Wow. Has it really been eight weeks already?
Indeed, despite the different challenges we had encountered, we were able to push through with the College Entrance Tests. This one was special because we were able to partner with Ateneo to accommodate those who came from sites in the North, East and some Central and West.
Every year, I look forward to this day in the GK La Salle calendar. I remember back when I was discerning whether or not I will push through with becoming a full-time worker, the CET review made it clear to me that I would love doing this every year. This was also the major reason why I chose to stay despite the many reasons that had gone through my mind as I was thinking of leaving the mission months ago.
We always take pride in the fact that we have 18 scholars (3 in DLSU-M and 15 in DLS-CSB). Eight of them took the classes. For me, it is an honor seeing them grow as they journey from mere dreamers to courageous achievers. I take inspiration from the fact that they have shown me what it means to rise and be that force of change. In the past, I did not exactly give my education that much importance. I can enumerate a lot of excuses for doing so. Seeing them strive to rise above the challenges in having grown up in a less than privileged position than mine made me realize how much I've made a waste out of the blessings I have received.
I was raised to become a Lasallian. I first went to the campus when I was three, much thanks to my Tita Baby, who was then the Dean of the College of Engineering. Indeed, I have memories of seeing what was then the College Canteen with an Arce Dairy stall. The gym where Yuchengco Hall now stands was still there, and believe me, La Salle used to be greener. However, after three years of college, I did not have that much pride in having finished in one of the best universities in the country. It took me a while to realize that being a Lasallian meant more than having that diploma, that transcript, and that university's name on my resumé.
GK changed how I perceived things. I learned to accept these blessings I just shunned. I learned how to put my education to proper use. In so many ways, teaching or giving input to the kids during CET review made my heart grow for the work. In the process, I feel that I have been growing an intelligent heart. I appreciate being a Lasallian, and more importantly, being a Filipino and a Catholic much more now. It is all about transcending the classroom setting by using theories and being a true resource for Church and nation as we seek transformation. Br. Jun Erguiza, in his inaugural address, expressed it wonderfully, "The mark of a truly educated Lasallian in the tradition of academic excellence is service." It means going out into the world, journeying hand-in-hand with our poor brethren as we help this nation rise. Through the education we have received, we are more than capable of sharing resources that can help advance Philippine society. Even moreso, I believe that it is our mission to be able to open windows of opportunity for others to share the dream we have for ourselves and the country at large. We have already laid the groundwork. We need to raise our game It is high time for us to really build the dreams of this country.
There is a future full of hope. We have started by building 18 dreams. There will be 53 more coming, and in the future, there will probably be more. I also believe that nothing is impossible because there are many people out there who will continue bringing the poor with them as they cross their own finish lines. Let me honor the heroes of GK La Salle, who have made this dream a reality:
Regz and the OBB, who were instrumental in first opening this opportunity by sharing what they have received,
Br. Roly, who first dreamt with us by giving us the first slots for the College Entrance Test Reviews. It has opened a lot of doors for the SIGA, and now more opportunities for our SIGA to rise.
Br. Mike, who continues to give his full support us in Gawad Kalinga by giving us the opportunity to make an impact not only within the campus, but the community at large.
Sir Neilvin, who has provided us the best venues for the reviews to take place,
Kuya Greg, Ate Cla, Tito Emer and the alumni group, who put their faith and resources into the mission. You continue to inspire us to truly make things happen. Nothing is impossible.
Jasper, who made everything possible. Really. Ready ka na for more siga in La Salle next year? Haha.
Michelle, who accommodated us despite all the confusion. I honor you, my friend for just giving your time for this. Next year, let's make it better. :)
To the Lasallian teacher-heroes,
Clar, who has come a (very very very) long way from being that silent froshie who's always studying at the tambayan, you really are the best!
Kevin, who has shown great potential in the last two years that he has been handling tutorials,
Joanne, who has shared so much despite the hectic schedules and other challenges,
Mark and Marny, who were great partners in teaching Math,
Louise and Patrick, who taught Math in the most interesting way,
Sierra, whom I heard was awesome,
Pen, who showed extraordinary skills by teaching almost all sciences out there,
Jayson, who has shown much improvement in the last few years in truly imparting his knowledge to the community,
Brixie, our very own GK SIGA Scholar, who is showing great potential as a future educator. I have no doubt that you can change the world.
Niki, who still tries to impart whatever he can to the SIGA
to all the other CED students who have given their time and effort for this, thank you. :)
Kat Gomez, who has tried her best, despite whatever busy schedule she has, to serve during CET,
and of course, our GK La Salle SIGA scholars, who served their fellow SIGA, I love you kids. :)
Let's honor the heroes from Katipunan as well:
Elfred del Rosario, Mike Andrews, Mike Go, Daniel Lee, Nicole Bacolod, and all the others I may not have mentioned. Thank you for being part of this magnanimous effort.
To everyone who have been praying for the success of the review and our SIGA, thank you. You keep us strong and motivated.
To the GK SIGA who are starting their journeys, I have no qualms that you will be great no matter what you choose to do in the future. Keep the ANIMO burning and inspire others to be great as well. :)
If anyone has been forgotten, it is unintentional. I am being banished from the computer.
This is a great dream for the country we're realizing. Still, there is so much work to be done and I believe that this will only be possible if we don't leave each other behind. :)
WALANG IWANAN. <3
