I remember sometime in early 2011 when my former Economics teacher called me and asked for my CV. She told me she wanted to nominate me for the annual school alumni awards. I was honored and grateful—just to even be considered was already a blessing.

Now, many assumed that I was an exemplary student during my university years. The truth is, I was far from it. Allow me to share something very personal.

When I entered college in the early 80s, I was careless and mediocre. During my freshman year, I barely paid attention in class, and I hardly listened to my professors. Naturally, my grades suffered—I started failing courses, and before long, the school had decided to debar me. I still vividly remember that summer day in 1985 when my parents received the letter from the University. My father was furious, and my mother was heartbroken.

You see, my mom and I shared a special bond. She was my first fan and often told me I was meant to do great things. In a palanca letter back in high school, she even wrote that among her seven children, I was “different”—and that she believed God had set me apart for something significant. That summer, when I hit rock bottom, was my first real-life lesson. I knew I had to do something.

My solution? I turned to the Lord. At 19, I prayed desperately that He would give me another chance. By God’s providence, a distant relative appealed to the college regent, a Dominican priest named Fr. Terry Campillo, O.P. He heard my case, listened to me, and—out of compassion—granted me a second chance on one condition: I would be on academic probation and must prove myself by the end of the semester.

This time, I was determined. I sat in front of the class, listened intently, and studied hard. By the end of that semester, my grades shot up, and I almost made it to the Dean’s List. When I returned to Fr. Terry with my class cards, he smiled and told me, “I knew you could do it. Keep it up.” That moment changed me. I never failed a class again, never missed an assignment, and I learned the value of discipline and diligence.

By my senior year, I was not only thriving academically but also serving as a student leader—eventually becoming the president of a federation of 10–12 universities (Junior Philippine Economic Society). Just two years after graduation, I found myself back at UST, this time as a teacher in the Business Administration faculty. One day, I crossed paths with Fr. Terry again. With a smile, he told me, “A few years ago, you were pleading with me to stay in the university. Now, we’re both sitting in the faculty room.” What an incredible full-circle moment.

I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 1988 with a degree in Commerce, majoring in Economics. My mother, sadly, passed away before she could see me graduate, but I always carried her words in my heart. Years later, in 2011, as UST celebrated its 400th year, I received a letter informing me that I was being honored as one of the Most Outstanding Alumni. I can still vividly remember how proud my late father was when I walked up the stage to accept the award from the very same university where both he and my mother had graduated from.

That recognition brought back memories of my failures, my mother’s unwavering faith, my father’s pride, and Fr. Terry’s act of grace. It reminded me of the power and beauty of second chances.

But here’s something I also learned: our mistakes do not have to define who we are. Yes, our actions have consequences—my failures in 1985 brought pain to my parents and almost cost me my education. But if we humble ourselves, learn from those mistakes, and turn to God, He can redeem even our worst failures. Proverbs 24:16 says, “for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” Falling is part of life, but staying down is a choice. God’s grace gives us the strength to rise again.

Most of all, I am reminded of the ultimate second chance we all receive through Christ. Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is the greatest second chance ever given. When I was rebellious, careless, and broken, Jesus met me with grace. He gave me hope when I didn’t deserve it. He restored me when I was at my lowest.

To my late mother, thank you for planting the seed of faith in me. To my late father, thank you for not giving up on me. To my teachers, mentors, and to Fr. Terry—thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. To my dear wife—thank you for standing by me through every season. And to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—thank You for loving me despite my failures, for being faithful when I was not, and for turning my story around for Your glory.

Truly, my life is proof that God is the God of second chances.