by Hyacinth Lousie Duldulao
MOHSG Batch 56, 1st Runner-up
The beautiful thing about experience is that it allows you to exist in two places at once—both as the person you were and the person you have become. Like a juxtaposition, per se. As I witness the journey of the nominees for the 58th Search for the Most Outstanding High School Graduate (MOHSG), I find myself caught between nostalgia and this strange sense of unfamiliarity. It is a surreal feeling to know exactly what they are going through, yet to marvel at how much the competition has evolved. Their experiences are so different from ours, yet somehow, they remain the same.
When brilliant minds gather in one space, it is an explosion of personalities, each unique, driven, and filled with passion. To navigate through these personalities is one experience, but to unite them in harmony and forge a shared experience, that is another. So, what has changed from our time to now?
One of the most evident differences is how excellence is just continuously redefined. The bar is always being raised, and with it comes an undeniable pressure, one that I know most of these nominees feel. What is even more exciting is seeing how MOHSG continues to grow, with this year’s batch presenting 39 nominees compared to the 26 in our time. The increasing number of participants is proof of the impact of the competition, shaping not just students but future leaders. It has changed my life and the lives of many before me, and it continues to do so.
Yet, despite these changes, some things remain the same. The battle against self-doubt, the pressure to stand out, and the pursuit of personal growth are emotions that every nominee inevitably faces. These feelings are almost set in stone, tied to the very core of the MOHSG experience.
It has been nearly two years since I first stepped into this competition, but my love for MOHSG has never wavered. I find myself drawn back, time and time again, not just because of the reminiscent feeling it brings me but because of the people who continue to believe in me, especially my JCI Kuyas, who have always seen me as part of their vision for MOHSG.
So, why did I return? Why did I choose to step back into this space, this time as an Ate to the new batch of nominees?
Simple. It was all about how my MOHSG experience transformed me. It was a springboard that propelled me to growth, confidence, and self-discovery. I saw firsthand how a room filled with brilliant, passionate individuals could shape a person. I witnessed my own transformation from a hesitant, uncertain participant to someone who embraced opportunities, built confidence, and redefined what success meant.
There is an indescribable joy in witnessing growth, in seeing someone walk into a space filled with uncertainty and walk out carrying newfound confidence. The most rewarding part of volunteering for MOHSG is knowing that I get to play a part in that transformation.
I hope that beyond the competition, the nominees wholeheartedly realize that excellence is not about perfection but about perseverance. That leadership is not about having the most ideas in the room but about having the courage to stand up and speak for what truly matters. And most importantly, that their journey here is not just about proving their capabilities, it is about discovering the greater purpose they can serve for the people and communities around them.
Excellence is not about perfection but about perseverance. That leadership is not about having the most ideas in the room but about having the courage to stand up and speak for what truly matters.
To the nominees of MOHSG 58,
It is okay to feel small, but never mistake that feeling for insignificance. If you feel intimidated, take it as a sign that you are in the right room, surrounded by greatness that will push you to become even greater.
The relationships you build here will outlast any award, and the lessons you gain will shape you in ways you have yet to realize.
Most importantly, remember that what matters most is the transformation you undergo throughout this journey, and you can start by asking yourself after every activity, “What will change?”. So, just let go of the pressure to be perfect and, instead, immerse yourself in the experience. Absorb everything. Celebrate every moment. And trust that, regardless of the outcome, you will finish this journey as a stronger, wiser, and more empowered version of yourself.
So, just breathe, embrace, and enjoy the ride. One day, you will look back at this moment and realize that MOHSG was the beginning of something far greater than you can think of.
