Ojik Santo says that his academics are going well, especially because Senior 4 focuses on courses where the teachers summarize the information taught during the previous three years of school. But where Santo really shines is within leadership.
As the Head Boy at his school, Santo works closely with the school’s male students, teachers and administrators in many capacities.
Santo appreciates his opportunity to attend school because it has already given him a strong foundation for his future. After attending a nearby primary school at the start of his education, Santo joined Pope Paul VI Secondary School since he did not want to give up on his goals of higher education. This was possible because he began receiving funding for his school fees from Invisible Children’s Legacy Scholarship Program.
“They say, for the roof of any building to be well equipped or strong so the storm cannot blow it, the foundation must also be well constructed,” he said.
Along with the strong foundation of academics, he says that students should believe in themselves in the face of challenging subjects at school.
“We are hoping we should pass because we are trying and doing well. We are always hoping we should do better,” he said. “If you are leader, you have to be straightforward and someone who does not segregate. I have learned how to address the public, how to say out the truth. They always tell us how to sacrifice yourself and your time as a leader for others.”
So what is next for Santo? He plans to work hard in order to attend university and become a lawyer in the future.
“I can do things like physics and biology well, but they always say you have to follow your heart,” he said.
But being too involved in leadership comes with a price, Santo says, and he encourages students to continue working hard and to never give up on their path despite potential stumbling blocks. He stresses the need to focus on both academics as well as find a productive balance between their schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Still, with all of the advice Santo has to offer, he plans to continue working hard. He wants to take advantage of his opportunity to attend school because, without it, he would probably be at home making money only by selling the produce he grows in his garden.
“You must first reach up before you climb. We are standing on the ground and have a long way to go. But we have started. The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one [step],” he said.
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