YOUNG LEADERS. More than 70 student leaders from various Xavier Ateneo organizations participate in this year's Change Leadership Camp. Supplied photo.
Report by Philline Marie Felicilda
Recognizing the great potentials of the young leaders from various student organizations at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, the 7th Change Leadership Camp was held at the Tagbuan Center in the Manresa Farm Complex from May 29 to June 2.
Over the years, the Change Leadership Program forms and motivates student leaders through their personal advocacies, visions, and drives in building solid platforms for change inside and outside the premises of the University.
The camp, organized by the Student Activities and Leadership Development - Office of Students Affairs (SACDEV-OSA), was themed “Changing the Game.”
The convergence brought together more than 70 student leaders from various Xavier Ateneo organizations.
In the span of four days, the participants underwent dynamic discussions and workshops, providing them with knowledge on self-awareness, shared and transformational leadership, environmental conservation, community-building, and many more.
Challenging the times
Speaking to the participants, Ivanell Subrabas, director of student affairs, emphasized the idea of challenging the times, especially in change leadership.
“Leadership is not about what character you have but what you’ve done to it to change the world; engage in something you are drawn to; pursue your passion; develop yourself for growth,” he said.
Renowned change-makers from their various fields were also invited to share their experiences and advocacies that they cultivated among their communities.
For Jason Jay Dalman, team leader of the Angat Buhay Marawi Transitory Shelter and former SACDEV program coordinator, exploring the core and essence of one’s leadership does not happen overnight. Dalman set the tone through sharing his experience in conquering struggles and discovering his leadership capabilities.
Dalman said: “Finding the core is a matter of exploring different opportunities. It is a great feeling to find. That is when you know that you found it – when it sparks joy; may everything we’ve been through a testament of our advocacy.”
This was also echoed by Val Amiel Vestil, founder and Executive Director of Association of Young Environmental Journalists. He motivated the young leaders to explore their values in realizing what they are good at and not to give up in the face of failures and rejections.
“Take rejections as redirections,” he added.
Leading change
Defining new limits and breaking barriers were also some of the motivations behind the achievements of other change-makers that were invited to share their experiences on making differences in their communities.
Shariffa Patayon, owner of the Happy Earth store, a zero-waste grocery store in Cagayan de Oro City, shared her advocacy in promoting a safe and liveable environment.
“Be confident to pass on this planet to the next generation because we are in a room full of leaders who are willing to change," she said. "If we do not start now, there’s no turning back."
John Maraguinot, founder of the YouthLead Philippines Inc, also emphasized to the participants that they need to lead by HEART – with (1) Humility, (2) Excellence, (3) Attitude, (4) Responsibility, and (5)Transformation.
“Many are called, but few are chosen, but a fewer ones take the call," Maraguinot said. "You are not simply called, you have to respond to the call."
OSA-SACDEV hopes that the student leaders would put to heart all their learnings during the leadership camp and be more actively committed in the involvements of their organizations; continuing the mission they are called to do.
Moreover, OSA-SACDEV continues to support their projects and programs for their respective organizations to form them in becoming the game-changers they ought to be – transforming the world one story at a time.∎