"God Will Make A Way- where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see- He will make a way for me" These were the first lines of the song I played and the graduates sang at my Alma Mater's graduation ceremonies. They were actually crying since Donah's valedictory address emphasizing on the saying "Poverty is not a hindrance to success- persevere and trust God." Then here came the valediction song "God Will Make A Way"- and people went on wiping tears off their now glistening faces...
It's real people- poverty is not and will never be a hindrance to success... Many of us earthlings found light on these sayings, and became the heroes and heroines of rags-to-riches stories of today.
Donah's address was of her first experiences in school- the up-to-late night study periods, and how she studied under the flickering light of their only oil lamp. It's kind of hard, really, to be under these circumstances- but sometimes, it's what it takes to be a champion in your life afterwards. Donah, as I can regard her, is the crying fighter. She had cried in her victorious moments- in her SSG win, where she was a little reluctant to run, and tonight, in her valedictory address, she proved to be and came to win after all... after everything she had been into.
Why not?! Everyone can do the same. Most of us are so blessed with all the facilities we have even at home. But sometimes these make us lax and carefree and unmindful of the things we really should be prioritizing. Sometimes, it makes us invest into things that won't give long-lasting fulfillment. In short, only for the moment and not for the future.
Earthlings, take time to remember this- all is vanity... Huh?! Ive just been doing my reading a little too much- the quarter's over anyway. Let's be expecting for a new set of lessons... Err- back to the topic. But there can be vanities that may last a little longer than the others. Why not focus on them and make a difference in our lives.
Be it people. Be big. Be at the finish line- I'll be there.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
I dont know what to call you... just check this out on CC's 2nd ish
Getting on the right track
There is a play featuring a group of kids who are continuously striking their heads with their fists. A kid shows up and tries to befriend them. They ignore him and go on striking their heads. Desperate to have a friend, this boy starts to do the same- strike his head with his fist- and he starts to feel welcome.
A teacher asks a class on basic Math: 100-32=?. A student confidently raises his hand and answers: 78. The teacher asks how many agree, and 40 of the 45 students raise their hands. The 5 look at each other and slowly raise their hands up in agreement.
What do we see in these cases? It is the greatest fear of a person to be left out and feel he does not belong. No problem- it's normal, since no man is an island. Does that mean we should be archipelagos? kidding I am. Here in CPAC and in any other boarding schools in which most of the students get to see their families for no more than once a month find their friendship circles their source of inspiration and warmth. Then the place becomes a home away from home.
Get diverted for a while
We see in urban communities the rampant cases of criminal and drug involvement. This may be very serious and most of these cases involve fraternities which cause riots and mess in the streets and other residential areas. Drug abuse in today's youngsters are influences of drug-user friends. Some students tend to follow their friends in skipping classes and hang out for their own enjoyment without thinking about their parents who do their best to send them to school.
Some of our kids today, young as they may be, tend to prefer going somewhere with their friends rather than being with their families. No question again- they're kids, and they will tend to be with people their age. But if not properly guided by the parents themselves, the results might be scary.
Back to the topic: Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is one hard-to-combat struggles of our youngsters today. He does what they do, sometimes without even a hint of persuasion. Most of today's kids are being pulled into bad stuff by their peers. Sometimes by the trend. But again, if not properly guided, they may result to scary attitudes.
At first, he may feel welcomed and loved. Then he starts transforming to be like those friends. And the more he falls in love with them, he also falls for the things they do- good or bad. "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are", we say.
To the parents
"Be with your kids". Get them to enjoy their childhood in balance with friends and you. I'm not a preacher you know, but I can proudly say I'd rather go home than stay in the dormitory if given the chance and the money for home. I love my friends, but I love my dad, my mum and my only brother more. There was once a time when I really wanted the company of my friends for a trip, but my parents said No. I was upset, but it was over overnight. They will follow if you show them you really care.
To the kids
There will always be a time for everything. My parents used to be very strict about me going out with my friends but there came a time when they felt I have to start feeling and building my own life with independence, not totally though. At least you get to choose which dress you wear, places to go, and who to go with. It always starts with the simplest things. Be strong and hold on to the values you learned while growing up. Be good and trust yourself. You can do it. And above all, trust your Creator. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path".
There is a play featuring a group of kids who are continuously striking their heads with their fists. A kid shows up and tries to befriend them. They ignore him and go on striking their heads. Desperate to have a friend, this boy starts to do the same- strike his head with his fist- and he starts to feel welcome.
A teacher asks a class on basic Math: 100-32=?. A student confidently raises his hand and answers: 78. The teacher asks how many agree, and 40 of the 45 students raise their hands. The 5 look at each other and slowly raise their hands up in agreement.
What do we see in these cases? It is the greatest fear of a person to be left out and feel he does not belong. No problem- it's normal, since no man is an island. Does that mean we should be archipelagos? kidding I am. Here in CPAC and in any other boarding schools in which most of the students get to see their families for no more than once a month find their friendship circles their source of inspiration and warmth. Then the place becomes a home away from home.
Get diverted for a while
We see in urban communities the rampant cases of criminal and drug involvement. This may be very serious and most of these cases involve fraternities which cause riots and mess in the streets and other residential areas. Drug abuse in today's youngsters are influences of drug-user friends. Some students tend to follow their friends in skipping classes and hang out for their own enjoyment without thinking about their parents who do their best to send them to school.
Some of our kids today, young as they may be, tend to prefer going somewhere with their friends rather than being with their families. No question again- they're kids, and they will tend to be with people their age. But if not properly guided by the parents themselves, the results might be scary.
Back to the topic: Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is one hard-to-combat struggles of our youngsters today. He does what they do, sometimes without even a hint of persuasion. Most of today's kids are being pulled into bad stuff by their peers. Sometimes by the trend. But again, if not properly guided, they may result to scary attitudes.
At first, he may feel welcomed and loved. Then he starts transforming to be like those friends. And the more he falls in love with them, he also falls for the things they do- good or bad. "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are", we say.
To the parents
"Be with your kids". Get them to enjoy their childhood in balance with friends and you. I'm not a preacher you know, but I can proudly say I'd rather go home than stay in the dormitory if given the chance and the money for home. I love my friends, but I love my dad, my mum and my only brother more. There was once a time when I really wanted the company of my friends for a trip, but my parents said No. I was upset, but it was over overnight. They will follow if you show them you really care.
To the kids
There will always be a time for everything. My parents used to be very strict about me going out with my friends but there came a time when they felt I have to start feeling and building my own life with independence, not totally though. At least you get to choose which dress you wear, places to go, and who to go with. It always starts with the simplest things. Be strong and hold on to the values you learned while growing up. Be good and trust yourself. You can do it. And above all, trust your Creator. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path".
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