Ms Cheryl Mae P. Reyes
The Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library is a haven of information and knowledge with a plethora of resources from diverse fields and interests. Whenever students study for an exam or when they just simply want to relax and unwind, the Silliman Library is always one of their choices. Through the years, the Silliman Library has proven to not just contain treasures of knowledge and information, but also treasures of inspiration from the lives of the people manning the whole library. Let us take a closer look at the life of the Knowledge Development Community librarian, Ms Cheryl Mae P. Reyes.
Cheryl grew up in Cebu city. Although she was born in Zamboanga, her family had to move to the queen city of the south because of her father’s work as an army assigned in Cebu.
Being the eldest of four, Cheryl matured at such a tender age. She started doing household chores at the age of four; at six, she was already cooking rice for the family. It was also during this time in her childhood years when she discovered the utter joy she gets from feeling the pages of books.
Reading several types of books was what really interested her. While her siblings were out playing with their neighbors’ children, Cheryl opted to stay inside the house and read. In her elementary years, she was consistently recognized by her school for her exceptional skills in reading. She continued to nurture her interests for books even until high school when she would spend hours staying in the public library just to read. She was always certain as to what she wanted to pursue in the future – and yes, it revolves around her unwavering love for reading.
So when Cheryl finished high school, she clamped her fate on Library science as a course in college. She finished it in 2000, and less than a year after, found a job as a librarian at the Bible Baptist College in Cebu.
Little did Cherly know that there was another surprise waiting for her. Her workplace slowly nurtured a young Theology student’s appreciation for her. Three years from when she joined the College, the same guy courted her. Why did it take long? Cheryl recalls that her husband needed to pray hard for three years if pursuing her was the right thing to do. Her husband also needed to secure the permission of the people close to Cheryl, from her parents to the pastors at the College. Courtship started before her husband graduated. Even until the husband was assigned in 2004 as a pastor in Bayawan then Bais in Negros Oriental, their friendship continued to blossom. It was a long distance relationship that both embraced, until 2006 when they finally decided to tie the knot.
In 2006, Cheryl decided to join her husband in Negros Oriental. A few years later, she found her way, and ultimately fell in love with Silliman University. There was an opportunity for her to join the Library. She grabbed it.
Being a pastor’s wife, Cheryl believes that anything can be done with God who is her ultimate source of strength and hope. Indeed, she has manifested this belief by working full time, and at the same time, also performing her role as a mother of two kids: Rench, eight, and Raizelle, two.
When asked about how much she loves her profession, she responded with a big smile and her eyes twinkled as if they were reflections of the great cosmos. She finds her happiness in the smiling faces and the words of gratitude from the students who constantly seek her assistance. As she is currently finishing her master’s degree, Cheryl is looking forward to more years of touching lives, through the magic and wonders of reading.
Describe yourself in three words.
Simple. Book-lover. God-fearing
What is your motto in life?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What makes you laugh?
My husband’s corny jokes.
What makes you cry?
Seeing old people without anyone taking care of them.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
After 5PM, because it is when I am set to go home and be with my family.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Sunday. I can go to church.
What do you love doing when not working?
Reading.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
KDC.
What makes you blush?
When people tell me I’m pretty.
If you were an actor, who would you be?
Lea Salonga.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I collect key holders and mugs from the different places I visit.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Shatong, “Japanese game” and tubig-tubig.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Reading a good book with a cup of hot coffee and instrumental music in the background.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
I am a mommy’s girl.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Pray and read the Bible
What’s your idea of a family?
People whom you can be comfortable to be with, who accepts you for who you are without pretentions.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
Encourage reading among students and to ultimately promote literacy through reading.
How do you like to be remembered as a librarian?
Someone who is approachable and who extends herself to others with the best of her abilities.
