Carlo – the young achiever

CEBU, Philippines - While most kids find it hard to define success, the 11-year old Carlo Gonzaga knows that he was born with his secret recipe to succeed: determination, prayers, and diligence in his studies.

No wonder, this sixth grader at Consolacion Central School bested 19 other pupils in the recent On-the-Spot Short Story Writing Contest held at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, on June 23.

Carlo loves writing, since first grade. It is in writing that he can truly express what he wants to say and create interesting stories. He is fascinated by the literary works in the books he reads. Aside from that, he loves playing chess, coloring picture books and drawing. His inspiration in writing are his parents. His writing skill he learns from his aunt who taught him to write at an early age.

The boy is a consistent honor student in school having achieved the highest grade of 99.9. He has no particular favorite subject; he likes all of them, he says. He loves studying Philippine history and listening to historical accounts. He also likes English and Science as well as Mathematics.

“When I study, I first make my place quiet before I begin. I make sure no one bothers me,” he says. “When I grow up I want to be a civil engineer. I want to help support my family with our daily needs.”

On the surface, Carlo is just like any regular kid. When not in school, he just stays at home, helps his parents do the household chores. Sometimes, when the house tasks are done and there are no school assignments to do, he plays with his cousins and friends. On Sundays, he goes to church with his parents to attend mass.

His typical weekday is spent at school. “Sometimes I read books or play chess,” Carlo adds. The bright kid describes himself as “just normal.” He’s only too happy and contented to have his family complete and they’re all in good health.

If Carlo is given a chance to write a book about himself, his choice for the title of the book would be “Nobody’s Perfect.” He fully understands that people are born different from one another – that each one is unique; but no one is perfect.

To kids like him, Carlo shares a cliché: “Try and try until you succeed.” He expounds, “Have the right attitude, believe in yourself, give your 100% in doing tasks, never give up. And always pray.”

On his winning the On-the-Spot Short Story Writing Contest, Carlo thanks his school, Consolacion Central School, for giving him the opportunity to join the contest; The Freeman and DepEd 7 for informing them about the contest; Mr. Abe Villamor, his coach; his parents for being his inspiration – “and to God Almighty for the blessing.”