anecdote takes me back to a whirlpool of memories, both good and bad, crucial in forging a person to become and feel more human, to look for a sliver of hope in the crevices of our painful pasts despite the perennial uncertainties. This gripping story is that of Ludwig Libot, a graduating student of the 54th Commencement Ceremonies (2nd Semester Graduation) from the College of Economics, Business and Accountancy. 

In my interview with him, the first question that I asked was, “What is your degree program and is it your first choice?” This was my initial attempt to understand the depth of his academic journey, as I have heard many recounts of graduates who pursued their degrees not out of choice, but out of necessity or limited options. Ludwig’s path would’ve ended the same way but he knew what he wanted.

With a SASE score falling short of entering the BS in Marketing Management, Ludwig entered the Dakilang Pamantasan enrolling in the degree program BA in Sociology but he made it clear to me from the start that he was not really sure of it but was in no position to reject the offer, even considering it as a privilege in the saturated crowd of applicants. 

My prompt question later on revealed layers of his narrative. He has a brother he fondly calls “Kuya PJ” who inspired him to go into the route of Business and Marketing. Ludwig lost his father when he was eight years old and to his memory, this preceded his brother assuming the responsibility of being the head of the family. 

A few years later, another catastrophe came into the picture, with the onslaught of Typhoon Sendong, Ludwig’s family had to bear another devastating blow. He said they had only recently moved house to Barangay Santiago at that time. Recalling that night, Ludwig said they had to go up on the roof of their neighbor’s house, and witnessed people who cried for help under the wrath of the storm. He could not do anything to help them, only that his heart swelled. With what little they had, immediately disappeared in one night.

His mother who he said was sickly had to also endure the trauma even of the smallest of raindrops. When I asked him how he was able to process all of these as a child, still in second grade, he told me this, “Kung ako padayonon ni akong trauma, wala’y mualaga sa ako mama, wala mi kaonon.” One of my musings during the course of our interview was that his responses always leaned toward strength and a positive outlook. The way he told me his Sendong story was even masked in humor with him saying, “Nagba-bye na dayun among balay, ma’am.” 

Despite the laughs in between responses, having lost a father and a home, I knew these were Herculean challenges for a young boy. But Ludwig was lucky enough to have a responsible brother who he constantly took pride in– his brother’s resilience, having to dance around the grief, care for two siblings and a mother who also had their fair share of traumas while working tirelessly, doing all sorts of sidelines such as buying and selling dried fish, cleaning houses of relatives, and reselling Avon products to support their family. Ludwig knew early on that they were not rich and a lot of work must be done. 

These were the reasons why Ludwig was earnest in wanting to enter the Marketing program. In his words, he said, “Sa business gyud ta ma-datu, Ma’am.” I agreed with no hesitation as I am also not blind to the solid evidence that people are significantly at an economic advantage because of owning businesses. But apart from that, I have also found myself agreeing with the point that people can be idealistic in gauging happiness– that it cannot be bought with money as I have argued previously, and what I like about Ludwig’s take on this is the simplicity of it all– to him, money gives us access to happiness. 

He found that the fundamentals he will learn in the Marketing program will help him in navigating his dream of having his own business one day. But he was already enrolled in Sociology. Isn’t it a bit far-fetched from the business realm? 

At first, Ludwig didn’t see it that way. He explained that understanding societal dynamics and human behavior is crucial for any business. While he did enjoy the subjects and the social theories he learned in class, he found that the principles he needed would be more substantial in his first choice of degree program. 

Upon entering his second year, an opportunity was presented for him to shift. Ludwig, without a doubt, did despite the fact that his status will be a first-year student again as required by the department for shiftees coming from the non-marketing degree programs. 

But finally, he was in the Marketing program, a small step closer to his childhood dream of becoming a business owner. 

To help with their finances, Ludwig also had to work as a Student Assistant at the Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM) during his third year, post-pandemic. With this, he was able to contribute a small amount of money to his family and would not need to often ask for his personal expenses such as fare money and food. He didn’t see it as an additional workload. In fact, he is very grateful for the time he had with PRISM as it served as a space for him where he could rest from his academics. 

Towards the end of our talk, I asked him if he was happy with where he is right now. He said, yes but also expressed the fear of having to face the real world after graduation. Before I wrapped up, I asked a very important question. 

What business would you like to own in the future? 

A resort. It is passive income, he said. But it was more than that. He added, “I want to establish a business not only for me but for the people, to give jobs, to help their families, to inspire that poverty is not a hindrance.”

I guess that’s what you gain when you get to understand the intersection of business and society, the potential for businesses to be catalysts for community development and social change.

Ludwig is graduating as a Magna Cum Laude this July 8, 2024. With everything he has been through, he did not falter but instead saw all of it as a process to get where he was going, taking the road he knew where he belonged from the start. 

He wants to be rich, someday, for his family and to help those who are not as privileged. Perhaps, it is also safe to say that money can help you spread kindness. 

I want you to know that this is not a sob story but rather, a story of being firm in knowing and pursuing what you want in this life.

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