The Dongogan Twins: Excellence in the time of the pandemic

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS) The pandemic did not stop twin sisters Kristine Joy and Kristine Jane Dongogan from graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bukidnon State University. For them, the pandemic did not hinder but motivated them to brace to become better future educators.

Despite the stress caused by the pandemic, they shared that they were able to improve their skills in navigating computer applications such as Zoom conferences, Google classrooms, creating assessments using Google forms, and other tools useful for them to become educators.

BukSU honored 14 Magna Cum Laude and 147 Cum Laude graduates in its weeklong 88th Commencement Exercises in the main campus from June 21 to 24, 2022 with the theme “Future proofing Education through Innovative and Ethical Leadership”. A total of 1, 409 students from the seven colleges marched for their graduation, in ceremonies held for the first time in-person since the March 2020 lockdown.

The twins spoke as guests in the Highlight Segment of DXBU’s BukSU Updates on June 22, 2022 episode, which focused on “Curriculum and Instruction Development: Outstanding Performances of Students/Graduate”. Philippine Nursing Licensing Examination Top 5 passer Ms. Rachel Joyce A. Come also attended as guest.

Kristine Joy and Kristine Jane Dongogan, who both took Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, shared how the pandemic helped them to be equipped with more knowledge and skills about the technology and the 21st century skills.

Kristine Jane described the pandemic as a stressor as it affected everyone’s lives especially students who have to adjust and adapt to the new normal learning system. Though the pandemic contributed to her procrastination, she said she overcome it by praying and time management.

“I do procrastinate at times,” Kristine Jane admitted, “but the thing is, we reflect and realize that we should do better in everything we do,” she added.

Kristine Joy on the other hand, said that communicating with her classmates virtually helped her in dealing with the pandemic’s challenges.

During the radio guesting, Kristine Joy also said that from the start they have dreamt to be an academic awardee. It was overwhelming when they achieved it.

“Being a Magna Cum Laude (graduate) will bring honor to our family and will give us an advantage in future job applications,” she said.

She also added that graduating Magna Cum Laude also revealed a lot about herself, such as how hard she worked for it, how disciplined she was, and how the four years went for her. She said achieving an academic awardee of Bukidnon State University was difficult because of the requirements.

“Everyone is equal. You are just recognized because you worked hard for it,” Kristine Joy said.

Even before and during the pandemic, the Dongogan twins shared that being studious helped them achieve the feat. The twins said even if there was so much online activity, they had to rely on notebooks, papers, and pens as visual learners. They both took notes and studied the subjects the usual way. She said technology may have enhanced their learning but they relied on the basics - pen and paper to get by. (April Eve C. Bajao/OP-IPS Intern)

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