ANIMO STORY

 

 

Paying it forward through education

Maria Oryza Martinez
BSE-ENG 2010

“In La Salle, we were always taught to do things for God and country, and this is something I have always kept in mind.”

 

 

 

It was in a summer camp way back in 2006 when Maria Oryza Martinez, who was then a junior in high school, became exposed to DLSU and its facilities.  It was that experience that moved her to apply for DLSU. She landed a Biology program scholarship, and her interview with the Dean made her appreciate what La Salle could offer.  “It showed me that the leaders in DLSU know how to extend compassion and the right advice,” Ryza recalled.  

The first two years of schooling at DLSU was a major challenge for Ryza. “My personal life in college was fraught with difficulties,” she said. Her family lost their livelihood, which coincided with her father’s job loss as a seafarer.  “We were suddenly left with nothing, not even our own home, which we had to sell, too, in order to survive,” she added.  It was also a painful experience for Ryza when her mom succumbed to heart disease before her second year.  These experiences led her to reflect better on what course would benefit her and her family most – one that would help her land a job right away – so she decided to shift to Education, with a degree in English, believing in the flexibility it offers in terms of career opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Her passion for music and the arts uplifted her.  She was able to continue her studies in DLSU through another scholarship given to student artists as an active member and leader of De La Salle Innersoul. She also took part-time jobs to support her with her studies.  Her DLSU friends, who understood her plight, helped her a lot financially and morally.  “My friends would even photocopy readings for me because I couldn’t afford to photocopy them, and would buy me food when I didn’t have enough food for lunch; sometimes, they would even give me money for my transportation expenses to school,” she recalled. “When I had to do my practicum, they pitched in to buy me clothes. When we wrote our thesis, my thesis partner would offer her extra laptop and her home for overnight writing sessions. For concerts and shows where I had to perform, I took the initiative to borrow clothes when needed.” 

Despite the difficulties, she felt that her growth in college was holistic. Aside from being active in Innersoul, she also served as a feature writer for The Lasallian and worked as a Research Assistant for her professors.

Ryza was grateful for the excellent practicum program offered to Education majors.  She bagged the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis and Outstanding Student Teacher awards during graduation, as well as the University’s Cultural Development Award given to outstanding student artists.

 

 

All these experiences paved the way for what she would do next after life in La Salle with her career in education and continuing passion for music. As an educator, she served various leadership roles, won awards like the Blue Eagle Award for exemplary teaching performance in Ateneo, and has penned various materials, with major publishing companies, for English instruction. In 2019, Ryza was co-nominated for an Awit Award (Best Christmas Recording), and she continues to be an active performer, composer, and member of Hangad, one of the country’s well-known choirs. “My education from DLSU will always be one of my most valued gifts. In La Salle, I also met lifelong friends and mentors who continue to guide me in my career,” Ryza added.

 

 

 

 

“I don’t think I’d be able to have any career nowadays if La Salle did not open its doors to scholars and dreamers like me,” Ryza added.  She completed her masters degree in Ateneo and taught there for seven years. “My Lasallian values remain integral in the work that I have done, because it’s always for others and for helping the country,” she shared.

 

 

 

Her work now at PHINMA Education as Assistant Chief Operations Officer paved the way for her to contribute to the society as a whole.  “We are a network of schools who cater to low-income students and families by intent and by design,” she shared.  Her being part of the institution makes her feel that she is close to “coming full circle” in paying it forward, as their students’ plight is far more difficult than what she had to go through.  “A part of me will always understand what it is like to dream to have a degree, to pursue an education, and to land a job to help one’s self grow and also to help one’s family.  It gives me great joy and a great sense of purpose knowing that I am part of a huge network that envisions and enables these things to be accomplished.” Recently, Ryza led PHINMA Education’s committee in charge of partnering with major telcos, which has resulted in the provision of free Internet connectivity for  their students.

“In this ongoing journey, I will always believe that there is always something to learn – I fully believe in the growth mindset. This grounds me in my personal and professional life and also reminds me of the privilege I have – the privilege of receiving education and of having met people who helped me at the right time,” Ryza said.

 

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Animo Story is a chronicle of inspiring, positive, and motivating journey of Lasallians of DLSU. Notable alumni were submitted by the different Colleges to share their graduates’ professional achievements and significant contributions to their respective communities.