Scholar with a Mission: Jun Vince Dizon and the Power of Purpose

For Jun Vince Dizon, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is the “icing on top of the cake”. He always dreamed of graduating college and providing for his family. His Latin honor serves as a reminder of his passion for his craft and love for his degree program. Jun Vince expressed immense gratitude for the UPAA Singapore Scholarship. He shared that the scholarship provided him with a sense of financial security, covering expenses such as dorm fees, food, water, and electricity, thereby alleviating the need to ask his parents for financial support. He also stated that the scholarship significantly helped with his thesis expenses, which required him to travel, conduct interviews, and provide incentives for his participants.

Hailing from Bicol, Jun Vince faced the personal challenge of being miles away from his family while studying at UP. He often found himself alone on weekends when friends returned to their homes. He also experienced typhoons and calamities by himself in his dorm. However, he found “found-families” in his orgmates, close friends, and his landlady, who offered kindness, friendship, and companionship during vulnerable times. Beyond academics, Jun Vince’s most significant life lesson from his UP experience was “putting your heart and self into purpose”. He deeply resonated with Development Communication, as it aligned with his passion for communicating with purpose and serving marginalized communities. His family’s financial struggles fueled his drive, as he was determined to excel in his studies to provide them with a better life.

Jun Vince’s immediate plans include working in a government agency to serve the masses and potentially in larger companies focused on the welfare of marginalized communities. He is also committed to giving back to his own community in Bicol where his thesis respondents reside. He hopes his thesis, which sheds light on the struggles of small-scale fisheries, will inspire more researchers and lead to interventions.

To future UP scholars, he advises, “Never forget your roots. Never forget the reason why you wanted to enter UP, and never forget those people who helped you get in, directly or indirectly. Whenever you find yourself lost, always look back to where you were on day one. And ultimately, have faith—in yourself, in your family, in your dreams, in God”. He concluded by expressing his eternal gratitude to organizations like UPAA Singapore, hoping they continue to support students and inspire others to do the same.

This is precisely the spirit of our UP.Lift campaign, which aims to uplift more deserving students like Vince, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. We invite more alumni, friends and organizations to join UPAA Singapore in supporting the next generation of UP graduates.

Congratulations, Vince!!! We are immensely proud of you!