Lamentillo receives Oxford Prize, honors classmates’ quiet bravery

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo has been awarded the Programme Director’s Prize at the University of Oxford, marking a notable achievement in her academic career. The honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the MSc in Major Programme Management cohort at Saïd Business School, particularly her active participation and positive influence within the program. The prize is given annually to a student whose academic engagement and presence have significantly impacted the program's environment. The selection process involves a panel comprising the Programme Director and Academic Director. Lamentillo received the award during the cohort’s final ceremony at the Holywell Music Room, where she delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class. Her remarks focused on the resilience required to pursue higher education at Oxford, especially under challenging conditions. She emphasized how the journey to this point was marked by persistence and determination, despite the numerous obstacles faced by both herself and her peers. In her speech, Lamentillo highlighted the importance of perseverance not only in entering Oxford but also in continuing studies amidst complex personal and professional responsibilities. She noted that for many students, the university had initially appeared unattainable, yet they remained committed to their goals. “We know what it took to get here, and what it took to remain here,” she stated, underscoring the collective effort behind their accomplishments. Reflecting on her personal journey, Lamentillo spoke about growing up as a member of the Karay-a ethnolinguistic community and overcoming challenges related to language and communication. She shared that her first encounter with English was through an Oxford dictionary, which became a pivotal moment in her educational path. Standing at Oxford to address her classmates brought that journey full circle. “A child who first encountered English through an Oxford dictionary is now graduating from Oxford,” she said, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity. While acknowledging her personal milestone, Lamentillo dedicated much of her speech to the experiences of her classmates. She described the cohort’s success as being defined not only by academic achievements but also by acts of quiet courage. These moments of bravery, often unseen by others, included decisions to persist despite difficult circumstances. Some classmates traveled for over 48 hours by train to attend the program, while others navigated conflicts and wars to reach Oxford. Some returned to homes where basic necessities like heating were unreliable, and others participated in group work with the backdrop of ongoing conflict. These real-life struggles reshaped the meaning of academic discussions, according to Lamentillo. For many in the class, crisis was not a theoretical subject but a lived reality. “Crisis is not a case study,” she said. “It is not an abstract concept. It is not a classroom exercise. It is something lived.” She recounted instances where students faced fears such as hearing drones overhead, receiving messages from home that were difficult to open, or questioning the safety of loved ones. Lamentillo acknowledged the strength needed to continue learning in the face of such uncertainties and to engage in discussions while carrying personal realities beyond the classroom. “And that bravery is not limited to war,” she added, highlighting the broader context of resilience among her peers. Her speech concluded with a tribute to the collective spirit of the cohort, emphasizing the value of their shared experiences and the courage displayed throughout their time at Oxford. The ceremony served as a celebration of both individual and communal achievement, reflecting the profound impact of their journeys.