By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
SOONER or later, let’s not be surprised that one of the explorers in outer space is a Negrense.
He is Ethan Acaling-Derikito, son of Regina Acaling, a Negrense from Victorias City and EB Magalona, and Silverio Derikito, a Boholano.
Ethan recently graduated summa cum laude with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Northern University in Boston, United States of America (USA).
Such academic accolade ushered him to instantly be part of the Aerospace/Rocket Club in the US. What an exemplary fate!
Via Facebook (FB), I was privileged to ask him few questions. One of them is about his next plan in life after conquering a US school.
He said he just started a career in aerospace engineering, specifically in making rockets for space light.
Ethan stressed, “I am so excited to embark on this next chapter as my love for space and space travel has grown over my five years in the university. “To lend my time, knowledge and ability to the goals of making space for everyone is exactly how I want to begin my career as an engineer.”
Entering US aerospace is no joke. But for Ethan, it’s just like, “This is it, pancit!”
Ethan said that while taking up mechanical engineering, he joined the aerospace and rocket club already, where he was given the opportunity to design and work on liquid rocket engines.
Such opportunity, he said, directly contributed to his love for space exploration, and to his career path.
But before hatching his formidable dream to be a space explorer, Ethan was already a robot lover. In fact, during his high school days in Central New Jersey, he spent most of his time at the school’s robotics laboratory.
Since a kid, he also loves Physics and Mathematics. And it’s always been his dream to apply both subjects in his career to make a noticeable change and difference in the world.
And since engineering happens to be the application of both Physics and Math, his decision to become an engineer was an easy one.
But despite these remarkable accomplishment(s) at the young age, still Ethan keeps his feet on the ground. His life’s mantra: “Be thankful!” – two simple words that his mother has always “drilled” in him, he stressed
Confided by Ethan, before he’s not fond of acknowledging gifts and privileges given to him. Not even for an immense fortune in being born into a loving family. He always wanted more. Thus, moving away from home, he learned more about the world around him – the strife and hardships suffered by many. And such altered his view in life.
So, now, he’s stressing: “I am extremely lucky. I will give thanks always for the blessings in my life, and I will use this opportunity to benefit the world around me.”
Amidst triumphs, Ethan remains humble and more prayerful: “My parents have always told me to pray and be thankful for the gifts I have in this life.”
Ethan likened his parents to a “rock” in his life, who unceasingly provide him necessary support and love whether he succeeds or fails. Thus, he enunciated that “This gratitude has made all the difference in my life, as it has given me peace and acceptance in any bad period that I have gone through. With this introspection, I am ready to tackle any challenge ahead, knowing my family is always there to celebrate successes and support me when things get tough.”
Though born in Cebu, Ethan’s family moved to the US when he was one-year-old. But their migration in the “Land of Opportunity” ain’t a “bed of roses”. There, they (just) lived in a small apartment for nearly five years before moving to their current home in Somerset , New Jersey.
New Jersey and Massachusetts, Ethan related, were very diverse areas, filled with people coming from many different backgrounds.
But he said, “The diversity has always been comforting for me, and enabled me to share my culture and background while being able to learn and appreciate others and their backgrounds.”
Ethan, who has been part of the US school for all his life since they moved on, did well academically, leading to a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
Though, he stressed, the feelings that stand out to him the most after his college journey are gratitude and thankfulness, directed toward his family and friends who have supported and gave him the opportunity to succeed.
“However, I know that there is still so much left to learn and I am excited to continue my journey of lifelong learning in the engineering career.”
Above all, what made Ethan a true Negrense both by heart and mind is his recollection of unforgettable homecomings in Bacolod or Negros and Bohol.
As a kid and while visiting home, Ethan always remembers getting some barquillos as his favorite Negros’ delicacy.
“My trips back home always linger in my memory, as seeing the harmony and smiling faces around my huge family reminds me what the core of life is: love.”
Though he missed growing up in Negros, yet he had proven to the whole world that a descendant of a Negrense like him still have the “power” through intelligence to stand out in the universe.
Hence, his splendid academic achievement is a testament of his “might” to conquer the outer space sooner.
Ethan, you’ve highlighted anew the Negros map in the entire universe. Quite extraordinary, but true! You’re truly an inspiration among us Negrenses. Continue to aim big, spread your wings, and fly high.
And with that, we wish you the best of luck!/PN
