Vio Jianu Mojica: The Heart of a Teacher

Vio Jianu Mojica learned to be independent at age 12, when he moved from his hometown in Indang, Cavite to live in a dorm and study at Philippine Science High School in Quezon City.  His teachers’ dedication motivated him to excel in his studies and to graduate with honors.  It would also inspire him to eventually a pursue a career in the academe.

For college, Vio considered the country’s top universities.  He took the DLSU College Admission Test (DCAT), on the day of which his mother received a brochure about DLSU’s Vaugirard Scholarship Program.  He was destined to be at DLSU; soon after, he would be offered the opportunity to be part of the first batch of Vaugirard scholars.  

The decision to go to DLSU was influenced by his parents, who attended the University’s pre-confirmation orientation for parents of prospective students.  “I think that being able to get a glimpse of what I will be experiencing, not only in college but also after, is a big factor in their decision. Only DLSU showed us a vision of the future, the opportunities that are in store for us,” Vio shares.

College life opened a lot of opportunities for Vio as a Statistics – Actuarial Science major.  He and his thesis mates ended up with an outstanding Undergraduate Thesis award that made him qualified to be hired as an Assistant Instructor at  DLSU immediately.  This experience also inspired Vio to do research, “I realized the excitement of discovering new knowledge with the potential to contribute to society. The notion that I could do this for a living and someday mentor other students to do the same drove me to pursue this career.”

Aside from excelling in academics, Vio was also able to balance his academics and extracurricular activities.  “I was a drummer for the DLSU Animo Squad for a year. Being able to go to UAAP games regularly was fun. We were also able to perform at some events like the Alumni Homecoming and the Clark Animo Marathon. Most importantly, the sense of camaraderie and discipline from this experience has truly influenced who I am now.”

Proud of the Lasallian education he enjoyed, Vio believes that giving back is always been a core value of a true Lasallian.  “At DLSU, we are encouraged to excel, not only for ourselves but also for others. From what I observed from our alumni, some give back through sponsoring scholarships, some give back by educating the next generation of students, and some give back through inspiration, through their excellence.”

The first two years of Vio’s professional career was spent at DLSU as an assistant instructor.  

Currently an Assistant Professor at UP Manila,  he plans to stay in the academe to pursue teaching and research.  “Looking forward, I would like to extend the opportunity of education to more people who are not afforded this privilege.  I would also like to someday make some significant contributions through research. Especially in light of this pandemic, I hope everyone appreciates the importance of research in helping us understand our world and making informed decisions for the benefit of the people.”

The current pandemic scenario imposes a lot of challenges for teachers like him. “Some [of our students] may not have internet access, some may not even have gadgets, and some may have family members directly affected by COVID-19. It is our duty to help provide them with equal opportunities to learn. This situation, while disheartening, strengthened my resolve to be a better educator. As they say, education is the great equalizer.”

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Vio was a Vaugirard scholar.  This scholarship program is named after the place where St. John Baptist de La Salle founded his first novitiate.  The program awards full scholarship to 50 of the best and brightest students from public high schools nationwide every year.  Scholars are given monthly stipends to cover board and lodging, meals, transportation, and books.

To know more about DLSU Scholarships, visit https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/admissions/scholarships/

If you would like to take part in our mission of making quality, Christian education accessible to all, you may contact  us at [email protected]

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