Confessions of a Secretary-General

It's that time of the year again - flyers and posters handed over left and right, links posted on your different FB groups and a group of students barging in during your class to borrow a few minutes. In a few weeks from now, I'll be ending my two-year term as the NSC Secretary-General. Even sooner than that, I'll be saying hello to the fresh new faces who'll be leading the college in the next academic year. With all these to anticipate, I can't help but look back at the experience, at how it had all been.

I started my college life as the head of our block, Block 25. Let's just say I was hand-chosen by our very perky FBC. The year after, I took my place as the batch head, with our former batch head advancing as the NSC Representative. At the end of my second year, I made that decision: I was going to run for office.

The position didn't come without struggles. I did have difficulty balancing things out. My duties as an officer almost always collided with my roles as a student. Sometimes, you really have to choose one over the other. One thing I maintain, however, is that either way, I give my all. When I give my time for my NSC duties, I give it my 100%, just the same as I give time for my studies. It's not a gift, it's a skill that I have yet to perfect. And like any skill it takes a lot of practice, fueled mainly by the willingness to try. When I took on the position, I knew this would be a constant battle. The catch is how not to lose the war.

Still, I do not believe that when you take on your role as an officer, you give up your academic life completely - of course not! Sure, there are times that you have to choose, times that you have to sacrifice and weigh your options, but it should not ultimately compromise one over the other. I like to believe that being a student leader should inspire you to be better - a better student and a better leader. You inevitably have power vested upon you, the kind that shines a light on your face and makes your name known to everybody. Therefore you are not merely a leader, you are also an example. It has been an old maxim of mine that being a leader means being able to inspire others to be better versions of themselves. In truth, a leader is a catalyst. A catalyst doesn't necessarily do the changes alone, but he or she ignites, maintains and accelerates the change.

I maintained my position for two years. But the question remains, why did I run? And one year later, why did I run again?

If you asked me one or two years ago, I may not have been able to answer. Or maybe I would have simply said that I was called, that I wanted to serve. Looking back, I now see things through different glasses. Being  a student leader definitely goes beyond the fame and power. It's also more than the work, the responsibility and accountability. To me, the best part of being a student leader is being part of a bigger picture. In the end, you realize it's not about you. You serve because you know that these baby steps will get you somewhere. As a leader, you inspire others to take these steps with you. The entire NSC experience has been a privilege to me. All the trust endowed by the students, and at the same time the opportunity to make a change. Regrets? Definitely. I know that my term has not been a perfect one. There are so many things that I could have done that I was not able to do. If there is anything I must apologize for, it's this. Still, I will never, ever, regret having run for office. 

To our next set of officers, I challenge you to push the college even further. In my term, I have seen the immense potential and great heights that our college can reach. I pray that you do better than what we have accomplished. Believe that there is something you can do and keep yourselves fueled by that energy. Be a leader with a vision, a mission and a heart. It takes keen eyes to know where you're going, but it takes a stronger will to get there. Cheers to this year's student elections! :)

My Man in Black

It's been a long while since I wrote you a letter, and I know this is the first time that I'll ever do so in public. So much has been going on between us. Until the past few days we haven't really been in touch for give or take three weeks. We've both been immersed in our own lives and our own worries, but right now I just want to take the time to celebrate what we have.

Ours is a quirky story. It's a story I've told so many people already. We may not have the most tear-jerking or earth-shaking love story, but it will always be my favorite. What has always amazed me is that I still have you, after all these long years. I can no longer count all the times we've spent together, all the emotions I've shared with you. When I look back at my life story, I would be pleased to know that you aren't merely a chapter that ended. To me, you're the bookmark that follows every turn of the page. 

I know I'm not perfect, and sometimes I can be so hard to calculate. Your patience has always been exceptional. I can't imagine how you take in all those hours of commuting to UP Manila just to see me, all those arguments when you waited for me to calm down, all those phone calls that you had to endure my endless yapping. The best part is that you manage to do this with those calm, handsome features. 

I remember you telling me that I inspire you to be a better man. I was so touched by that statement. It's the best compliment I've ever received. You've already grown so amazing the way you are, and I know I should be excited for even more. You are a wonder to see when you're happy. I'll never get enough of that full, bright smile on your face. 

In the years to come, I'll always be blessed by the gift of your love. I pray that we grow even more in love and emanate that blessing to others. You mean so much to me, and I want to be there for you the same way you've been for me. I thought I could make a really long post of everything I had to say to you, but as always, you leave me lost for words. As much as I'd like to drone on, I understand it would never be enough. Yet, I know somehow that you know what I mean. The only thing I need more to say is that I love you. You make me look forward to tomorrow and at the same time rejoice in the memories of yesterday. For now, I know that your hands  will be busy at work, but I'll have you know that I'll be anticipating the day I see you. That day, I'll hold those hands once more. :)