He has the look and voice of an eight-year old boy. He walks with steps that are half to that of most ordinary students. He buys his clothes at the kiddy section. Yes, maybe he is just a little boy to everyone’s eyes and an unbelievable college student to his classmates and teachers, but he has big dreams. And he is out to prove that it is not the size but the dreams that matter.
Standing four feet and weighing 25 kilos only, one would surely mistake Achiem Dalman as an elementary school pupil who happened to drop by the university, perhaps, to look for his kuya or ate. Or one would think that he is a little boy who is lost here. But Achiem is not here for any of those reasons. Like any of us, he is here to study—he is a college student. He is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSInT) student and he is, in fact, 16 years old already.
When he came here to enroll, everyone seemed to doubt if he is really qualified to be a college student. Well, with his physical features, who would not? But having such unique physical appearance does not intimidate Achiem at all. For him, there’s more to him than being small. For him, it’s not the size that matters in achieving one’s dream. And he is here to prove it!
Hailing from Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Achiem narrated how he was treated by people on his first step in this university. Almost everyone were amazed and intrigued upon knowing that he is already enrolling for college, and in fact, one of the university president’s guards had to accompany him during enrollment. He even related that the Physical Education department had to order a special uniform for him!
Achiem shared that he came to this university to study because he instantly became a NORSU-fanatic after hearing the excellent achievements of the university in his hometown. He said that he decided to take up BSInT because for him, it is the best course that does not require height.
He hopes that NORSU will equip and prepare him for the future. He also believes that he can surpass all pains and sacrifices of a college student through constant guidance from above, hard work, and determination.
This little lad is confident that his size is not the sole attribute that makes him unique. He said it is his intelligence and talents. Achiem shared that he plays basketball, table tennis (his most favorite), and baseball.
Since high school, he was devoting much of his time in dance and music. He narrated that during mass demonstrations in their high school founder’s day, he was always appointed as the leader and the dance trainer of his group. In their church, he is a consistent drummer. He is also interested in playing the guitar but he said that his fingers are too small to reach the tip of the instrument while plucking it. Achiem added that he was also active in school activities.
Armed with these experiences, Achiem promises to bring a different kind of energy in this university. In fact, he is already planning to join the Kabilin Dance Troupe because he considers dancing as his life.
He is confident that he will gain a lot of friends in the university, not because of his height, but because of his attitude — he is naturally friendly.
Achiem is hoping that his fellow Norsunians would respect him and accept him as a friend. He wants himself, together with his classmates, to work as one; sharing every idea, problem and happiness, since they are all students.
“I am big and mature enough,” says Achiem as he now enters college – the level of education which he once thought he could not attain. The reality of his dreams is drawing nearer and he can already see it. He is getting nearer to the finish line of the journey—to be a good computer programmer.
And he believes he can do it because for him, it’s not the size that matters. He might be small, but he is a big dreamer.
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