A Fulfilled Promise | DLSU 202nd Commencement Exercises AM Graduate Response - Japonz Pulhin Dacumos

Summary

Juan Alonso Pulhin Dakumos, a graduate of Lasalle University, delivers a heartfelt speech that emphasizes the importance of inclusion and neurodiversity. As an autistic individual, he reflects on his personal journey of overcoming stigma, highlighting the acceptance and encouragement he received from his peers and the university. His advocacy for autism awareness and the need to challenge traditional, deficit-centered views is at the core of his message. The speech inspires others to embrace differences, work toward inclusive education, and recognize the immense potential of neurodiverse individuals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japons is a highly active and driven student known for expanding understanding in human behavior.
• 😀 He has held leadership roles such as associate vice president for the Samahan Naga Nikloia and commissioner for the university student government's Commission for Disability Inclusion.
• 😀 Japons is involved in various research labs including the Hope Laboratory and the Sustainability Psychology and Planetary Health Research Laboratory (SPEAR Lab).
• 😀 He has contributed to the Social Development Research Center's study on smoking prevention in schools and advocates for neurodiversity in autism research.
• 😀 Japons is a member of the International Society of Autism Research (INSAR) and has presented his findings at national and international conferences, such as the International Development Pediatrics Association Congress and the INSAR annual conference.
• 😀 He was also a trusted peer to his batchmates, always encouraging others to strive in their academic and career paths.
• 😀 Japons is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has received the Jose Rizal Honors Award and the Student Leadership Award.
• 😀 During his graduate response speech, Japons emphasized the importance of inclusive education and ensuring no student is left behind, especially those with disabilities.
• 😀 He challenged the common, deficit-centered view of autism, advocating for a more positive understanding and the potential of autistic individuals.
• 😀 Japons openly shares his autism diagnosis, rejecting the stigmas associated with it and expressing how the university environment accepted and empowered him to thrive.
• 😀 He concludes his speech by urging his fellow graduates to take the values of inclusion and acceptance beyond the university walls to make a positive impact on the world.

Q & A

Who is Juan Alonso Pulhin Dakumos, and what makes him stand out among his peers?

Juan Alonso Pulhin Dakumos, or Japons, is a graduate who is known for his active involvement in various university research laboratories and student leadership roles. He was a former associate vice president for the Samahan Naga Nikloia, and he worked as the commissioner for the university student government's commission for disability inclusion. Japons also advocates for autism research and neurodiversity, presenting at both national and international conferences.

What is Japons' contribution to the university's student body?

Japons was not only an academic achiever but also a peer who encouraged others in their academic and career paths. He was a trusted peer who offered support to his batchmates, all while navigating the joys and struggles of college life. He was also actively involved in creating a more inclusive environment, particularly advocating for students with disabilities.

What awards did Japons receive upon graduation?

Japons graduated as a summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He also received the Jose Rizal Honors Award and the Student Leadership Award.

What research areas is Japons involved in?

Japons has contributed to research in several fields, including sustainability psychology, planetary health, and social development. He worked in the HOPE Laboratory, where he was the youngest member accepted into the team, and he also assisted in the Social Development Research Center's international study on smoking in schools. Additionally, he is passionate about autism research and advocates for neurodiversity.

How has Japons been an advocate for students with disabilities?

Japons advocated for the creation of a PWD (Persons with Disabilities) priority enlistment process at the university to ensure better access and support for students with disabilities. He played a key role in pushing for inclusion and accessible education.

How does Japons challenge the common perceptions of autism in the Philippines?

Japons challenges the traditional, deficit-based understanding of autism that is common in the Philippines. He advocates for a more positive approach, emphasizing the potential and strengths of autistic individuals rather than focusing solely on their struggles. His personal experience as an autistic individual has shaped this advocacy.

What activity does Japons propose during his speech to engage the audience?

Japons invites the audience to engage in an activity where they are asked to imagine the typical representation of an autistic individual based on common stereotypes seen on social media, television, or through common societal perceptions. He uses this to highlight the inaccuracies and limitations of these stereotypes.

How does Japons' personal experience with autism relate to his message of inclusion?

Japons shares his personal experience of having a tendency to walk away from conversations unexpectedly, something that is often misunderstood as a deficit. He describes how his peers accepted him without criticism, helping him understand this behavior in the context of his autism and empowering him to thrive while embracing his neurodiversity.

What does Japons hope to inspire in his peers through his speech?

Japons hopes to inspire his peers to continue to uplift others through their efforts, advocacies, and vision for a better world. He wants them to understand the importance of inclusion and equity, particularly for individuals with neurodiversity, and to take the lessons they’ve learned at the university into their future careers and communities.

What is Japons' final message to his classmates and peers?

Japons' final message emphasizes the importance of not leaving anyone behind, especially those from marginalized groups, like individuals with disabilities or neurodiversity. He encourages his classmates to take the lessons of inclusion, equity, and empowerment they have learned during their time at the university and apply them to create a more inclusive world.