The Choice

I found myself in a dilemma when a member from the AYLAA-CL told us to write about our experience in the recently concluded Ayala Young Leaders Congress.  It is really hard for me to put into words what is on my mind right now; I can’t organize my thoughts – there are so many things to write about.

The congress was somehow a novelty to my humanity. It was the first time that the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary would join this national congress. I do not really have a background on what Ayala Young Leaders Congress is, save the fact that it is a nationwide congress for chosen young leaders, as stated by the poster in our bulletin board. As a lover of wisdom, I was overcome by curiosity and interest. I know that it is just high time for me to quench my thirst for knowledge. I am aware of the fact that the search for knowledge is not limited by the walls of the seminary – that the seminary cannot provide all the wisdom and knowledge in the world. Therefore, I must not limit my existence within the confinements of the seminary. As a seminarian and as a citizen, a wider view of things will greatly help my being. So I applied for the congress.

During the interview, I said that the congress offers lots of learning and sharing opportunities. I enjoyed telling the panel my stories that I even hoped that the time for the interview was a bit longer.

Upon receiving my letter from AYLC, our dean congratulated me for being accepted as a delegate. He told me that of all those who applied for the congress, I was the one he least expected to pass. Until now, I do not know if that was a compliment. He then said that I have the potential to be a good leader, adding that a leader who has fully actualized his potentials would not be needing this kind of congress anymore. At first, I was bothered by the idea of traveling alone. I do not know what might happen but excitement still triumphed over fear. With all this, there was still one problem.

I was given two choices by my director: to attend the AYLC or to attend our annual human formation seminar. It was a very tough decision to make since it would require from me lots of sacrifices and consequences. Every time I prayed, I prayed for answers. “Just follow your heart.”, said my spiritual director. And, certainly, I did. It was on the communion part of the community Mass when my prayers were answered. While praying after I took the Holy Communion, I heard the choir sing, “I think I’ll follow the voice that calls within, dance to the silent song it sings.” I almost cried then for I knew God answered my prayers and confirmed my decision. Hello, goosebumps! I chose to attend the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

I met my fellow delegates in the congress. I thought it would be hard for me to get along with them since my life inside the seminary is far from their lifestyle. And then I found out that I was wrong. They were all friendly, kind and caring. I felt that I was still in the seminary. Even when it was only our first day, we talked as if we were all long time friends trying to catch up with what is going on with our lives. Even though we were from different places and had different perspectives, our differences filled each other’s emptiness. I was really happy because I became part of the congress. I learned a lot of things which I knew, for sure, will help me.

 The outdoor activities were really challenging. It was physical challenge mixed with emotion and intellect. My favorite part was the initiative wall. I volunteered to be the first one to climb the wall so that I would be the one pulling the others up. The climb was a very momentous moment for us. There were so many insights and inspiring stories that I got from the panel discussions. And most especially, I got a bracelet from Mr. Noel Cabangon.

I wished that I will remembered by my fellow young leaders not as the tallest man in the group, not as a boy who loves to play the guitar, not as a guy who taught them how to dougie but a brother who inspired them and have been inspired by them in this once in a life time experience.

The choice that I made and the path that I took had made the best out of me. I know I won’t regret in my deathbed that I became an Ayala Young Leader. Now, am I wishing for more? Absolutely, yes!

Nikki is the sole delegate and first from 

Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in Pampanga.