The keys to happiness according to 2013 UP summa cum laude

With a weighted grade average of 1.065, BS Biology graduate Charles Michael T. Herrera seems a likely candidate to be a "rock star" of science. 

 

But in his valedictory speech, the University of the Philippines top-notcher advised his fellow graduates to keep their feet on the ground. 

 

"Science is as much about embracing certain outcomes and results as it is welcoming the uncertain and unexpected bits. And despite all of our efforts to explain the universe in an orderly fashion, the tendency for chaos, or entropy as we call it, will always exist," Herrera said in his valedictory speech delivered at the College of Science Recognition Program on April 27.

Herrera spoke about how the batch entered the university with dreams of becoming "rock stars" of science— winning the Nobel Prize, finding the cure for cancer, or becoming astronauts and exploring space.

 

While these dreams are still possible, spending time in the university reminded the students that it isn't that simple.

 

"We soon came to learn that being in a science course isn’t all about wearing ultra white lab coats and playing around with expensive, high tech equipment. Those who expected to find a cure to a certain disease came across the shattering realization that there is no single cure for illnesses, especially when it comes to cancer. And unless you’re planning on joining the Axe Apollo Space Academy program where the astronaut apparently snatches the girl away from the fireman, the thought of venturing off to space is still far removed from reality," Herrera said.

 

What the students gained, according to Herrera, was the structured thinking that is characteristic of scientists.

 

While this may be the most vital lesson they learned in the College of Science, Herrera said reality calls for an open mind and the ability to adjust.

 

According to Herrera, budding scientists are challenged to accept that science does not have all the answers.

 

"We shouldn’t be limited by the certainty that we believe science affords us. We just have to live with it and do what we can with what we have to improve society," he said.

 

Although the speech was intended for graduates of the College of Science, Herrera included lessons that were applicable in any field.  

Three questions

 

At the end of his college journey, Herrera had a realization that was inspired by a lecture he heard when he was in high school. 

 

"My teacher wrote down three simple questions on the board. First, do you like what you’re doing? Second, are you good at what you’re doing? And third, is it doing society any good?" he shared.

 

According to Herrera, the key to happiness can be summed up into three things: passion, skill, and a sense of social responsibility.

 

"Passion without skill is an empty promise. Skill without passion is an empty feeling. And either of these without a sense of social responsibility is an empty future," said Herrera, who called on his fellow graduates to give back to the country.

 

"So let’s be the ones who stay, or more realistically, let’s be the ones who come back to make a difference here, the place many of us have learned to call 'home'," he said. —KG, GMA News