When I first made my footsteps in UPV (University of the Philippines in the Visayas) Cebu, I was puzzled. Why do so many people call us scholars? We are not even gaining any discounts or less on our tuition fees. Later, I learned the basic reason. A UP student is being called a scholar because UP is a government school. When we say that UP is a government school, that means part of the students’ tuition fees on all UP campuses were shouldered by the people of the Philippines. I am not satisfied with this reason because for me there is a deeper meaning to what a true scholar is, so I managed to define and describe what a true scholar is in my own understanding.

Going back to the old times, Aristotle and Ptolemy as an example were considered as great scholars. Why? It is because they were considered geniuses who discovered something essential and beneficial to the progress of the world. They were even called great philosophers for their wisdom and knowledge. But who called or regarded them as scholars? Of course it’s the people.

Now in the post-modern era, the usual basis of calling a scholar is still the same as in the time of Aristotle and Ptolemy. A person is called a scholar when he/she is identified to have a great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations like UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test), and supported by a scholarship institution. When one person possesses these three (3) minimum qualifications, then he/she will be identified by the society as a true scholar. The problem is, it is not enough that we call ourselves scholars just because we are regarded by the society as a person having great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations, and is supported by a scholarship institution.

Now I will begin my own definitions of a true scholar. First and foremost, a true scholar is a person with a wise mind. He/She must know his/her limitations and capabilities. He/She must know how to handle both easy and difficult situations in life. That is, he/she must be exposed in the reality of life. One person does not need to earn a degree or honor just to gain scholarship and be called a scholar. If one person have a talent that others do not have, if he/she excel most in that talent, and if he/she exercise that talent in a good way, then he/she is worthy to be called a true scholar. In other words, if one person has a talent that he/she excels amongst all others and uses it for good, then that person is a true scholar. By using one’s talent in a good way one person is exercising his/her being a wise person and that what makes him/her a true scholar. An example is a beautician who is very famous in the society because of his/her great skills. She is a perfect model of a true scholar because she gained many customers who favored her skills. When one person have many other persons trusting him/her, that means he/she is wise and is good in his/her own way of living. When it comes to students, the same definitions I mentioned are also applicable. In addition, I believe that a true scholar is a student motivated to go to school not just because someone or something supports him/her in the financial aspect but rather, there is that emotional force that keeps him/her motivated to study and be a true scholar.

They say that being a true scholar is a precious gift worthy of rejoicing with. But for me, a true scholar or being a true scholar is earned and it’s not that worthy to rejoice with. Bearing the title of a “true scholar” entails a great responsibility a person should keep in mind always. A true scholar is a person who is disciplined and responsible for his/her actions. That is, a true scholar is a person who will not degrade the meaning of a true scholar itself.