LUCEAT LUX

Sharing Our Light
Mr. Exxon Ryan Yu
Most Outstanding Rookie Teacher 2003-2004

        Fr. Johnny Go, Fr. Santos Mena, Mr. Samson Lim of the Alumni Association, dear administrators, fellow formators, friends, and guests, a pleasant good afternoon. 

        One of the main things that the seniors were concerned with from the start of the year until report card distribution last Wednesday was college applications.  All of them were facing their own crossroads.   As an adviser, I was given the incredible task of guiding them through this crucial stage in their lives.   And often, in their consultations with me as to where to study and what course to take up, I have always been confronted with the question, "Eh sir, bakit ka nga ba naging teacher?"

       Often, my candid reply to their queries was, "To meet great people like you."   And, more often the interrogation stops there because it takes them quite some time to recover from the shock.   After all, the truth can be so overwhelming at times.   Indeed, for the most part, this was really my reason for becoming a teacher, or a formator, as we would more appropriately call it.

        Ever since joining Para Kay Kiko in High School and helping out in Days with the Lord in college, I have always felt a sense of fulfillment in helping people.  Initially, it was as simple as helping public school students know more about nouns and sentences.   Then, it developed into helping juniors rediscover Christ in their lives.   Furthermore, it extended into guiding young men as they try to find their place in this world. 

        As I look back at the past two years of teaching here, I cannot help but be thankful for a lot of things.   Often, I actually believe that I have received more than what I have given.

     First of all, I would like to thank God for a wonderful set of parents who have been with me all this time.  I know that it was not an easy decision to shift to this field.   Yet, I really value the concern and the support that you have always given me.  For that, thank you, and remember that I love you very much. 

          Secondly, I would like to thank the school administrators and all my co-formators.  Your prayers and words of encouragement are deeply appreciated. 

         Of course, how can I not mention my friends, who have been a source of strength and inspiration? 

         Needless to say, I would like to thank and remember, in a special way, Fr. Rafael Cortina who has been a beacon of light to everyone.  Fr., I truly wish you were here. 

         Lastly, I would like to thank (and acknowledge) 40
unique and extraordinary individuals who, among others, have made my first year as an adviser extra special.  Indeed, dealing with them has proven the saying, "Those who bring light to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

        Dear formators, I believe that this is a great gift we all share -- that in giving, we receive. 

         Thank you for giving me the chance to share my light with others.  Thank you for believing in me.  Luceat Lux! Let OUR light shine!

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