Michael Ignatius C. Tan (H1-A)

Good morning!

            I did not expect to be one of the Xavier Awardees when I was in Grade School.  I was neither the smartest in the batch nor the best varsity player in the soccer team. All I did was to try my best to put into practice the teachings of Xavier School. I will always remember the word MAGIS which means to do more, to become better. It may be difficult but with faith in God and the support of family and teachers, I was able to do it. I gradually came to realize that I can make a difference in my own small way. Helping a classmate, respecting and appreciating our teachers, participating in service interactions and apostolate activities to “be” with our less fortunate brothers are some manifestations of being a Man for Others. As Mother Teresa once said, “The Lord looks not so much on the greatness of our acts but the LOVE which moves them”.

           It is expected of every Xaverian to consciously choose and do what is good and what is right. My conscience tells me to stand by my principles despite peer and academic pressures. It is in our character to be responsible for our own actions and humbly accept the consequences that come along with our chosen actions. We try to build a community where we can help each other become better individuals. We keep on striving to develop our God-given talents. I try to have a cheerful disposition in doing my mounting assignments and club activities. I am also open to learning new things and having experiences where I can further use my abilities and talents.  By doing so, I can be competent in fulfilling my responsibilities as a member of the community whom I am willing to serve with compassion, especially the poor.  We, Xaverians, are proud of our Chinese-Filipino culture. I joined the Xavier-China Experience and immersed myself in the Chinese culture for a few weeks. The experience I gained was worth the sleepless and lonely nights of missing home. Someday, as Tsinoys, we will hopefully make important contributions to Philippine society.

            It was an honor for me to receive the Xavier Award. To be an awardee somehow initially pressured me a bit because people expected more from me. My parents were the ones who told me that awards and recognitions should not be my driving force in achieving things but, it should be the spirit of MAGIS, the same spirit which should move me to do everything for God’s greater glory.

             Each of you has what it takes to be a Xavier Awardee. All you have to do is to live out the 6Cs of Conscience, Character, Community, Compassion, Competence and Culture in your daily lives. The Xavier Award is not a popularity contest or a one-shot deal. It is an award given to deserving students who can be examples in leading others  to live out the ideals of our school. To be a Xavier Awardee, you do not need to be the smartest nor the most popular person in the batch. Just be yourself and give your best in whatever you do, because you can!

              We, Xaverians, are called to be men of Magis. Let our light shine so we can inspire and ignite others to be Men of service and Men for Others for the greater glory of God. Luceat Lux!

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