Isaiah Crisanto, the first UPOU University Student Council (USC) Chairperson, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Multimedia Studies degree. With the flexibility of learning at UPOU, Isaiah studied in more than nine time zones in the world, all the while opening him up to many opportunities to work, study, and serve UPOU students.
After over twenty years and a few attempts, UPOU has finally established its own University Student Council and recognized student organizations thanks to Isaiah’s initiative—his desire to find friends and people with the same interests motivated this. Isaiah made history by being the first UPOU USC Chairperson and the UPOU Provisional Committee Chairperson. He became one of the signatories who drafted the constitution that allowed UPOU to establish its student council and publication. This initiative has boosted student representation in the university and built more vital communities.
Isaiah expressed that being a student leader is a challenging responsibility, but being an online student leader poses extra challenges, like being present for students in person and online. This struggle has led the UPOU council to push for a hybrid system of student governance for the UP System. They utilized live streaming and Zoom calls to create more democratic and accessible governance, especially given that UPOU USC comprises students worldwide.
With the increasing demand for his responsibilities, Isaiah made sacrifices to focus on his studies and be a student leader. He gave up his part-time job and internship to fulfill his university responsibilities.
These experiences at UPOU have been integral to Isaiah’s becoming a global citizen, independent learner, and self-starter. With all his experiences at UPOU, he advises students to take the time to discern their priorities to balance everything. He says that it is essential to contemplate how you spend your time. Isaiah promises to continue fighting for student rights and pushing the administration to provide students with better democratic spaces. He wishes that future UPOU USC members would lead students with honor and excellence.
Written by Zyrene Edrei Villanueva ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel
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