Student Leadership in FEU and AYLC 2007

It's been a year since I qualified as National Finalist for the Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2006. I was called to report at OSACS and after the announcement made personally by Dr. Adelaida C. Fronda, I was asked to prepare for the interview set (I could still remember) on the forth day of the IAS Week 2006.

A year has passed. Much has changed already. I could say that I have matured so much as a leader. Well, two presidential positions really demand a high level of maturity to the leader - not to mention, it rather forces one to be that. While I have not qualified for the AYLC 2006, I cannot help but treasure that rare experience. I cannot blame the four executives of the Ayala Group of Companies for not choosing me - I having requested them personally to rethink their decision.

"It's completely okay for me should I not be one of the Ayala Leaders. I know AYLC could help me a lot to improve my leadership skills. But I would like to honestly tell you that my community,my school, and my family are enough for me to develop holistically."

Though not exact as I have said it, these were my parting words to my interview panel. I left the conference room with a smile, not regretting any of the single words I uttered.

This year, I was able to meet some of the Ayala Young Leaders of my batch. Some times, I would poetically consider myself the 71st AYLC 2007 Leader having acquainted with these people. My first experience with them was during the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge followed by the Starfish Magazine Conference. I was really thankful to Kuya Ralph Morales for all these invitations that facilitated me in welcoming the realization that I am a no less leader (should pessimism dawn on me).

This year, I am hopeful FEU AYLC Qualifiers can make it at least as national finalists as I am (last year) and Danilo Cortez (in 2005). Not to mention, I evaluated: Ira Montecastro, Mina Akram, JC Zoreta and HH Bala. Mina Akram's and HH Bala's TAMVOL-CYC involvements could really help them a lot. JC Zoreta as an AHSE President and INSC VP could also make it. Meanwhile, Ira Montecastro, who I have been encouraging to immerse herself to community service, can, because of her academic excellence, her feat in public speaking and her being the FEUCSO President, positively be in.

Whatever the result may be, it just give the FEU, the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services and the student leader community in particular, something to ponder on. Are we really producing effective student leaders who are contributors of the community? Or, are we just pretending that FEU is a home of responsive and efficient leaders.