BEATITUDES FOR STUDENTS

After the 10 commandments for Responsible Studenthood, here are the biblical based magna carta for students. Don't be confused. I am not going to summarize the controversial Magna Carta for Students. This article focuses on the Magna Carta for Responsible Studenthood in the Kingdom of God. 1. Blessed are those students who put God as the center of their lives. God’s kingdom will be theirs. 2. Blessed are those students who suffer and struggle in their student life. God will comfort them.

3. Blessed are those students who are humble towards their classmates, schoolmates, teachers and others. God will give them the graces they need. 4. Blessed are those students who study hard in order to become worthy instruments of God’s love. God will reward and satisfy them. 5. Blessed are those students who show compassion. God will be compassionate to them. 6. Blessed are those students who are honest in their studies. God will reveal Himself to them most intimately.

7. Blessed are those students who are peacemakers in school. God will grant them peace of mind and heart. 8. Blessed are those students who are ridiculed and displaced because of their honesty and hard work. God will reward them abundantly.

BEATITUDES FOR STUDENTS

After the 10 commandments for Responsible Studenthood, here are the biblical based magna carta for students. Don't be confused, I am not going to summarize the controversial Magna Carta for Students. This article focuses on the Magna Carta for Responsible Studenthood in the Kingdom of God. 1. Blessed are those students who put God as the center of their lives. God’s kingdom will be theirs. 2. Blessed are those students who suffer and struggle in their student life. God will comfort them.

3. Blessed are those students who are humble towards their classmates, schoolmates, teachers and others. God will give them the graces they need. 4. Blessed are those students who study hard in order to become worthy instruments of God’s love. God will reward and satisfy them. 5. Blessed are those students who show compassion. God will be compassionate to them. 6. Blessed are those students who are honest in their studies. God will reveal Himself to them most intimately. 7. Blessed are those students who are peacemakers in school. God will grant them peace of mind and heart. 8. Blessed are those students who are ridiculed and displaced because of their honesty and hard work. God will reward them abundantly.

APPEAL FOR COMPASSION (for the victims of Typhon Pablo in the Philippines)

Most of us have been made aware of what the Typhoon Pablo has caused lives, properties, hopes and dreams of our kababayan especially in Comval and Davao Oriental, Philippines. Last night, I watched the television reports and could not hold but truly saddened to see faces of people, almost unrecognizable due to bruises brought about by this tragedy. It also pierced my heart to see dead people… and well everything projected in the television was just heartbreaking. As of this writing, the number of dead victims is 327 excluding hundreds of those missing and around, 250,000 displaced individuals.

So I ask myself, “what can I do?” Thus, this appeal for compassion came about. On a personal note, I am reminded that being a Cor Jesian, my core value is compassion. I am also reminded that I have more than 3000 friends in facebook. A good number of them are my students, former students, parents, colleagues and friends. May I ask you to show compassion to our brothers and sisters particularly those in Comval and Davao Oriental provinces. If ever you have done it already, thanks. For those who can spare some financial or any help, please contact reliable agencies like ABS CBN, GMA Network, and among others.

I will see what we can do as Cor Jesu College Community. We need compassion in action this time. As of the moment, please pray that there will be more people who will be moved with compassion for the victims of this tragedy. My friend, Dr. Rey Cuizon, will be going to the ravaged places with his students from the University of Mindanao to extend help to the people there. They are part of the contingents from Davao City, mostly composed of students from different schools.

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE STUDENTHOOD

Maybe you have heard about responsible parenthood. Though it is normally associated with family planning, responsible parenthood is all encompassing in terms of the responsibilities of parents. This includes responsibilities to have a manageable number of children. Parents should see to it that they are capable of providing their children with the basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and education. Attached to responsible parenthood is the mission entrusted to the parents by God as His co-creators and caretakers of His creation especially the children.

Responsible Studenthood is also all encompassing in terms of responsibilities of students. This includes managing responsibly their academic, physical, emotional, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual life. Many times we hear teachers reminding students to balance their academic life and social life. Students need to balance all the aspects of their life if they want to be successful. For example, a responsible student is one who performs well in his/her studies but at the same time maintains a good physical condition. How many students develop ulcer only because they are too lazy enough to cook, particularly those living in boarding houses? The school provides many opportunities to develop the students holistically. There are extra-curricular activities, clubs and organizations, and other opportunities which cater to other aspects of student’s life. Here are the 1o commandments that college/university students must follow if they want to become successful. 1. Put God as the center of your life. There are many challenges in college life, no doubt about it. However, God is always present and will always be. Do not forget to always turn to Him. Praise God every moment of your life. A happy and successful life lies in the loving embrace of God. 2. Do not use the name of God as your only shield. Do not be like those who trust in God for everything without doing anything. In whatever you do, push yourself to do better and always place yourself in the loving care and protection of God. 3. Keep the Sabbath day holy. While you are in school from Monday to Friday, and sometimes Saturday and Sunday, always find time to join your faith community in celebrating the Sabbath or the Lord’s day.

4. Remember the sacrifices and dreams of your parents. You are now in college and this is a rare opportunity because many of your contemporaries could not. Always put into your mind and heart that you are here because of the sacrifices of your parents. Make them as your inspiration and do not disappoint them. 5. Do not kill yourself. It might sound very rude but this is exactly what some students do. Keep yourself healthy. Eat the right food. Sleep regularly (8 hours/day). Exercise regularly. Always have a happy and positive disposition. In short, take good care of your body. Do not allow your body to suffer because of non essential things (smoking, drinking, drugs, etc.). Stay fit and healthy. 6. Do not enter into bad relationships. Be sure to know your friends/peers. Some friends can inspire and help you to succeed. Some would lead you to nowhere. Boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is not bad. However, if it becomes a hindrance to your study, that is different story. Be sure you are ready if your want to enter into serious relationships. Don’t allow your schooling to suffer because you spend more time with your boyfriend/girlfriend than studying. 7. Do not cheat. You are now in college because you have proven that you can do it. Don’t cheat during quizzes or examinations. Cheating is a way of degrading yourself. A student who cheats reveals a very bad image of himself/herself. What is a high grade when it is achieved through cheating? Prove yourselves worthy and keep your dignity intact by being honest in everything you do. 8. Do not criticize others. Be friendly and compassionate to all. Avoid criticizing your classmates, teachers and other people. Do not complain all the time. Try to question yourself first. You might be the problem and not others. While constructive criticism is healthy, try to be reflective before making remarks. 9. Do not covet the things that are not yours. Be respectful of other people and their possessions. Never claim an achievement that is not yours. Work for your success. 10. Don’t be too ambitious of material things. Be happy with what you have. If you cannot afford it, do not force yourself to buy things that are not needed. For example, do not be jealous and feel insecure when everybody has a cellular phone and you don’t have one. Know how to budget your money and spend it wisely.

CHASE YOUR DREAMS

"Nihil difficile volenti – Nothing is difficult for those who want it.” This Italian saying is a reminder for those struggling, discouraged and depressed of not getting what they want. There is a war within. It is difficult to move on when one’s belief is tainted with negative feelings and thoughts. My mentor is beginning a series of discussion about THE FORCE. He is referring to the force within us. It is so powerful that it can not only push you to succeed but also transform yourself and those around you. But first, let me ask you this question, “what is it that keeps you going?” Whether you are a student, teacher, parent, employee, employer, male, female, neophyte, expert, you pause for a while and ask yourself this question.

What is it that you really want? When you find the answer, reflect, plan and execute your strategy how to achieve it. How? Don’t just follow your dreams, chase them. This means strong mindset, good values and smooth execution.

90/10 PRINCIPLE (A Tribute to my Mentor)

In our personal journey, we came across different people. However, among the countless people we met, very few created an impact in our life. Students have a lot to say about their high school days- classmates, teachers, friends, etc. However, I notice that in line of my profession, teachers are common denominators for those who shared about individuals who have great impacts in their life. Today, I’m going to give a tribute to one of my mentors. However, this mentor is different. First, I didn’t have the chance to see him personally. We did not even talk by phone or shared notes through email. None at all. He is a writer. One of his books, 7 habits for Highly Effective People, has sold more than 20 millions of copies. I consider him as my mentor because I learn a lot from his books. When I took the comprehensive written examination for my PhD degree, I think I mentioned him several times. As a teacher, especially in the graduate school, I always require my students to read 7 Habits for Highly Effective People. That is one requirement which includes an analysis. For the final examination, I again ask questions related to the 7 habits. In the comprehensive examination for the graduate students, one of the questions is also about the book.

My mentor is Stephen Covey. He passed away recently at the age of 79. This tribute would not be about his life. I would rather expound one of his lessons- the 90/10 principle. He said that 90% of what happened to us is influenced by our reaction. Only 10% of things that happen is out of your control zone. In other words 10% is made up of what happens to you while 90% of is decided by your reaction. What makes up this 10%? Well, 10% of our life is made up of things we don’t have control of. For instance, you don’t have control about what other people will say about you. You have no power over the change in climate. Naturally, you don’t have control about the likes and dislikes of your family and friends. How you react to what people say about you, to the bad weather, the likes and dislikes about your family and friends is within your control. Take this case as an example. Remember Rolito Go? He was a wealthy Filipino businessman. In 1991 he was caught up in traffic in Greenhils, San Juan. The traffic is 10% of what happened to him. He has no control over it. However, the story did not end there. He had a confrontation with another driver. To make the story short, Go shot Eldon Maguan, an engineering student of De La Sall University. Until now, Go is still in jail. See? 90% of that day happened because of Go’s reaction to traffic altercation. How he responded to his emotion was what defined his destiny- jail. A lot of people have many regrets in life. Thus, we hear often the words, “if only.” If only I have reacted differently, I would not be suffering until today. How many relationships are broken because of a simple issue? How many lives were lost because of overreaction? How many beautiful plans fail, not even able to take off in the first place? How many lost opportunities? At one time I attended a meeting where I experienced boredom. You know why? Well, there are two people among those present who could not agree on something. The meeting dragged for too long because of these two people. The issue was so simple but the reaction of these two combatants made the meeting awful….and unproductive. Friends, we have no control over 10% of our life but we have control of the other 90%. Let’s have a review of what happened to us this past week.

Did your temper flare up? Did you scold someone? Did you curse? Did you hurt someone? Did you punch a wall, desk or table? Were you jealous on someone or something? Were you discouraged? Were you engaged in a heated debate? That is why reflection is a vital component in the person’s life. Decisions should not be made in the first place if there is no reflection at all. God gives us the intellect to think before we decide. Friends, we only have 10% of the things we don’t have control of. Are you willing to make the best of the other 90%? Learn from my mentor. Apply the simple lesson of the 90/10 principle. Thank you, Stephen Covey, for reminding us to be very careful with our REACTION. May the Lord bless you more. Randy

BLESSING EXPERT

What are you good at? Is there something you can claim that you are a master of. I read a portion of the book “Good to Great”. It is a book report on a research about great companies. Using the Hedgehog Concept and following the three cycles, these companies moved from good to great. The first cycle is “What can you be the best in the world at?” It clearly articulates the expertise of a particular company as compared to its competitor. Likewise, the first cycle can also be a question for all of us. What can we best in the world at? I remember an experience where I led a group of noble men into discovering and developing where they should be good at. We we

re having a planning session for the school. Every unit was asked to present its operational plan for the new school year. During the break, I happened to sit at table with the school president. We talked about other plans of the school and he was sharing passionately about his interest in offering a socialized program in our Basic Education Department. When were about to resume our planning session, he asked me to facilitate the annual retreat for the brothers- the Brothers of the Sacred Heart which was one week later. I said, “Brother?” “Yes, you handled the retreat for all of us, brothers.” I was really caught by surprise but before I could refuse, which I supposed he anticipated, he assured me to provide the necessary materials plus a help from one of the brothers. Anyway, I said I’ll see what I can do. Actually, I was not excited about it. When I got home, I reflected and tried to gather my thoughts how to do it. In the end, I finally decided to say no. I immediately texted him that I can’t do it. He has to find someone better than me. Though he did not text back, I assumed he was busy looking for a replacement. Three days after, I received a note that I have to proceed to the president’s office. To my surprise, the secretary handed me a bulk documents that I can use for the preparation of the retreat. What??? It turned out that I texted the old number of the school president. Naturally, he didn’t receive it and thought I was ok. No more turning back this time. No time to look for another facilitator. In my panic, I tried to search for my old materials in giving retreat. I scanned some of the documents that were given to me. The more I panicked. I could not really conceptualize much until I came across an article of Bo Sanchez which talks about being a blessing expert. That was the cue and from there I proceeded to create a framework and eventually the modules. My next dilemma was how the brothers would receive this topic. I know they have attended past retreats and recollections. I might be repeating what they have already known or they might get bored. But I could not make a different module since time is running out. Besides, that is the only framework which I think I am comfortable with. Well, it turned out that the retreat was good. In fact, at the end of the retreat, the president, who happened to be the delegate superior of the brothers, said that retreat was one of the best retreats the brothers had. The whole retreat revolved around the idea of them being or becoming blessing experts. I led the brothers to reflect the countless blessings they have as religious brothers, both on the personal and communal levels. One old brother approached me during the course of the retreat that indeed his life is a life of blessings. He recalled how God abundantly blessed Him with so much that he felt unworthy of God’s unconditional love.

Well, what does it mean to be a blessing expert? First, an expert refers to a person who excels in a particular field. For example, if you talk about laws, lawyers are considered experts on the law. Doctors of medicines are experts on wellness. And the list goes on. Blessing expert? Obviously, it is a person who can easily identifies a blessing, even the minute one. According to Bo Sanchez, if we want to live a happy and fantastic life we need to discover first the blessings that we have. Next, look around and be ready to receive more blessings. The problem with a lot of people is their failure to recognize these blessings. Every time I start a recollection or retreat I usually ask this question, “what were the first words that came out from your lips the moment you wake this morning?” It is not a surprise to me that in a group of 40-60 participants, there will only be around 2 to 6 who will raise their hands. The rest? No. It is not our habit to thank the Lord every time we wake up every morning. Why? Because we fail to recognize the blessings that we receive right after we wake up. “Do you consider that the life you have today is a gift from God?” This time I receive a resounding chorus of “YES.” If life is considered as a big blessing, then it would be so easy for us to say “Thank you, Lord.” Have you ever noticed that if somebody gives us something like a gift, for example, we naturally respond with “thank you.” Why? It’s obvious. You receive something and you respond positively. Are you complaining about your job? Well, be thankful because you still have your job as God’s blessing. Do you find your kids noisy? Well, be thankful because your children are still with you. Someday they will leave you. You will miss their noise. Do you have a place to sleep tonight? That’s a great blessing. Some people have no shelter. Friends, we have so many blessings. You just have to open your eyes to see, your hands to receive. I was just talking about life as the first blessing we receive every time we wake up. What about the other blessings? If you enjoy reading this article, you are blessed because you can read. And, you can read because you still have the gift of life. Right? It’s amazing how blessed we are everyday.

It is not a question whether you are blessed or not. It is about recognizing and discovering the blessings that are already around. For instance, rich or poor, each is given the same number of hours a day. That’s a blessing. While others are more intellectual, we still have our brain which we can use to plan and set direction for our life. If you are still not convinced that you are blessed, try to count how many yes answers you have of the following questions: Do you still have your parents? Do you have children? Do you have friends? Have you gone to school? Have you met a friend lately? Is there someone that you love? Is there someone that loves you? Can you smile at people you will meet? Can you walk anywhere without fear? Can you read? Can you write? And the litany goes on….. But wait. Just one last question. Are you still alive? Be thankful. A good Christian is grateful. He/she is a blessing expert. May God bless you more. Randy