Malaking karangalan ang inuwi ng Pilipinong si Jacob Johann Wee, 21, para sa kanyang pamilya at pati na rin sa bansa.
Nagtapos ang binata ng double summa cum laude sa University of Pennsylvania para sa dalawang kurso: Bachelor of Science in Economics mula sa Wharton School of Business at Bachelor of Arts in Psychology mula sa College of Arts and Sciences.
Sikat ang Wharton School ng University of Pennsylvania, na isang private Ivy League research university sa U.S.
Kabilang sa mga kilalang alumni ng UPenn ay ang American billionaire na si Elon Musk, former U.S. President Donald Trump, American business magnate na si Warren Buffett, at ang Hollywood actress na si Sharon Stone.
Graduate din sa Wharton si former Senator Mar Roxas, samantalang may master’s degree mula sa Wharton ang negosyanteng si Manny Pangilinan.
Sunud-sunod ang tweets ni Senator Richard Gordon para batiin si Jacob noong June 7, 2021.
Nabanggit din niya ang kilalang pamilyang pinagmulan ni Jacob.
Ang kanyang lolo at lola na sina Lee Hiong Wee at Rosalind L. Wee ay humanitarian leaders ng Philippine Red Cross, kung saan nagsisilbing chairman at CEO si Gordon.
Nagsilbi ring Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia si Lee Hiong Wee, habang si Rosalind ay awardee ng Pearl S. Buck International Award.
Ang maternal grandparents naman ni Jacob ay sina George Go Pen Siong, president emeritus ng Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters of the Philippines, at si Rosalina Go.
Si Jacob ay nagtapos ng high school sa Xavier School sa Greenhills, San Juan.
May paliwanag si Jacob kung bakit ang double course na Economics at Psychology ang kanyang kinuha.
“Most people study Economics and Psychology because they’re interested in Behavioral Economics.
“I studied Economics to get a better understanding of business, and I studied Psychology because I think part of business [and life] is understanding how other people and even yourself think,” pahayag ni Jacob ayon sa ulat ng Philstar.com.
“Our biases, personalities, and ultimately, psychology affect how the entire world is run—from everyday relationships to the government.”
JACOB IS TREMENDOUSLY GRATEFUL
Samantala, ipinost naman ni Jacob ang kanyang success story via Facebook post noong May 19, 2021.
“For my luck, I am tremendously grateful,” bungad niya.
Aniya, masuwerte siyang nakapag-aral sa kaaya-ayang unibersidad at sa pagkakaroon ng magandang support system.
“Lucky to have the opportunity to be in a space of academic humility and honesty.
“Lucky to be surrounded by inspiring and kind friends. And lucky to be supported by friends and family from the Philippines.”
Sa kabuuan, ang mabubuting taong kanyang nakilala sa University of Pennsylvania ang nakatulong sa kanya para magtagumpay.
“When I look back at my life at Penn, I measure it by the people I have met.
“If I have ever come to know you as a friend—know that it was because I thought you were super cool, and that I now admire and cherish you exceedingly.
"Do send me a message to catch up—you need no excuse!”
Binanggit rin ni Jacob kung ano ang plano niyang gawin, “My next stop is Miami, Florida where I'll be working for Restaurant Brands International as part of their Leadership Development Program.”
Paanyaya pa niya, “This is an open invitation to let me know if you ever come by.”