Wednesday afternoon during campus break — Foundation University student leaders gathered at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall to formally acknowledge the responsibility they have assumed as leaders.
Twenty campus organizations united by interests ranging from religion to agriculture stood up with the new FU Student Government officers to publicly swear an oath to “perform my duties… with a brave heart, without reservation… to reach out to others that our goals are met.”
The guest speaker, Lea Remata Sicat, 2004 Outstanding Student of the Philippines, made a passionate appeal to student leaders about the FU theme What do you want to be?
Sicat said she wondered what it might look like if everyone in the room chose to be a hero. Citing both real and fictional examples, she reminded everyone that while heroes take all shapes, they are united by three commonalities: 1) A specific goal (relevant and easily shared), 2) a specific plan of attack, and 3) perseverance. Even Superman must overcome Kryptonite.
“So what are your goals?” asked Sicat, “and how might they reach beyond the four walls of your campus?”
Reminding students that their goals can be long-term and far-reaching, Sicat shared about Project Pagsulong (www.projectpagsulong.ph), a national youth competition offering P1 million to the winning poverty-alleviating business proposal. Youth teams of three to five members, aged 18 to 30 are encouraged to submit their business plans before the Aug. 31st deadline.
Closing the ceremony, Student Government President Cyril Mapula demonstrated his strength as a public speaker and unifier, calling on his fellow student leaders to set aside differences and to work “under the radar” toward the common goal of improving student life at Foundation University. “So that when our job is finished, it was not about the accolades or the cameras, but the personal fulfillment of knowing that we made a real difference.” (Amy Villanueva)
