John Renden Laudencia, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student from Laguna University, was recognized with the prestigious Guro Award during this year’s GURO Awards held on June 17 at the Laguna Sports Complex Gymnasium. The event, themed “Molding Futures with Integrity, Shaping Minds with Excellence,” served as the Annual Recognition Day of the College of Education.
Laudencia received the award in recognition of his outstanding performance during his teaching internship and his strong commitment to the teaching profession. Aside from excelling academically, he also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The LU Frontier, the official student publication of Laguna University, and the President of the Graduating Class of 2025.
In an interview, Laudencia shared that the recognition came as a surprise, but one that affirmed his dedication and perseverance throughout his academic journey.
“It feels surreal, to be honest. I was not expecting this, but it is truly by God’s grace that I received such a prestigious award,” he said. “It reflects the hard work, passion, and service of an education student.”
Despite the challenges and initial uncertainties he faced, Laudencia remained focused on his goal of becoming an educator. He revealed that his internship helped him realize the deeper meaning of teaching beyond the classroom.
“Teaching is not just a profession. It’s a calling that requires your heart to connect with your students,” he stated.
He admitted struggling at the beginning, particularly with tasks such as writing lesson plans and conducting demo teaching, but shared that perseverance led him to grow and succeed.
“During our second year, it was difficult. We had no background in some areas, but when I put in the effort, success followed. That’s when I made a promise to myself to always teach with heart,” he added.
Laudencia also expressed gratitude to his mentors, family, and peers for their support, noting that their encouragement helped him push through overwhelming moments.
Looking ahead, Laudencia said he is prepared for the greater responsibilities that await in the teaching profession.
“Mastery of the lesson is not the only challenge. The greater task is understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students. That’s why passion is important. When you love what you do, you won’t tire of doing it,” he said.
In his message to fellow education students, he encouraged them to remain committed to their dreams.
“Nothing comes easy for a beginner. You will fail many times before you learn what must be done. But each failure is a stepping stone toward success,” he shared.
The Guro Award is given annually to outstanding education students who demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and a strong commitment to the teaching profession.
By: Kris Thomas Rebulanan / EUN
