Honor and Excellence - Prof. Monsod's last lecture to her class

Summary

The speaker addresses students at the University of the Philippines, emphasizing their role as current leaders and the importance of integrity. They stress the university's motto of honor and excellence and urge students to be part of the solution to the country's problems, not part of the problem. The speaker condemns cheating and the pursuit of personal gain over national service, warning of the consequences of betraying the trust invested in them. They call for a commitment to stay and contribute to the Philippines, suggesting that those who leave should repay the cost of their education plus interest. The speech concludes with a stern warning about the personal and national repercussions of failing to live up to one's potential and responsibilities.

Takeaways

• 👠 The speaker is wearing high heels, which are causing discomfort, emphasizing the sacrifices leaders may have to make.
• 🎓 The audience is addressed as current leaders, not just future ones, highlighting the immediate responsibility they hold as students of the University of the Philippines.
• 🏆 The speaker emphasizes the importance of intellectual excellence and the honor that comes with being part of the top university in the Philippines.
• 🤔 The speaker challenges the audience to reflect on their role in solving the country's problems, rather than being part of the problem.
• 📚 The speaker warns against cheating, linking it to a broader pattern of dishonesty that can lead to corruption and hinder progress.
• 🏛 The speaker points out that many leaders in the Philippines have come from the University, questioning why the country still faces challenges.
• 💪 The speaker calls for a pledge from the audience to act with honor and integrity, as this is crucial for their role as leaders.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages the audience to believe in their potential to make a difference and to contribute positively to the country's future.
• 💼 The speaker discourages the ambition to go abroad for higher earnings, arguing that it can be a betrayal to the community that has invested in their education.
• 💰 The speaker suggests that those who leave the country should repay the cost of their education, including interest, as a form of giving back.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker is trying to convey to the students?

The speaker is urging the students to recognize their role as current and future leaders, emphasizing the importance of integrity, honor, and excellence in their actions and decisions.

Why does the speaker mention the discomfort of wearing high heels?

The mention of high heels serves as a metaphor for the discomfort and challenges that come with the responsibility of being a leader, especially in the context of the speaker's message.

What does the speaker consider as the core values of the University of the Philippines?

The speaker identifies honor and excellence as the core values of the University of the Philippines, with a special emphasis on integrity as a foundational aspect of these values.

Why does the speaker emphasize that the students are not just future leaders, but leaders now?

The speaker wants to instill a sense of immediate responsibility and accountability in the students, highlighting that their actions and decisions as students already have an impact on their community and country.

What issue is the speaker particularly concerned about in the context of student behavior?

The speaker is deeply concerned about the issue of cheating among students, viewing it as a betrayal of their potential and a step towards becoming part of the problem rather than the solution.

What does the speaker suggest is the consequence of cheating for students?

The speaker suggests that cheating not only affects the students' academic integrity but also positions them as part of the country's problems rather than contributors to its solutions.

What is the speaker's view on students going abroad after their education?

The speaker discourages students from going abroad immediately after their education, arguing that it can be seen as a betrayal to their country and the community that invested in their education.

What does the speaker propose as a condition for students who wish to go abroad?

The speaker proposes that students who wish to go abroad should at least pay back the cost of their education in the Philippines, plus interest, as a way of giving back to their country.

Why does the speaker mention the majority of high-ranking officials in the Philippines being from the University of the Philippines?

The speaker uses this fact to highlight the significant influence and responsibility that the university's graduates have on the country, and to question why the country is still facing challenges despite this.

What is the speaker's final 'threat' to the students if they do not live up to their potential?

The speaker humorously threatens that if the students fail to contribute positively to the Philippines, they will not only let down their country but also face personal consequences, such as losing all their sexual urges.

What does the speaker expect from the students in terms of their commitment to the Philippines?

The speaker expects the students to stay in the Philippines, contribute to its development, and if they choose to leave, to pay back their educational debt to the country as a sign of gratitude and responsibility.