University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
In an inspiring achievement that has echoed across UST-Legazpi and beyond, Kathleen S. Padua, a Grade 11 Senior High School student, claimed the prestigious title of world champion in the S4 category at the HIPPO English Language Olympiad, held in Assisi, Italy, from September 23-26, 2024. As the Philippines’ sole representative, Kathleen brought not just her own dreams but the hopes of her family, the university, and the country to the global stage.
The HIPPO Olympiad is an international competition that promotes the English language by challenging students worldwide and fostering cooperation between students and teachers. Winning this title required tenacity, resilience, and a deep-seated love for learning—all qualities that Kathleen possesses and nurtures.
Born and raised in Legazpi City, Kathleen’s early life was surrounded by stories and the boundless magic of literature, thanks to her family’s influence.
“I was born and raised here in Legazpi City, but the first school I ever attended was an international school, so I encountered different kinds of people with different backgrounds, and that was sort of the foundation on how I got good in English,” she recalls, adding, “School wasn’t the only thing that honed my skills, though, nor was it the reason for my interest; it was my environment at home and my relationship with my family.”
Her journey into competitive English began with a passion for writing and journalism.
“My skills in English stem from my love for literature, which was nurtured at a young age because my dad often read stories to me and my sisters growing up,” she says. “While other parents watched reality TV with their kids, mine painted my childhood with the magic of different worlds, adventure, fairytales, and imagination.”
Her family encouraged her to master English for the opportunities it opens in both education and professional life. “As I got older, I was able to hone my skills more especially when I was introduced to writing and journalism,” she shares, describing how her taste in literature and written works also matured and broadened.
Kathleen’s journey was marked by challenges, not least of which were the numerous stages and travel requirements needed to reach the world finals in Italy. From Camarines Sur to Manila and then to Hong Kong, Kathleen moved closer to her goal with each round.
“I would say that the biggest challenge would be how far the locations of the testing centers were because it obviously takes a lot of time and money to go to different areas, especially given the fact that we are from a provincial area,” she shares, highlighting the additional strain of being the lone representative from the Philippines as the competition progressed.
Despite these challenges, Kathleen persevered, even drawing strength from the unique sense of purpose that came with being her country’s only representative. “On an international stage, there’s such a comfort in knowing that someone comes from the same background as you, and that’s something that I missed as being a sole representative of our country,” Kathleen says.
When Kathleen was announced as the world champion, her initial reaction was one of relief. “The first thing that came to mind when I heard that I had won was ‘This trip didn’t go to waste.” Her victory stood as a testament to the time, effort, and resources that went into her journey, but it also meant much more. Kathleen dedicated her win not just to herself but to her family, friends, and her country. “I kept in mind that I was not just standing as the sole representative of the Philippines, but I was also standing for the many Filipino contestants who wanted to be here but couldn’t,” she reflects.
Returning to UST-Legazpi, Kathleen’s win is already bringing new attention to language and literary competitions. “As per my observation, language and literary competitions are rarely given proper attention and care, in comparison to mathematics and sciences,” she notes, expressing hope that her achievement will help shift this focus.
Kathleen’s advice to students aspiring to master English and participate in international competitions emphasizes passion and attention to detail. “Having good attention to detail is one of the most important skills you can have, especially when it comes to language proficiency,” she says, advising students to engage in continuous practice, welcome constructive criticism, and seek constant improvement.
She also stresses the importance of representing one’s culture in global settings. “Raising your country’s flag means you represent it as a whole. If you yourself are not fully connected with your country, then you shouldn’t act like you’re representing it at all,” she asserts.
Kathleen Padua’s journey, marked by her family’s encouragement, her friends’ support, and her own resilience, is a powerful reminder of the heights that young Filipinos can reach. With her win at the HIPPO Olympiad, Kathleen has not only etched her name onto the international stage but has inspired a new generation of students to dream big, aim high, and make their mark on the world.