NEWS

The Ateneo Way – NCA Leadership Journey Online Edition

It is said than while most things are constantly in a state of change- those that truly matter remain. This truth resounded with the advent of the NCA Online Leadership Journey for the Ateneo SANGGU-SHS Students. With a raging pandemic still heavily clouding plans, the yearly tradition of a retreat for student leaders pulled through against all odds. On October 23 and 30, from the comfort of their own homes all around the country- Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao: Ateneans logged in to the 2020 edition of their Leadership Journey.

A yearly highlight of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey is a treasured partnership with the Senior High School department of the Ateneo de Manila University. Upon the election and appointment of a new batch of student leaders, NCAF is tapped to instill Ninoy and Cory’s value for Prayer, Discernment and Self-sacrifice within the heart of their servant-leadership.

Assisted by the program and facilitation of NCAF Program Director Mr. Jampao Reyes, the participants were invited, through a two-day reflection session, to look both inwards and out, in the context of the tribulations this past year has brought to light. The student leaders shared that while the online mode of learning is already challenging as is- the office and function of extracurricular activities is truly put to the test. The given situation has required them to adapt to the times, quite literally- tasked with turning very personal forms of program development effectively into virtual iterations.

While the task at hand may be daunting, the participants were equipped with tools to assist in facing these head-on. Mr. Reyes expounded on a menagerie of Ignatian reflections coupled with lessons in the ardent practice of true servant-leadership. Special guest speakers Ms. Vanya Castor of The Feast, Teacher Sabs Ongkiko of Culiat Elementary School, and Mr. Bobby Guevara of the Loyola Schools, all gave their takes on an empowered form of leadership that can only stem from the soul. Their talks further delved into the differing levels of the transformative power of love in service.

The Journey ended on a high note with messages from ASHS Principal Mrs. Ma. Victoria Panlilio- Dimalanta and ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap SJ. They beckoned the Student Leaders to continue fighting “the good fight”- wholeheartedly and bravely, amidst the difficulties living in the time of COVID-19 can bring. While the Online Journey came to close, the students all agreed that a renewed Journey was just beginning for them- a time to prove that truly, the “darkest nights produce the brightest stars” – the Ateneo way.

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