Ms Ginalyn A. Orillana

In times of loss and despair, our family is our sole sanctuary where comfort and love abound. A family is a haven of acceptance and understanding, where care and nurture is a common language. With the complications life entails, a family simply fills the void of human existence. Despite the challenges that we go through, the value of a family remains at the core of our being.

Among those who can better understand the significant role of a family in one’s life is Ms Ginalyn Orillana whose life decisions have always revolved around the very family that shaped her into who she is today. Confronted by so many trials and periods of doubt, she finds refuge and answers from the people who held her firmly throughout those shaky moments.

Born on November 27, 1988 and raised in Barangay Talay in Dumaguete City, Ginalyn grew up in a typical Filipino family set-up where discipline was held with high regard. When she was three months old, her grandmother had to step in to take care of her, giving way for her parents to focus on their growing business at the Dumaguete public market. Because of her grandmother’s protective instinct, she never really had a lot of chances to go out and play. But despite that, she remembers her childhood as a very colorful part of her life.

Her being hard working and industrious are traits she inherited from her parents who always made sure she and her two older siblings remain on the right path. When she started schooling, she drew motivation from the thought of receiving brand new toys, clothes and shoes at the end of every school year. She pushed herself harder. Her efforts paid off. She graduated first honorable mention at the Junob Elementary School in 2001 and made it to the Top 10 in high school at the Junob National High School in 2005.

While she admits to generally being an introvert, she recalls growing that interest in taking command of situations. She would take the role of teacher whenever she and her friends had the chance to play, manifesting on the chalkboard what she considers to be her inclination for teaching at a young age.

Things did not turn out according to her will upon entering college though. Her parents insisted on her taking up Nursing. While not completely sold to the idea, she pursued her parents’ desire and enrolled in the Nursing program in Silliman in 2005. But towards the end of the first semester, Ginalyn strongly felt she was in a course that didn’t fit her. Against the will of her parents, she transferred to the College of Education in the second semester.

Her parents were unsupportive of her decision, but Ginalyn stood firm. She was happier, and was convinced she found her spot, with her new course: BS Secondary Education major in Filipino. In order to fully win her parents over, Ginalyn did her best to make them proud by excelling in school. Just as she was in her basic education years, Ginalyn raked in academic honors and scholarships year after year. In 2010, she was granted the highest academic distinction of University Honors and obtained her degree in Education that same year. Also in 2010, she passed the licensure examination for teachers.

After graduating from college, she aimed her arrow at a master’s degree — and now eyes on a doctoral degree. She served as a Graduating Teaching Fellow at the Filipino Department as she was completing her graduate degree. While she could have in the next years joined the public school system, she built a relationship with the Filipino Department that was strong enough to keep her intact with them.

Ginalyn now revels in being able to give back to her family. She continues to pour her heart out into the wonderful world of teaching, inspiring and motivating her students to become better citizens in the society they live in.

Describe yourself in three words.
Reserved. Ambitious. Crazy.

What is your motto in life?
Life is what we make it.

What makes you laugh?
Corny, unexpected jokes.

What makes you cry?
Family problems.

What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening – It is the time I get to rest and relax.

What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Friday – It is the day I am energized looking forward to the weekend.

What do you love doing when not working?
I sleep.

What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Filipino Department Office.

What’s your favorite game growing up?
Tayukok.

What is your idea of a relaxing day?
No work-related things to think about the entire day.

What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
People usually think I am intimidating but once they get to know me, I can be fun and humorous.

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“Who Am I” by Casting Crowns

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
I pray and thank God for the gift of life.

What’s your idea of a family?
A family is where you can find unconditional love.

At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To help my family in every way I can.

How do you like to be remembered as a teacher?
As a friendly, approachable, and down-to-earth teacher.