Her friends call her ‘Deb,’ a laid back version of her name that matches her disposition - friendly, amiable, with an easy smile. But Deborah B. Gay is far from laid back when it comes to her faith, her studies, and her kind of nationalism.
She ends her four-year stay as a BS Economics major in UP as magna cum laude, the one with the highest GWA (1.30) among the 2019 graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Life is never about me. This is what UP has taught me. I grew up as an only child with no competition for love from my parents and with all of my needs provided. I have always known that I am blessed. But when I studied in UP, far away from the comforts of home I get to see that there is more to this life than just having my needs and wants satisfied.”
She said that her stay in the University made her realize that so many people are going through so many problems that are hundred times more difficult than what she has experienced.
“If I can help, I should help. It’s not about selfless. Just thinking of one’s self less as Paul David Tripp put it. I love what Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” What UP has taught and my own personal take on life based on my faith will be by guideposts when I am already working in my chosen field of profession.
In addition, Gay said that UP has awakened her to love the country and find ways to translate this in her everyday life particularly through her economics and history subjects.
