I wonder if those kids emulating him will draw a distinction between the man and his ways as a youth. Those who make it to the top are few. Not every kid who dreams as Reyes did may reach the same status that he has achieved. Should youthful dreams take over? Enough to justify foregoing education? There are others, wealthier and far more famous than Reyes, who did not complete their education. Bill Gates, for one. People like them seem to relay a clear message that professional success is not measured by college diplomas and professional titles. That today’s college graduates in the Philippines are having a more difficult time getting good jobs while skilled laborers and technicians are highly in demand in foreign labor markets, is a factor worth mulling over. I wonder…

Perhaps, the perspective should be: Skills are not necessarily acquired through formal education and the completion of formal education does not necessarily mean the acquisition of useful skills; and skill, coupled with opportunity, are sure passports to success.

Just consider this: There are no schools for parenthood. Some people are good at being parents, a few are exceptionally good, and the others are a disaster. School teachers are college-educated. Some are good, a few are exceptionally good, the others are disastrous. Lawyers are very highly educated. Some are good, a few are exceptionally good, a lot are disasters.