Educ Alumna Shares Message

of HOPE on Recognition Day

“It was Hard work, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Excellence which led me
to where I am now which I used in making a difference in people’s lives,” said
Dr. Elve O. Nasvik during her speech at the University Recognition Day held
February 24 at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall.

Nasvik, an alumna of Foundation University College of Education and the

present chair of the Teacher Education Department of the Silliman University
College of Education, focused her message of inspiration to more than 200
student honorees on the acronym HOPE.

She started with H which for her meant Hardwork – a tool she and her parents
used in order to surpass hardships and challenges brought about by poverty.
She recalled that while studying at FU, she would walk from her home in
Mangnao to the Dumaguete Market whenever she had limited financial
resources.

Proud of her humble beginnings, Nasvik never failed to acknowledge her father
who earned the money to pay her tuition as a tricycle driver and her mother
who pursued multiple means of living in order to make the ends meet. She
recalled, during the time she did all the household chores. Nasvik also
mentioned that her free time was spent in the library because she did not have
the financial capacity to rent or purchase books. Poverty, for her, was never a
hindrance to success and what made her through the odds was the culture of
hardwork nourished since her early life.

Later, she elaborated on O as Opportunity. Nasvik told the honorees, “There are
so many opportunities ahead of you. Discover more about yourself and your
aspirations for the future. To do so, you need to make the most of every
opportunity.”

True to her statement, the opportunities she grabbed in the past included the
teaching experience which lasted for 10 years at a learning center in Manila.
Upon coming home to Dumaguete, she also served her alma mater, Foundation
University, as a high school teacher from 2004 to 2006. While pursuing her
postgraduate studies, a mentor offered her a job to work as administrator for a
private school and the experience made her to learn and grow as an educator
and administrator.

Nasvik continued sharing with the third letter, P for Perseverance - propels and
has made her go on when things would seem hopeless. “When you stumble and
fall, and when you feel you’ve had enough, do not be too hard on yourself.
Never lose hope. And don’t you ever quit.,” said Nasvik to the honorees.

“In everything you do, no matter what circumstance, always put GOD first”
added Nasvik as she elaborated that talents and abilities comes from God and
advised the honorees “to use it (gifts) as God intends.”

Lastly, E meant Excellence. For Nasvik, Excellence is giving the best of what one
could be.

“Challenge yourself to excel all the time. Build your confidence and competence.
Use all available tools. Nowadays we all have access to so many tools such as
computers, internet, and DIY (Do it Yourself) guides. Remember that a tool is
anything that helps you excel – don’t get hung up on what it is, but focus on
what it can do for you,” Nasvik added.

At the end of her speech, she left a heartwarming tribute to her alma mater and
advise to the honorees, “Foundation University has given us a well-rounded
education in all aspects of our lives. In whatever field you will be in, in
whatever you do, be true examples of morally upright individuals. Carry with
you the knowledge, skills and attitude that Foundation University has taught
you. With excellence, comes the responsibility of setting a good example. Many
people, look up to brilliant individuals like you with hope and admiration.”

Dr. Elve O. Nasik completed her undergraduate degree in elementary education

from Foundation University in 1990. She holds a master’s degree and
postgraduate degree in Educational Management from Silliman. In 2017, she
was given the advanced communicator gold citation by Toastmasters
International. Dr. Nasvik is an active member of Toastmasters – Dumaguete and
has served as chapter president from 2017 to 2018.