Making A Difference

This article was published in Fr. Johnny Go's Term Report which was distributed to all High School students during the distribution of Report Cards. 

I can briefly recall how the Nursery me looked forward to going to Xavier for first day of classes some thirteen years ago. Ecstatic and upbeat, I was literally peeing in my pants in excitement. School to me then was a large playground where I could enjoy myself and meet new friends. Looking back, it’s something more than that.  

I was once the type of person who resented change and preferred things done in a smooth, efficient, and routinely manner. I also, and at times still do, believe in the saying, “Why fix it if it’ ain’t broke?”. Xavier has taught me to go away from my comfort zone and to continue to try and experience new things because that is the only way I can improve. It has developed a certain sense of openness in me. Openness to new ideas and to see things in the bigger picture. 

Xavier taught me to dream big. It doesn’t matter how funny, bizarre, or crazy it sounds. As long as you believe that it can make an infallible change to society, why not. Along the way, there will be roadblocks, challenges, and hindrances between you and achieving your goal. They are there to test you and motivate you on how badly you want it and not there to dampen your spirits. 

Sadly, everything doesn’t necessarily go your way. At times, you are a victim of this and the next time that but that doesn’t stop you. Xavier has instilled in me the relentlessness of a champion. It has encouraged me to always find a way no matter how challenging the situation. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Impossible is nothing until it is done.” 

Xavier represents how far I’ve grown as a person, rather it is greatly responsible for the man I am today. The school has always strived for excellence as it constantly undergoes changes and face lifts for the betterment of the Xavier community in the long run. I was fortunate enough to be presented with a lot of opportunities. Opportunities for me to learn on my own and to figure out things instead of being spoon fed. Learning has also been heightened with the use of technology. Technology is more of a responsibility that it is a gift. The way we use or handle it determines the course of our future. It can be the source of so much information though it can be used for the wrong reasons. Our dependence and exposure to technology has taught us that our small actions, collectively, can make a big difference.   

In life, you’ll be lucky if you get to find something worth doing while at the same time enjoy doing it. At times, your passion supersedes laziness and your lack of motivation but oftentimes, one struggles at the height of the job. The pressure and the responsibility is something larger than life. As one overcomes everything and is at the pinnacle of success, he wants to step down as number one. Sadly, when we know we don’t have it anymore, we clamor for one last chance to end it right. Even if we don’t enjoy it anymore, we still do it because we know that we can make a positive impact in the lives of others. And when it’s time to leave, do so with your head held high knowing that you’ve made a difference. 

That is the way I choose to leave Xavier School. It is knowing that I’ve given my all in everything that I do. Challenges were there to test and bring out the best in me. It has taught me that there are things worth fighting for and that I can be a difference in the lives of others.