Remembering Jumela Sarmiento

Anyone who knew Dr. Jumela Sarmiento, or Ma'am Jume to the many of us blessed to work alongside her, would fondly recall her passion for elephants. When she assumed the role of Director of the Office of Admission and Aid in 2012, her office quickly became a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. It was a sight to behold – elephants of all shapes, sizes, and colors adorning every corner, captivating every visitor who entered. One could hardly tell if they had stepped into the office of a mathematician or a zoological wonderland.

I recall numerous occasions when I asked her about the origin of her deep fascination with these magnificent mammals. To this day, the answer eludes me. However, as a fellow collector, I understood the value of contributing to someone's passion. Thus, my travels near and far never failed to yield a new elephant for her collection. And with each new addition, her joy multiplied.

Elephants, truly captivating creatures, possess an enchanting grace that defies their immense size. They are revered for their strength, beauty, and intelligence. In many ways, Ma'am Jume embodied these very qualities. Her warm and gentle demeanor drew us to her, providing solace in the busy and often stressful environment we worked in. A friendly and composed presence was just what we needed.

Ma'am Jume held learning in the highest esteem, just as she cherished imparting knowledge to others. While serving as the OAA director, she skillfully juggled multiple responsibilities, including her role as president of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines and faculty member of the Mathematics Department. But most of all, generations of scholars will remember Ma'am Jume as our dauntless champion, fighting tirelessly for more scholarships and support. Not content merely to secure funding, she also cleared the way for us to access elite educational opportunities abroad. She encouraged us to seek international scholarships, and when we succeeded, she celebrated alongside us. I owe my own success as an early-career academic here in Hong Kong chiefly to her encouragement. How many budding scholars achieved their dreams thanks to her advocacy?

Like the elephants she adored, Ma'am Jume had an adventurous spirit and a zest for travel. Some of our fondest memories with her were created outside the confines of the office. Whether meeting with officials in Korea or Hong Kong, or gathered around a table in our favorite restaurants, she forged genuine connections that matured into lasting bonds. Indeed, many of my fondest memories of Ma'am Jume originate far beyond the office hours. She gamely embraced every scheme we hatched, from costumed theme parties at office functions to marathon viewings of the latest Korean drama heartthrobs. Even after her tenure as the OAA director, her convivial presence continued to grace our events.

The selfless compassion that distinguished Ma'am Jume's leadership mirrored the most noble qualities embodied by her cherished elephants. A herd depends not on dominance but on cooperation and shared responsibility during times of adversity. So too did she attend to our worries, however trivial they seemed beside her own pressing concerns. Her sincerity and compassion were her greatest assets, especially during times when our office faced one crisis after another. Ma'am Jume treated us not as subordinates, but as valued colleagues whose voices deserved to be heard and acknowledged.

When Ma'am Jume joined the OAA in 2012, I jokingly warned her about the "curse" of Kostka Hall – the notion that all who worked within its walls were destined to remain single. She laughed it off, seemingly undeterred. In fact, it never hindered her from being one of the most dedicated and loving individuals I have ever encountered. She was a cherished aunt to Dea, whom we had the privilege of watching grow up. She was a devoted daughter and sister. She was an exceptional colleague to her fellow coworkers in the Mathematics Department. She was a beloved mentor to countless students and office tambays. Ma'am Jume's maternal care was unparalleled, adhering closely to the Ignatian principle of cura personalis–caring for the whole person and bestowing the gift of compassion and dignity upon others.

I will always bear into heart our conversation in November this year. I was not in a good place, and things were seemingly falling apart for me. Ma’am Jume opened up her heart, and shared her own vulnerabilities and anxieties as well. She cheered me on and said, “Don’t give up. I believe in you. I am always proud of you. Ang layo na ng narating mo.” Her last words to me were words of encouragement and strength. How can I give up if these already came from the great fighting elephant herself?

American novelist and naturalist Peter Matthiessen once wrote, "Of all African animals, the elephant is the most difficult for man to live with, yet its passing–if this must come–seems the most tragic of all." Today, we find ourselves grappling with the enormous void left by Ma'am Jume's passing. We are still coming to terms with her loss, and our hearts continue to ache with sorrow.

Ma'am Jume, thank you for the profound imprint you left on our lives. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy will continue to guide us in our journey. May you now roam among the great elephants in the savannahs of the sky, and may your smile watch over those of us yearning to be free.

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Text: Niccolo Ludovice

Photos courtesy of Andrea Marielle Sarmiento