Way back in high school the only thing that comes to mind when you hear the word college is maturity. And I guess, in ways more than one, I had never been so right. Prior to entering college, I could say that I was well aware of what was happening in our society, in our nation… in our country. I knew to a certain degree that I am here to be with and for others and more importantly to do more than what I knew is enough and to choose the highest good at all times. But upon months of immersing myself in the University and taking up the FFP curriculum; the awareness, the level of understanding and maturity altogether was brought to an entirely higher level. And this is where I’ll start.

I am a part of society; in fact we all are. I may try to turn a blind eye to whatever is happening in and to our country, but the reality still remains intact and true, nevertheless. The reality that our country needs help—-that it needs me and in actuality each and everyone of us. And as a part of this nation, I too, hold the responsibility of doing something; anything to be of service not only to this country but most especially to that of my fellow Filipinos as well. I may be young, but young as I am, I play a central and apparently a very crucial part in this society for it is in my hands as well as in a few thousand others, the power t change the unjust structures that are adamant in our country. Let’s face it, corruption comes in all forms, shapes and sizes in the Philippines. It is like a plague—-a cancer you may call it that needs cure as soon as possible. But the best thing about it is that the cure had already been found! The cure of which is found in me, in you and in every Filipino that sees himself as a part and stronghold of this nation.

As much as we are all completely unique as individuals, still, we are all perfectly the same. Man is a social being. It is in my nature, as well as in yours, to heed social interaction; to mingle, get acquainted with others and ultimately form relationships that would make or maybe even break me. It is through others that I’ll get to know more of myself and free me from the ignorance of not knowing who I really am and of what I am capable f doing. It is through others that I get t have a vague understanding of what I could be here for: to be with others and find the fulfillment I am hungry for in my day to day interaction with everybody else that is part of my life.

“What have I done for Christ?” A question I never once asked myself until now. I have answers but it’s a shameful fact that I could only name a few compared to what He has done for me. But as I go through the days, I was confronted not with the former question but with the question, “What more can I do for him?” And the answer couldn’t get any simpler; just as Matthew 24:50 goes, “…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one f the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me..” I simply just have to go for the best and choose the highest good at all times—-in any given situation and in every decision made.

There are still a lot of things that I’ve come to learn in my FFP subject, but these three; namely citizenship (patriotism), sociality (fulfillment of self through and with others) and last but definitely not the least Magis, had greater impact on me than the rest. These three, among other things, have greatly shaped me; my place in the society, my understanding of the world and more importantly of myself.

~sai