By: Alyszah Angela Beltran
Photo courtesy of Maverick Rhoy De Vera | The LANCE
The Aspire Leaders Program offers university students across the globe a free, online opportunity to develop their leadership skills, gain professional insights, and prepare for future success.
Christian Kaye Umali, a fourth-year BS Psychology student at the Colegio, has earned a coveted spot in the program’s inaugural 2026 cohort. Selected from an estimated 10,000 applicants worldwide, Umali impressed the Aspire Institute with his strong academic record, and leadership potential. His acceptance not only reflects his personal dedication but also positions him among a global network of emerging leaders, offering unique opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and international collaboration.
Reflecting on the moment he received the news, Umali recalls a mix of gratitude and surprise. “I felt genuinely grateful and a bit overwhelmed when I received the results. During my first year, I told myself I would focus only on academics, so I avoided extracurricular activities. But as I adjusted to college life, I started challenging myself to take opportunities I once passed up. I never expected that joining organizations would help me discover my purpose as a BS Psychology student, and that realization ultimately motivated me to apply,” he said.
He credits the growth and consistency behind his experiences for making his application stand out. He also shares how stepping out of his comfort zone and taking on leadership roles gradually shaped his perspective and prepared him for this global opportunity: “I pushed myself to get involved in organizations and leadership roles, from serving as the PRO of the Letran Psychology Society, working as a staff member in The Letran Student Council, to challenging myself to accept voluntary internships. Each experience gradually shaped my goals and perspective.”
He added, “The part of my journey I’m most proud of is allowing myself to step outside my comfort zone. Most of the opportunities I had came from moments when I felt unsure but still chose to try. It wasn’t a straight path, but that gradual shift from hesitation to initiative is what I value the most.”
From a student focused solely on academics to a young leader ready to engage with a global network, his story illustrates how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can open doors to opportunities once thought unattainable.
Umali reflects on how his studies in psychology have reshaped his understanding of leadership and service. “Psychology helped me see that many struggles are rooted in social and cultural systems, not just individual problems. So for me, service should not be about imposing solutions, but working with communities in ways that respect their identity, dignity, and realities. For example, this February we are organizing an outreach project for the Aeta Hungey community in Capas, Tarlac, where our goal is to engage with them collaboratively rather than simply deliver assistance.”
Further, he shared his experiences in professional settings that have shaped his vision of leadership. From mentorship during his internship to personal reflections on growth: “I aspire to become a leader who empowers — someone who creates spaces where others feel heard, capable, and valued. During my voluntary internship at Primer Group of Companies as an HR Intern, I was mentored by an HR Business Partner who taught me that leadership is not about directing people, but about helping them see their own potential and giving them the confidence to use it.”
His story serves as a reminder that true leadership is not about standing above others, but also lifting others around you, and that personal growth often comes from the courage to step beyond comfort zones and embrace opportunities to make meaningful impact.
Umali offers his advice to students who might hesitate to pursue opportunities because they feel unprepared. Drawing from his own experience, he encourages embracing challenges even when they seem intimidating or beyond reach.
“I would tell them [Letranites] that you don’t have to feel completely ready before applying. I also used to think opportunities like these were only for people who were already outstanding, highly accomplished, or from well-known universities — which is why, in my early years in college, I focused only on academics and avoided extracurriculars. But most of the time, growth actually happens after you say yes, not before,” he said.
He also added, “international programs can feel intimidating because they bring you into global spaces where everyone seems more experienced or accomplished. Your experiences — even the small ones — already matter more than you think. What’s important is being honest about your purpose and being willing to try despite the uncertainty. So take the leap anyway; sometimes the biggest change begins the moment you allow yourself to belong in spaces you once thought were out of reach.”
Umali’s story is a reminder that growth often begins when we step into the unknown. From excelling academically to discovering purpose through leadership, advocacy, and personal experiences, he demonstrates that personal and professional development is less about being “ready” and more about being willing. Ultimately, by taking initiative, embracing challenges, and remaining true to one’s values, Umali exemplifies how courage and commitment to serving others can transform opportunities into a lasting impact—and inspire others to do the same.