Changing One Life at a Time: A Lasallian Journey

In a world that often measures success in titles and salaries, the life journey of a Lasallian scholar reminds us that true achievement lies in integrity, purpose, and giving back. 

Darwin Lazatin graduated from Don Bosco Academy in Pampanga and always dreamt of studying at DLSU.  With finances tight, he took the risk of competing for a full scholarship. “It’s the quality of education that La Salle provides and also the financial aspect that La Salle can help me to get an education through a scholarship,” he shared. 

He entered DLSU in 1990 under the Computer Science program, the first batch to use the then newly opened Gokongwei Building. Life as a scholar came with pressures, but Darwin embraced them. “I never told classmates I was a scholar. I just let my work speak for itself,” he recalls.

Though focused on his studies, Darwin made time to build friendships and join organizations like CATCH 94, the Mountaineering Club, SOLV (Servants of the Lord’s Vineyard), and the Debating Team where he represented DLSU in Australia at the World Debating Competition alongside RJ Ledesma.  “College was one of the best times of my life. The people that I have maintained, the friendships I have cherished– all are from college.” 

But college life wasn’t without challenges. As he couldn’t afford a dorm, he stayed with relatives in Novaliches, commuted daily, and experienced how to walk for hours when LRT services were down.  

After graduation, he joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as a programmer and was assigned overseas on several occasions.  In the US where he worked on international projects, he kept his work ethic built on transparency, discipline, and integrity. Yet, even with a solid reputation, setbacks happened. Twice laid off while supporting a family of five and paying for a mortgage, he found strength in his Lasallian values.

“Things are not as rosy as other people might think, but in trying to face those challenges, you try to put on a positive spin to it. And always put your faith in God that eventually you will land on something,” he says, reflecting on his faith and Lasallian formation.  

Today, Darwin is the head teaching assistant at Harvard Extension School, where he teaches Statistical Modeling to full-time professionals pursuing their master’s degrees. “Dreaming of graduating from Harvard (with a Master of Liberal Arts, Information Management System in 2021), then becoming a faculty, I think I consider that to be one of my proudest moments. And again, I would not have reached that part if not for De La Salle University.”

Darwin hasn’t forgotten where it all began. He is now supporting the scholarship program of DLSU. “The stipend, one way or the other, can unload a family of the financial burden. Even with just one person, it’s a big help, which I’m speaking for myself. If not for my Lasallian education, I would not be where I am right now.” 

“I may not be able to change the world, but I can change the life of a person, one at a time,” Darwin says. That’s not just a motto—it’s a testimony to the life he’s lived and the legacy he hopes to leave.

He continues to volunteer at his parish and occasionally picks up his camera—he was a professional wedding photographer for nearly a decade. But his passion remains rooted in education. “One day, I hope to send two or three students to La Salle. That will be my legacy.”

To current Lasallian scholars, Darwin offers this advice: “When you get out, never forget that you are a Lasallian because that’s something that you carry with you, wherever you go, personally or professionally.  And when you meet people from La Salle, there’s always a bond that you can create immediately.”

Darwin Lazatin’s journey is proof that one Lasallian can, indeed, change the world—one life at a time.

(If you know of other Lasallian success stories we may feature in the Animo Story section of the Arrow e-newsletter, please refer them to us at [email protected])