A benevolent soul
One of the greatest miracles that God has ever gifted mother s with are children. Each day, an expectant mother experiences the joyful wonder of bringing a baby into the world. This entails pain and sacrifice but a mother’s love for her child born of a deep and patient kind allows her to endure all of it. A lifetime of nurturing follows, and the eventual rewards that a mother reaps from raising wonderful children are priceless.
Marie Jaqueline “Jackie” Lee Ferreol is one joyful mother whose passions in life are her God-given miracles — her children. She and her husband Manolito “Nolet” Ferreol, both doctors by profession, are extremely blessed to have a loving brood of four. Their firstborn Michelle Denise or Michi, 22, is a Harvard University scholar; second child Cami, 20, is also a scholar at Clark University in Massachusetts. Only son Dominic, 14, is a Grade 10 outstanding student at La Salle Greenhills and youngest daughter Kathleen, 13, is a conscientious Grade 8 student at St. Pedro Poveda College.
Jackie says, “I constantly pray to God to guide all our children, to keep them healthy and safe wherever they may be. I pray that whatever sickness may endanger them, be given to me instead.” There are times when her husband reminds her to go out of their home in between her work as a radiologist and mingle with her friends. She laughingly responds, “I am a sociable person who cherishes friends, too, but I feel that my life is for my children. They are my priority. I enjoy chatting with them, taking them to and picking them up from school, spending time at home organizing their photos, tickets, cards and collecting all their memorabilia, which I make into albums. This is my past time and favorite thing to do.”
Jackie is floating on clouds these days because of the latest achievements of her eldest daughter Michelle Denise, which she happily shared with me.
Michi, as she is fondly called, has given the family so much pride. She is so loved by her two supportive grandmothers Lourdes L. Lee and Corazon V. Ferreol. As a sweet older sister, she has become the role model of her younger siblings. Besides being an outstanding student, Michi is a benevolent soul giving her time and talent to those who need her. Because of her selfless dedication, she is loved and idolized by her peers and schoolmates.
Michi was always at the top of her class at the St. Pedro Poveda College ( previously Poveda Learning Center) and graduated with the highest honors in her batch. After graduating Grade 7 from Poveda, Michi got the Filipino scholarship at the International School Manila. At ISM, she held several positions. She was the Model United Nations (MUN) secretary general, the Bamboo Telegraph managing editor, a member of the National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society and the school’s softball team. She was also an active member of PREP (Promoting Rural Education in the Philippines).
Her teachers and schoolmates have nothing but kind words for her. Up to this day, she has kept in touch with her mentors and schoolmates.
Michelle graduated salutatorian from ISM and received the Moon Koo Lee Outstanding Senior Award, the CIS International Student Award and the Student Journalism Award.
Jackie shares, “She was named one of the ‘People of the Year’ at ISM and her write-up says: ‘An adept speaker, a feisty debater, an accomplished athlete, Michi leaves ISM with an unparalleled legacy of talent, humility and inspiration. Michi’s warmth and kindheartedness captures the hearts of students, teachers, and college admissions officers alike. With her unassuming disposition, sweet smile, and welcoming personality, she is living proof that there’s still good in this world.’”
Michi was ecstatic when she was accepted at Ivy League schools — Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and Cornell. At Harvard, where she is so grateful to spend such memorable college years, she was so proud to share the Filipino talent and culture. She became the president of the Harvard Philippine Forum and the Freshman International Program, the alumni relations director of Organization of Asian American Sisters in Service (OAASIS) and the director of operations of the Igniting Innovation Summit. She was also an editor of the Harvard Crimson.
Every summer, Michi traveled for service. She was a global health intern in Tanzania, Africa, a public relations summer associate for the Special Olympics in Great Britain and a teacher for immigrants’ workers children in Beijing. Michi, likewise, helped the out-of-school youth in Manila by creating Harvard’s first organized service trip to the Philippines. She is also a cofounder of College Admissions Mentors for Peers or CAMP in the Philippines, a student-run organization that provides international education opportunities for local high school students.
Last May, Michi graduated cum laude at Harvard University, completing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Global Health and Health Policy. On top of this achievement, Jackie says, “Michi was also chosen to be the female recipient of the distinguished Ames award.”
The Ames award is given by Harvard University to two graduates, one male and one female, who exhibit e x emp la r y leadership and passion for helping others without any fanfare or acknowledgement.
It was a big surprise for Michi as she held her mother’s hand. They both broke into tears when they heard the host say the Philippines and her name was called. The entire Ferreol family rejoiced!
Michi’s roommate Valentina Perez, a Venezuelan, wrote, “I cannot properly articulate how much I have been inspired by the four years that I have known her because of her unwavering desire to help others and her strong devotion to friendship. I have seen her stay up late to talk with CAMP mentees in the Philippines or create flyers for a friend running to be Undergraduate Council representative. I have seen her wake up early to teach 8th graders and to set up an event for one of the various student groups to which she devotes her precious time. Despite her very busy schedule she goes out of her way to think about how her friends are doing and makes an effort to improve their friendship. She never brags about her work. She simply takes pride in helping others. Time and again, she points to others’ successes rather than allowing herself to stand in the spotlight. To me, she epitomizes the opportunities that Harvard gives us to follow our passions, which for her include education and innovation while also creating lasting relationships with her peers. As one who has witnessed her many achievements at Harvard, she truly deserves the Ames award.”
Michi continues to dream of providing quality education for children in the Philippines. By providing excellent education, she hopes to empower the younger generation to make a positive difference. Her selfless dedication, hard work and passion in everything she does has brought her the success she now has and will continue to attain. She hopes to return to the country, determined to pursue her advocacy of providing educational opportunities at every level.
Congratulations, Michi! May you continue to be a shining light for others in the years to come.
( Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)