By: Prof. Janet R. Valdez, PhD, FRIEdr
(OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic College) School Year 2023-2024
On my 60th birthday, I prayed for God to grant me my wish to serve my town, Obando, and my province, Bulacan, so I can pay forward the blessings given me throughout the years. Although I had not dreamt for decades, He answered through a vivid dream.
I received a Nissin noodles brown carton package with a red ribbon that said “Congratulations” from a certain Anjanette Jimenez from Guiguinto. Inside the unwrapped carton was a huge black steel wok, talyasi, with golden handles.
A spiritual leader, babaylan, interpreted the dream. “You will have a big work to do. It will be a mission. Madudumihan ang kamay mo sa pagtatrabaho. Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion ang mararanasan mo.” “Wala akong kakilalang Anjanette Jimenez from Guiguinto.” “The names represent initials of people who will help you.”
The following day, I got a call giving a schedule to discuss a job. It took me hours waiting. Jimenez, which starts with J, is the start of the name of the lady who called for my schedule and Anjanette, which starts with A, is the start of the name of the dignitary who caused the offer of a job.
Guiguinto was later found out to be the place of residence of my future boss. The day made me realize that God was there along the way. And yes, my wish was granted!
The job gave me the opportunity to serve my town and my province together by serving as the OIC College President of a polytechnic college with eight (8) different off-campuses in my province, including one in my town. Perfect mission… God planned this perfectly for me.
I presented my vision and plans to my boss who responded by saying, “Gawin mo ang gusto mong gawin.” These were uttered with full confidence that I am qualified, capable of doing things and knows legal holds and bounds of my work.
I visited all campuses, near and distant, with friends and staff who may be able to help me perform the job and achieve the mission of transformation, as well as, provision of better opportunities.
The goal of the visit was to see and observe varied needs of the different campuses. One of my friends already had doubts and asked, “Are you sure gusto mo to?” I excitedly answered, “yes.”
I started working: making radical physical changes and transfers. I gathered dirt on my hands lifting heavy stuff with the willing personnel. While I observed smears and smirks along the way, I was strengthened by encouraging words from students.
I maintained an open-door policy allowing stakeholders: students, parents, ambulant vendors, visitors, etc., although without previous appointment, to squeeze into my hectic routine to personally talk to me without fear.
They come to my office offering prayers for my continued health and strength to battle challenges. Some would shout my name to catch my attention in the campus to say their hi’s and hello’s. Some would also openly say their appreciation for changes they observed in the campus. The students’ smiles were sweet. Their hopes waving. Going back to work had been a great motivation. This was in the campus.
However, not all were pleased! But that’s another story…
