Marjorie Cornillez's Profile

PROFILE OF A PUP STUDENT

by: Marybeth Dianne Dapadap

Marjorie Cornillez knows how to work a room. It was a sunny afternoon and the sun was definitely scorching hot. She gave out a smile, and she showed no signs of being sick few days ago. As I prepare for the interview, I showed the questions that I have prepared for her. I want to give her ample time to clear her mind and organize her thoughts. As Marjorie was reading the material, I noticed that she seems happy with the questions that I have come up with and I could really feel the enthusiasm in her. After a few minutes I already conducted the interview with Marjorie, a certified PUP student.

Marjorie Cornillez is a college student taking up Bachelor in Broadcast Communication. She has been in the institution for four years. The thing that separates her from the “usual" college student is the fact that she is not just a regular student — an irregular student to be exact. Marj was not left much of a choice when she first enrolled here in PUP. Her first choice was definitely to study in a Communication Course, but she was not able to reach the quota. That is why she decided to enroll in any available course then after a year go and shift to Broadcast Communication. She then continues to discuss the experience of an irregular student. “There are both pros and cons of being an irregular student. It's exciting in some ways that I am being exposed to different people with different personality and ideas. Having wide-range of friends made me confident in dealing with future people to be met. The difference only is that I have to deal with the big adjustment of different point of views and attitude.” It seems that she is already comfortable with that kind of set-up.

Then the interview went on to discuss her Alma Mater. The reason why she studied in PUP is the fact that she believes that it gives out quality education which is comparable with the private schools. Her first impression though shows that she does not really like the environment for it seems like it “was not a university itself.” When asked how that impression was changed, she pointed out that it is better if we make the most out of the university and leave out all the negative aspect of it. It clearly shows that she followed the saying “mind over matter”. She also thinks that the university gave her more than just quality education. For her, PUP has a fun environment, for she learns not just academically but in other aspects as well. It really shows that she prioritizes her studies rather than anything else. When asked about the rallies in PUP, she stated that “It maybe true but nevertheless you never make it a priority because the rule implies in PUP is education first and it is well-observed and followed”.

Marjorie is truly not your ordinary college student. Not everyone can claim that they became a contestant in a nationwide model search show! Two years ago Marjorie was blessed to be part of the first “Philippines Next Top Model”. When asked on what actions did the university did when they found out about it, she said that was glad to share that she was amazed by the support that the university has given her during her stint at the show. Even though it has already ended she still dreams of being a successful model — but the thing that really excites her more is a career in broadcasting. The way she said it was really assertive yet sincere. The way she thinks and answers is a good sign that she still has her feet on the ground.

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Since this is already her fourth year in college, I asked her about the things that she looks forward to in her last few semesters in the university. She answered with enthusiasm and said that she looks forward in doing her thesis, for she knows that it will help her in the future when she will take up her Masteral Studies. Because of that Marjorie hopes that the professors will arm her with the right knowledge that she will further in her life. To wrap-up the interview, I asked her to justify herself as a true Iskolar ng Bayan, and here is what she said. “Being a good example of a PUPian. Having an acquired knowledge, learned abilities and fruitful activities will make my endeavors progressive is my description of being an Iskolar ng Bayan”. So in a few years time, when you see a certain Marjorie Cornillez walking the catwalks in New York or anchoring her own television program, keep in mind that that girl is a certified student of PUP. A PUPian who is thankful of what she had learned and proud of where she came from. Truly, we can all see a bright future ahead of her.