The Real Journey

 I had once dreamt of a country with no more street children deprived of proper education–of the happiness the school brings, of the learning of ABC’s and 123’s, and of the pride one could feel when he or she already holds a diploma. I thought there will never come a time when I can finally do something to make this dream come true, until I found my passion and purpose in service. From there, I started to join organizations in which I can fulfil my passion. And this passion became even stronger when the Ayala Young Leaders Congress came into picture.

“It’s not just a privilege; it’s more than just an award.”

Indeed, this is true. For being a part of AYLC is a blessing, a life-changing experience. Who would have thought that a student-leader like me would be blessed to be called an Ayala Young Leader? I was not an officer of the student government, where most of the Ayala Young Leaders came from. But one thing I am proud of is that I’m a student-journalist, and I’m part of Pathways to Higher Education–AUF Chapter that serves the street children in our community. My passion has always been writing, but when I became a volunteer teacher, and eventually, an officer of Pathways, I realized that my deeper passion is in serving the children.

Through my passion in writing, I am able to write articles in my column with regards to the current condition of our community, of course, focusing on the street children in our society. And by being a part of Pathways, I am able to be a hands-on teacher of these children, giving them hope,and being a reason for their smiles.

How did AYLC change me not only as a leader, but as a person?

It is inexplicably true that God calls you to where your deep gladness and world’s hunger meet. For where God calls you is where you can serve best, as what Tatay Monch mentioned in his Leadership Framework Talk. With these words of Tatay Monch, I was able to reflect, and so I am enlightened that my purpose is really in servant-leadership–I became aware of myself even more. I realized that with my passion, I am able to make a difference in the lives of these children. Although they are just one per cent of the disadvantaged children in our country, I am fulfilled for I know I’ve already done the first step in realizing my vision.

“Pursue what is deepest in your heart,” as what Bro. Armin Luistro, Department of Education Secretary said in his Keynote Address.

 I was amazed with his leadership story. That he just found himself in a situation where he needed to act. And from there, he became a leader. I was like, “Wow!” His story is somehow similar to mine. For before I became a Pathways officer, I was just a volunteer. I just felt the need to do something, and so I found my deep meaning of existence in helping these children fulfil their dreams–to be a doctor, a teacher, or a policeman someday, for them to help their families stand from their poor situation.

I was even changed not only through the inspiring talks or the informative panel discussions from the recognized people in our country, but also through the really “challenging” Challenge Courses. I was caught in a situation where I needed to think about a certain leadership challenge I am experiencing (of course, I thought aboutmy vision about the children). Blind-folded, I needed to literally find my way out of the ropes, and figuratively find my way out to solve my leadership challenge within 30 minutes. I have helpers as I go through this course, but I can only ask either questions answerable by yes, no, or maybe, or ask for help. At first, I only asked questions. I was so confused because my helper kept on answering yes or maybe. I felt so hopeless, so scared. I kept on trying, but I felt like I was just going on circles. So I asked, “Ma’am, can you please help me?” These few words are very simple, yet they are actually the answers to my leadership challenge.

I tried to find my way out by myself. But you see, as a leader, and as a person, courage is not measured by your independence; rather, it is measured by your humility in accepting that you need the help of others to achieve your vision.

With this, I felt that I can already do anything. I was renewed. Because I know that there are people who are willing to help me. In AYLC, I found a family–in my workshop group, in my outdoor group, in Ayala Foundation, in the Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association.

However, the real challenge is that when I go home, how can I win the hearts and minds of the people I serve through my learning and experiences in AYLC?This:

I know my real journey starts after AYLC. And in this journey, I will keep the fire burning inside my heart, and share the light of this fire with others. With this, I know I can make my vision a reality someday, for our nation’s sake, for God’s glory.

Cheska is pursuing a degree in Communication Arts 

at Angeles University Foundation