Reminder: Be reminded!

Does you grade define you? Are you in school for learning or only earning a degree? Are you a real Atenista?

This has been my questions to my friends. Having been a student of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan), it become part of my daily routine to drop by and buy something in our canteen, in front the College of Agriculture building. The only place in the university thats always thickly settled.

Being a second year student who loves to stay and eat in the canteen, a crew caught my attention. While students are having fun, chatting with their friends and enjoying their meals. Rushing to leave the venue as the school bell rings, leaves their trashes around with their utensils after eating then a canteen crew cleanse it organize the chairs they neglect to arrange.

But most often, disappointment would always hound me every time I see these Ateneans as they claim to themselves yet doesn’t even care to the person who will next use the area.

It was really a blessing that the Central Student Government (CSG) had taken an initiative to post a reminder to the students upon leaving the place where they have eaten to clean and organize for the next users comfy.

 I was then reminded of my First Year Formation Program (FFP) Class last year. Since I learned the Ignatian principle of “Magis” and “Cura Personalis” it helps me to understand how should an Atenean be. TO aim for excellence in everything you do; care for the other persons who walked along with you my journey as a student and a Filipino Youth. Not just to think of myself but also to the welfare of others.

As I certainly had a great time reminiscing the past and relating it to the present, upon observing the life of a canteen crew, I noticed their sweat rolling  down from their forehead, to its back, as they wipe the messy table, carrying in their hand the tray full of plates, gasses, spoons, forks and many more utensils. Then on the other hand was gripping on a soft drinks bottles neck. What a heroic deed. Indeed everyone is a hero in their own little way. They are less appreciated, recognized and complimented for their status in life. They are working for them to earn money and pay their debts and other household expenses and necessities.

Every wipe of a messy table, every tray full of utensils and leftovers to lift, bottles to carry and sometimes clamor, complains to gain from the students and staff, - builds their attitude of patience, heart of servant hood and the most neglected part, leadership skills. I as a Youth leader in our church compliment them, for they are the one of the best example of a servant leader- humble, patient, pays back a smile to others though their heart is frowning due to tired body and peoples complains and demands.

As an Atenean we need to be reminded that we are leaders that should care for the others welfare and strive for excellence in everything we do.

Let’s put into action all we learned, apply it into our life and do everything not for men but to the One who created us wonderfully. Our grades would not totally define us, nor do our degrees acquire, for what it profits for a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul.

In school we learn, aim for excellence and earn a degree. Nevertheless in the long run our relationship to God and people define us. Dare you to be a real Atenista. Be one!