An Autobiography

..............................Rocel Angela Reynon

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

This wonderful bible verse has done a lot to guide me in the journey of my life. Its powerful message has contributed a lot in making me a better individual – a child to my parents, a student, a Filipino citizen, and a servant of God.

As a child

I was born to a simple and happy family. My father is a plain collector but a hardworking provider. My mother is the most loving homemaker. I am the second child among four girls. I was not given the chance to live with a rich family; however, my family is more than a treasure. I always believe that one’s family is the first and foremost blessing a person receives from God.

In our home, I have known who really I am – what I like and I don’t like. My parents were the first people who appreciated the beauty I have outside and taught me to enrich a beauty inside. With them, I learned about my talents – where I am strong and where areas I need to improve myself. With my family, I have experienced the ups and downs of life.

I have always admired the ways my parents have reared the four of us. Poverty has always been a great obstacle for them but they never tried to give up in giving us a better life. Like most parents, they believe that providing a good education for us is the means to a brighter future. My parents will always remind me not to see our condition in life as a misery. They have taught me to view poverty as an initial step in reaching our dreams; a training ground that will make us more responsible individual in the future. They never forget to tell us that education nowadays is a privilege, for many children were not given the chance to see a school; therefore, we should still be more thankful.

As a student

The word of my parents as they instill in me the essence of education to one’s life is my guide as I grow up. As a student, I give a high value for education. With the certainty that education is the key to a better life, I study hard. I believe that intelligence is a gift from God that must be accompanied with determination and perseverance to bring one’s success. As a result, I graduated as the school valedictorian both in elementary and in high school.

My elementary days were the days I was beginning to figure out my talents and skills as well as my weaknesses as a student. I was starting to like English and Filipino subjects. I had also developed my interest in reading and literature during those years. At an early age, I experienced competing and winning in inter-school and regional competitions.

Finally, my four-year stay in high school was the most colorful years of my life as a student. I have a clear set of goals. Maintaining an outstanding academic performance is one. So, I was determined to maintain high grades in all learning areas. For that reason, I was chosen by my teachers for four consecutive years as the best student in the following areas - English, Economics, Values Education and Filipino. On my graduation, I received the PGMA Award of Academic Excellence.

Competitions have been a part of my student life. Being the Editor-in-Chief of our school newspaper, I represented our school in regional journalism contests. My triumph in several contests made me one of the Teodoro Valencia’s Most Outstanding Journalists and our school’s Most Outstanding Campus Journalist. Moreover, I had also given pride to my school in different oratorical contests and quiz bees. I can’t even count the number of times I had said “I brought home the bacon!”

In addition, I had become a part of some organizations and student clubs. I became the Vice-President of Muntinlupa Editors Guild and the Vice-Chairman of the High School Editors Guild of the Philippines. I also became the President of KPSEP (Kabataan sa Pambansang Samahan sa Edukasyong Pagpapahalaga –PEDHS chapter). Finally, my leadership abilities was recognized and I given the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award.

As a Filipino Citizen

My tasks as a student did not stop me to fulfill my duties as a Filipino citizen. My achievements were not enclosed in the four walls of my school. Service for others taught me to be civic conscious and socially responsible. Community services taught me to be aware of others needs and to do things selflessly. Moreover, helping others made me realize how blessed I am.

The most memorable project for me was the Project Citizen 2007 held at University of Asia and Pacific. I will never forget the first time I had to figure out a major community problem then suggest a good solution for it. Together with my mentor and my group mates, I have comprehended the real meaning of being a citizen – someone who does not only exist in a community but someone who is responsive while living inside the community. For me, a citizen must be someone who is aware on what is happening around him and knows how to take an action when it is essential.

Another I had was the Project Road Safety. In this project, I had to come up with a road project that will solve the traffic problem in our school while maintaining the safety of each student. Other important community participation I had was Bigay Puso sa mga Bilanggo where I learned the value of giving and reaching out other people.

As a Christian

My favorite line in the book Purpose Driven Life is “You were made by God and for God – and until you understand that life will never make no sense.” Instilled in my mind, I always pray to God to teach and help me to discern his holy purpose in my life.



As an answer, I believe God leads me in the path of taking up BS Psychology - a course that trains someone to understand human behavior and manner of thinking. I chose psychology as my future profession neither because of the prestige nor the money it could bring me. I am craving for the sense of fulfillment. I chose this profession because I want a future job that will connect me to other people. I want a job that will help me communicate to them and sooner, to inspire them with the joy that is in me. Moreover, I desire to bring God the glory through my life. I give education so much importance yet at the end of the day, education is just another area of my life where He can use me.



Presently, I always remind myself that life is really living for God. In everything I do, from the simplest routine to the most complex life activity, I want God to smile while looking at my heart.

I know sorrowful things and unexpected things may occur amidst these beliefs of mine. I may not be smiling and laughing all the time. Success may not always be there along the way. But Romans 8:28 is clear with God’s promise “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, those who are called according to his purpose.”