John Xavier Valdez from Ateneo de Manila High School said and I quote “Leadership is not about power or charisma. It is not social class or distinction. It is not about job experience or education. It is something that transcends age, class, social distinction, gender, even the shape of one’s eyes. Leadership is about influence, nothing more, nothing less. Under this definition, every man, woman, child, in this nation of 90 million is a leader in his own right.
For most of us our concept of leadership is narrow. We are afraid to lead because once we assume the role we are expected to carry out the tasks given. We blame our local, provincial and even national leaders for the miseries that we are experiencing. Why? That’s because we don’t take the responsibility for our actions. Living in this world is not about who is to blame. Living here means being responsible for what we do and taking the consequences of our actions. Doing this is letting the leader within us come out.
We don’t have to stand on stage and use a pulpit so that we will be called a leader. We don’t have to be elected and sit on a designated office so that others will say that we are a leader. Certainly, positions are associated with leadership. But, have you ever noticed that words are not as powerful as actions?
For parents, have you noticed that your child says yes to what you say but actually follows what you do. An alcoholic father once told his son, “My son alcohol is bad for your health. Never indulge yourself with alcohol.” The son said yes. Few months after, the father was asked by the school head to come to her office. The father learned that his son was caught by the guard drinking alcohol with his barkadas. Sounds familiar? This is a common scenario in our town.
For teachers, have you noticed that students follow what you actually show in action? For instance, a teacher wondered why the students always follow her co-teacher. In her case, she always has a hard time of convincing students to pass their project on time. Why? The students were able to observe that this teacher comes to school late and submits requirements late too. Leadership then, is also associated with credibility. Words and actions should go together otherwise the disparity of the two would lead you to nothing.
For students, do you find it hard to convince your group mates to do tasks assigned to you? Let me share with you this actual circumstance. A class president of the last section of a junior class is a shy type person. Since she was chosen by her classmates to be the president, she finds it hard to tell her classmates on what they are supposed to do in their classroom. By and by, she comes to school early, puts her things on her chair, and starts cleaning the room. I told you she is shy thus, she doesn’t say anything. A classmate comes in, this classmate was able to see that their president is sweeping the room. The classmate gets a feather duster and cleans the jalousies. Two male classmates came and saw what’s going on. They got a pail and watered the plants. You see! Leadership is contagious if shown in action.
How many words do we waste then by saying we must do this and that. In the end, we find ourselves exhausted because we have been telling, reprimanding, or giving commands but nothing has ever happened. The question is, have we dared to start doing what we say?
In conclusion, let me borrow the words of Harold S. Geneen, “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”
A blessed day to all of you!
9:16a.m.- 9:50a.m.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Reaching Your Dreams
"Dreams without labors are useless. Labors without dreams are worthless."
(Greetings… mention the important persons present in the affair)
Congratulations for being able to hurdle the challenges for the past years. Now, you are here to receive your diplomas. Four years ago, it was only a dream that you will be able to finish secondary education. Today is the fulfillment of that dream. However, today is not the end. It is only a beginning of another journey.
Now, I’ve got two questions for you to answer. What is your plan for your life in the future? What are the steps you will take to reach that dreamed-of life?
Many times we have big dreams but they remained as dreams because we have not done anything to reach it. Let me share with you the “eagle story”. Perhaps, you already have heard this before but didn’t just pay much attention on how this story is related to our life.
Here it goes… “Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nature and raise the large egg. One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken.
The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game, on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh", the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds". The chickens roared with laughter, "You can not soar with those birds! you are a chicken and chickens do not soar".
The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time, the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done and that is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.”
The lesson of the story is this: You become what you believe you are. So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams not the words of a chicken.
At this time you might have asked yourself, what is the relationship of the eagle and my life? Well, you have dreams right? You want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a policeman, etc… but you know that financially your parents will not be able to support your needs to sustain your dream. Or, in other cases, your parents might be financially capable of supporting you but you have so many fears and you think you might not just be able to make it.
Mary Manin Morrissey said and I quote “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
I already have given you the first tip to reach your dream. That is, face your fears. In other words, believe in yourself. Second, plan ahead. Think of the process to reach your goal. Third, visualize your steps before going to bed. Did you know when you sleep your brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and fiction? This explains why your dreams can feel so true. It also explains why a nightmare can feel so real. Fourth, strive, fight and stay positive. Your goal cannot be reached in a snap of a finger. Surely, there are obstacles that you will encounter. There will always be people who will work against you. Never be discourages. Just stay positive and focus on being a problem solver. Finally, pray. God is the source of everything. After all, no matter what you do, if God will not bless you, you will never be successful. I know you are familiar with this quote “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
I wish that you will be able to reach the ladder of success. Congratulations once again.
8:30a.m. – 9:00a.m.
(Greetings… mention the important persons present in the affair)
Congratulations for being able to hurdle the challenges for the past years. Now, you are here to receive your diplomas. Four years ago, it was only a dream that you will be able to finish secondary education. Today is the fulfillment of that dream. However, today is not the end. It is only a beginning of another journey.
Now, I’ve got two questions for you to answer. What is your plan for your life in the future? What are the steps you will take to reach that dreamed-of life?
Many times we have big dreams but they remained as dreams because we have not done anything to reach it. Let me share with you the “eagle story”. Perhaps, you already have heard this before but didn’t just pay much attention on how this story is related to our life.
Here it goes… “Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nature and raise the large egg. One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken.
The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game, on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh", the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds". The chickens roared with laughter, "You can not soar with those birds! you are a chicken and chickens do not soar".
The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time, the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done and that is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.”
The lesson of the story is this: You become what you believe you are. So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams not the words of a chicken.
At this time you might have asked yourself, what is the relationship of the eagle and my life? Well, you have dreams right? You want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a policeman, etc… but you know that financially your parents will not be able to support your needs to sustain your dream. Or, in other cases, your parents might be financially capable of supporting you but you have so many fears and you think you might not just be able to make it.
Mary Manin Morrissey said and I quote “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
I already have given you the first tip to reach your dream. That is, face your fears. In other words, believe in yourself. Second, plan ahead. Think of the process to reach your goal. Third, visualize your steps before going to bed. Did you know when you sleep your brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and fiction? This explains why your dreams can feel so true. It also explains why a nightmare can feel so real. Fourth, strive, fight and stay positive. Your goal cannot be reached in a snap of a finger. Surely, there are obstacles that you will encounter. There will always be people who will work against you. Never be discourages. Just stay positive and focus on being a problem solver. Finally, pray. God is the source of everything. After all, no matter what you do, if God will not bless you, you will never be successful. I know you are familiar with this quote “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
I wish that you will be able to reach the ladder of success. Congratulations once again.
8:30a.m. – 9:00a.m.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Of Sowing and Reaping
Date Written: April 1, 2011
Time: 7:12a.m. - 7:32 a.m.
The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "The Point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." It is then very clear that in line with our Christian faith, there is a natural law of sowing and reaping. This law is as clear as the law of gravity. For example, if you plant a mango seed, you do not get an apple. You get a mango. This law applies to anything we do.
Dear students, at the start of the School Year, if you have planted diligence, perseverance and hard work and if you have sustained it, what you will reap are ribbons, medals and certificates. Most importantly, you will reap knowledge and you become a better you.
Today, it is evident that these students with honors are those who reap the fruits of their hard work. Congratulations not just to you but to your parents and teachers also.
Your parents, teachers and I are also very proud of you. For those who were not able to get any award this year, I am giving you the challenge to do better in the upcoming School Year.
Finally, I'd like to ask you these - What kind of fruits would you like to reap in the future? Why don't you start planting the seeds of those fruits today?
Time: 7:12a.m. - 7:32 a.m.
The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "The Point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." It is then very clear that in line with our Christian faith, there is a natural law of sowing and reaping. This law is as clear as the law of gravity. For example, if you plant a mango seed, you do not get an apple. You get a mango. This law applies to anything we do.
Dear students, at the start of the School Year, if you have planted diligence, perseverance and hard work and if you have sustained it, what you will reap are ribbons, medals and certificates. Most importantly, you will reap knowledge and you become a better you.
Today, it is evident that these students with honors are those who reap the fruits of their hard work. Congratulations not just to you but to your parents and teachers also.
Your parents, teachers and I are also very proud of you. For those who were not able to get any award this year, I am giving you the challenge to do better in the upcoming School Year.
Finally, I'd like to ask you these - What kind of fruits would you like to reap in the future? Why don't you start planting the seeds of those fruits today?
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