Written By: Roselle G. Aniceto
The University of Baguio Science High School (UBSHS) proudly features one of its distinguished alumni, Paul Nichol R. De Vera, a graduate from the Class of 2012. Paul’s journey since graduating reflects a profound commitment to service and leadership, values he attributes significantly to his foundational years at UBSHS.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 2017 and successfully passing the Pharmacist Licensure Examination, Paul Nichol R. De Vera went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree in 2022 and later passed the Philippine Bar Examination, forging a distinctive path that bridges the fields of healthcare and law. He now serves as an Assistant Professor, where he continues to inspire and mentor future generations.
Paul reflects on the immersion camps organized by UBSHS as one of the most impactful learning experiences. These camps, which allowed him to “fully immerse themselves in the lives of others,” fostered a deep sense of gratitude and servant leadership. “To immerse yourselves in communities and be able to give back to those communities is an experience that molded me to always consider others,” he shares, highlighting how these activities were crucial for his personal development and cultivated an outlook focused on service.
The tradition of Student Class Advisership for fourth-year students also played a pivotal role in shaping Paul’s leadership skills and professional outlook. This responsibility, which involved guiding and advising younger students, taught him the importance of considering others and seeking balance in various circumstances. He emphasizes that such hands-on leadership training, where students are given actual responsibilities, truly hones their skills.
Another enduring tradition from UBSHS that continues to resonate with Paul is the ethos of “you are your brother or sister’s keeper.” This principle, which emphasizes the welfare of all over individual interests, holds particular significance in his current professions. “In the law profession and the pharmacy industry – the welfare of others will always be your utmost consideration,” Paul states, connecting this core value directly to his daily work.
Paul maintains a strong connection to Science High, attributing its ongoing influence to the network of fellow alumni he works with. He notes that these individuals continue to embody the values taught at UBSHS, reinforcing them in his personal and professional life. “When the values come together and when all of us work together with those values – the result will always be for the betterment of all,” he affirms.
Looking ahead, Paul believes that the leadership training and the “you are your brother or sister’s keeper” tradition should be steadfastly maintained, as they were instrumental in shaping him into the person he is today. He credits UBSHS for instilling values that are invaluable in his fields, consistently reminding him that opportunities should always be pursued with a consideration for service to others.
This article highlights Paul’s story as a testament to servant leadership, aligning closely
with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it targets SDG 4:
Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all, by showcasing how school traditions like immersion
camps and student advisership foster leadership and community service that prepare students for
ethical professional roles.
