XAVERIAN'S CORNER

You Rule, I Rule, We all Rule!

 Lance Co Ting Keh (G7B), Student Council  Treasurer

Posted Posted Friday, 27-Jan-2006 2:09 PM

         I’m yet to see the real world ... the big problems we might have to face in the future. Is life out there going to be fun and exciting, like playing the Play Station or the Xbox? Hard and mind-boggling like taking a mastery test? Annoying and frustrating like fixing an electronic gadget? Whatever it maybe, I have to be ready. This is the cry of the youth, the youth filled with BIG dreams and ambitions, the youth of today.

        “Make do with whatever you have.” This is something I’ve learned in the past. But of course, to make do with it, we have to discover and nurture what it is. What I’m referring to is our talents. Some might have found it, some might have not, but equally, we, the youth, all need assistance.  So to help the youth in doing so, the 2nd YOU (Youth Once United) Rule was held last January 14, 2006 from 8am to 5 pm at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School.  Grade Six and Seven student delegates from five different schools participated in this event, namely; Ateneo De Manila, La Salle Greenhills, Miriam College, St. Paul College, Pasig, and of course our very own Xavier School. I was able to attend the 1st YOU Rule Convention last year and yet like the rest of us present, I was still very excited to find out what was in store for me. All I know was that it had a short description that read: “Puzzled? There’s no problem too big to solve… turn crisis into opportunity!” Before the day itself, each of us was given the chance to choose his own workshop, one that we think will benefit us the most. All of the choices were too good to pass up that is why it was not an easy choice for me, but finally I ended up choosing broadcasting.

         The convention started with an opening prayer and followed by the singing of the national anthem. After which a short speech was given by the Headmaster of the Ateneo Grade School, Fr. Jose Moises Fermin, S.J., explaining what YOU Rule was really about. Right after his opening remarks, our Student Council moderator, Mr. Rey Aude, informed me that the broadcasting workshop was cancelled and that I needed to make another choice, so like a lost sheep wandering in the meadow, I found myself settled in the Advertising niche. After the short break, it was time to move on to our concurrent sessions. At this point, as if there was some kind of a purposive intervention done by someone, I found out again, that the workshop on advertising was cancelled! Was this a case of absurdity or was it just a matter of luck! Whatever it is, I will not let this thing dampen my spirits. Anyway, I still had a number of sessions to choose from. But fast, I had to make a quick choice and so I went with the group that says: “When there’s no one left but God.”

          Briefly, the workshop taught us values like: “Nothing happens for a reason” and that “God has a plan for all of us.” I learned to face problems with grace rather than turn away from them. This helped me connect with the topic that no problem was too big to be solved. Come to think of it, it’s true, no matter how big the bump is on the road, there would always be a way to leap over it.  Above everything else, this workshop helped me find a new friend, in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. I realized how good He really was. He is always ready to forgive, waiting for us to take Him in our hearts.  Who else can be so forgiving and loving except Him? Who else could establish an everlasting relationship with us, except Him? Later I realized how wondrous it is to have found a perfect friend!

          After the concurrent sessions, we had our lunch and moved on to the short presentations of each group. This synthesized everything, and it connected to everything I needed to know about making use of our talents. I found out that the youth had the power to change this society, which many had lost hope in. In all the presentations, whether through a dance, debate, sign language, prayer, or a song, we conveyed that feeling that we were strong and could make a difference.

        After everyone was done with their presentations, the most awaited part, the variety show began. Each school showcased its well-rehearsed number. There were also some high school bands that performed to our delight. With so much excitement going on, I did not even notice that the show was almost over!

        The day ended with the awarding ceremony for the different schools. I am proud to tell you that Xavier School was awarded the “Most Creative Presentation” and some Xavier students won the “Most Participative Member” in their respective workshop sessions, namely; Ryan Yu (6A), Jose Banzon (6A), Marc Terence Co (6E), and yours truly.

        As we were about to go, I thought that we may be leaving this place now but what this event had taught us will definitely not be left behind. I was filled with hope that what we had learned on this day might last us a whole lifetime of immeasurable and lasting value.

Youth Once United Rule Photo Gallery

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