The 19 participants to the rigorous ten day TESOL course held from October 22 to 31, has finally received their much coveted, 600$ worth certificates on simple graduation rites held at the strawberry hall last October 31.

          The graduates were; Tina Marie Locano Abellera, Maria Lourdes C. Agmata, Dolores E. Alawas, Brenda B. Allay, Evelyn S. Angiwan, Ma.Corazon J. Bautista, Marcelina L. Bolona, Zenith Rose B. Dalog, Diego P. Dumapis, Catherine C. Gonzaga, Cynthia P. Lawad, Cynthia T. Lubiton, Percyveranda A. Lubrica, Cynthia R. Maslian, Rylene N. Ngeta-a, Samuel S. Poliden, Razzel D. Remiendo, John Vercelles, and Anna Liza B. Wakat. The graduates are already certified TESOL trainers worldwide.

          The ceremony was graced by Southern Cross Managing Director, Dr. Carmel Thompson who expressed admiration to the participant's performance in her speech as guest speaker.

           "Life long learning is very much a part of what we have to do today," Dr. Carmel said. "I should also acknowledge the (participant's) partners and parents that have probably suffered for the last 10 days. Of course they probably haven't seen them, I believe in most nights they only had about two hours of sleep…but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the results that we would get.

          Dr. Thompson also related that the participant's outputs would be put together into a resource center that others who would come along with TESOL in the future will be able to use.

          Dr. Keith W. Wright, director of the Australian International Language Academy was also there to give an overview of the TESOL program.

          "In the teaching profession you have to sometimes take risks to achieve your objectives…and that's what TESOL does and that's why we have here ladies and gentlemen, 19 people who has reached new heights, a new altitude…this people has made teaching their mission," he said.

          He added that the key to changing people's lives is to teach them English. "For English is the international language, it is the legal language, it is the language of the future and the economic strength of your nation depends on the literacy level of your people," he added.

          A MOA signing between BSU, AILA ( Australian Language Academy ) and SCILI (Southern Cross International Learning Institute) was done after the rites. More details? Visit the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.