Student behind ‘reconsider me’ plea at UP becomes PLM’s magna cum laude graduate

Rufino D’asis Pamaran III, who held a ‘Reconsider me?’ placard at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus in 2019, graduated magna cum laude from Pamantasan Ng Lungsod ng Maynila on September 7, 2023. Image: Courtesy of Ino Pamaran and Sabel Lala/Facebook

The viral student who once held a “Reconsider me?” placard after failing the college admission test of his dream university has bounced back with flying colors as he graduated magna cum laude from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

In 2019, Rufino “Ino” D’asis Pamaran III’s photo holding a sign to reconsider his admission at UP Diliman made rounds online, earning praises from social media users over his unwavering determination to chase his dreams.

He explained to the Inquirer that back then, he failed to reach the passing score in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), prompting him to resort to asking for reconsideration via displaying a huge placard he made.

“I went that extra step because I couldn’t feel satisfied until I tried everything that I could to pursue that dream. It didn’t work out, but I was determined to finish my college studies without being a financial burden to my mom, who is a single parent,” Pamaran explained. 

His dreams and perseverance did not falter from the rejection as it redirected him to press on and unleash his academic excellence in PLM.

Four years later, Pamaran posted his toga picture on Facebook, proudly dedicating his four-year college journey to his loved ones as he finally finished his bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in business economics.

He also noted that he might consider reapplying to his dream school when he embarks on further studies in graduate school or law. However, he expressed immense satisfaction with the path that has been laid out for him.

After all the triumphs and setbacks he went through, Pamaran then offered his regards to the dreamers like him who are currently braving the odds to achieve their chosen paths.

“It takes a lot of strength of character to use everything you have to pursue your dreams, and for that sobrang taas ng respeto ko sa kanila. Through working hard and improving yourself for your dreams, panalo ka na kasi na sa iyo na ang kasiyahan at satisfaction sa sarili mo that you’re living your life to the fullest,” Pamaran concluded.

(It takes a lot of strength of character to use everything you have to pursue your dreams, and for that, they have my utmost respect. Through working hard and improving yourself for your dreams, you already won since the joy and satisfaction are yours because you’re living your life to the fullest.)

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JPV