Academic Trailblazer: Amin Kadra A. Sarapuddin Tops Graduating Class

𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫: 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐀. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 Amin Kadra A. Sarapuddin, a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Arabic student, is poised to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.175305. He will be this year’s Class Marshal, an academic title reserved for the student with the highest CGPA among the graduating students. Mr. Sarapuddin will also deliver the valedictory address on behalf of his fellow graduates. This year's Class Marshal is the 5th Summa Cum Laude after Basil Sali (CAS, 2004), Aljemedin Jaudinez (CoEd, 2015), Nahdiyya Nuruddin (CoEd, 2022), and Ana Mae King-King (CoEd, 2023). Mr. Sarapuddin is the third Summa Cum Laude under the administration of Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali. Speaking with the OIPP, the 2024 graduating batch’s Class Marshal shared how significant the Gawad Tsanselor's award is for his post-university journey. "Being a Gawad Chancellor's awardee is very significant for me, as it will not only help me to fulfill my dreams and find a decent job for my future, but it may also inspire my fellow students, especially from the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies," he shared. "This is also significant for my post-university journey, as it serves as my legacy and manifestation of my invaluable service, love for MSU-TCTO, and passion for academic excellence."Mr. Sarapuddin also mentioned his family and friends as the source of his aspiration for academic distinction."I have these people who make me dream big and push me to make the impossible possible. These are my family, particularly my mother, Kimpoy A. Sarapuddin, my CIAS family, our workaholic dean of the CIAS, Prof. Almira A. Hadji, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Director Shirmal Sabal Mudjahiron, and my best friends, the HABIB family. Because of their unwavering support, love, care, and especially trust, it felt like the seemingly impossible became possible."Mr. Sarapuddin remarked on how MSU-TCTO contributed to his recent achievement. "MSU-TCTO played a vital role in my collegiate journey, which helped me achieve my accomplishments. The school conducted many seminars and workshops that helped me develop, improve, and hone my skills, providing a strong foundation in academics and equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in my field.""I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our beloved Chancellor, Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, and the esteemed institution. The scholarship programs, like the monthly allowances and Creme de la Creme semester incentives, helped ease financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my studies. I would also like to express my gratitude to Associate Professor Almira A. Hadji, our dearest Dean, for her tireless mentorship and guidance."Looking forward, Mr. Sarapuddin shares his future pursuits."After graduation, I plan to apply at MSU-TCTO to serve, payback, and continue my studies in a Master's program in CIAS, which is the MAIsEd. The strong foundation I received in both Islamic and secular education at MSU-TCTO will be invaluable in achieving this.""I'm also passionate about giving back to the community by conducting special and beneficial activities, seminars, etc., that would not only be beneficial in worldly matters but also bring the community together and closer to Allah. I also plan to contribute to environmental projects that address the needs of Tawi-Tawi province and the region."The 2024 Class Marshal expressed his desire to be part of the University's academic force."I found my academic career at MSU-TCTO, particularly at the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies, in terms of rendering services, sharing knowledge, and inspiring souls. If I were allowed to serve and contribute to MSU-TCTO, I would do it in my own unique way," he said. "It would be a pleasure to contribute to the vibrant legacy of MSU-TCTO. For me, MSU-TCTO is more than just a university. For me, it's home.""I believe MSU-TCTO has a bright future and will continue to create opportunities and transform lives, not only for the MSUans and Tawi-Tawians, but for the entire region and country, and I hope to stay connected as an alumnus. I'd love to share my experiences at MSU-TCTO, mentor future students in my field, and collaborate on research projects if given the chance to work at MSU, and by Allah's will."In his final note, Mr. Sarapuddin thanked and acknowledged the people who helped and contributed a lot to his recent success. "There is an Islamic saying that helps me focus on my future goals, which says: 'من جد و جد' 'Man Jadda wa Jada', which means 'whoever strives hard shall succeed'. Through these wise remarks, I realized that whatever you accomplish today, you will reap the benefits tomorrow. Regardless of whether it is good or terrible.""Furthermore, those who have encouraged me to be the best version of myself have led me to prioritize my future goals, such as my family." They are the primary reason why I strive for excellence and aim high. They provided and demonstrated so much support, love, care, and, most importantly, trust, which is priceless, and I am confident I will never be able to repay.""Finally, I have my CIAS family, who always have my back, especially our loving dean, Prof. Almira A. Hadji, who has many goals and dreams, not just for me but for all CIAS students."As a Gawad Tsanselor for Academic Excellence Awardee and Summa Cum Laude, the Class Marshal is set to receive a ₱30,000 cash gift from the University.

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