There has always been a part of me that has been yearning to make a difference or start a change. I've seen people who have done it. I've also seen people that are doing it, most of which are young and determined. The world is not the same as before. A lot of things have changed in only a short span of time all brought about by the upsurge of technology, specifically the Internet and its corresponding social media. In the early days, they can only imagine a world where two people located in opposite sides of the globe can start a casual conversation. A world where it only takes minutes after it happened for a news article to be published in the web for everyone on earth to see. The world has been undeniably brought closer together.
Every single one of us is connected with each other in our own way. We influence each other wether we like it or not. It is a universal understanding that we as humans desire for companionship emphasized by the saying that no man is an island. Therefore, we are bound by this duty to connect and bond with our fellow men. The urge for camaraderie and friendship is stronger than the compulsion to be alone. That is why it is very important that we should develop our society, and more importantly our community.
The NSTP program has taught me to engage in community service activities that promote increased awareness of the needs of the community and its development. By developing service and leadership opportunities for young people, the NSTP program promotes the ethic of service, fosters youth leadership, and contributes to the growth of society. It also plays a vital role in educating students about social issues and the roles that young people can play in alleviating the needs of the less fortunate.
A Call for Service
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice he sends forth a ripple of hope.” -Robert Kennedy
We live in a time when so many Filipinos are hurting, when competition for jobs and economic security is increasing, and when the pressure simply to survive is growing. There's a tangible sense of fear and anxiety among—not just the poor—but among working people and the middle class. People are asking whether the the day that the Philippines will become a “developed county” is still within reach. I believe that someday it will—but we are going to have to work a lot harder to achieve it—and that work begins in the home and the classroom and it continues every day in our communities. And that's why service is so important. Because society—whether it is government or business or the family—cannot meet every need today. Despite the myriad of challenges we face, you cannot fail to notice that the Filipino people are deeply optimistic. They never fail to practice the virtues of camaraderie and the basic moralities of the society. Literally thousands of young men and women are working in communities—giving their time, energy, expertise and love—to help others.
Service is something we all do every day . It's in a vital part of our character. It helps to define who we are as a nation. We should all view service as something more than an activity to supplement our daily work. It's a life-time commitment to helping others—and being enriched by others. The gift of service is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Through service, we discover and live out our values. Through service, we participate in our shared commitment to create a "more perfect union." As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." Any recognition is just the icing on the cake, not to be expected but definitely to be enjoyed.
Many see community service as a means to an end. Some might see it as a way to get service points while socializing, while others may view it as an unfortunate (and often inconvenient) necessity of being a Thomasian student. But is that true community service? Ttrue community service is an attitude. Are you doing it for the right reasons? I'm not saying there won't be Saturday mornings when you would rather sleep your heart out than paint your heart out. What I'm talking about is that in the end, when it is all done, and you are once again well-rested, you can look back and realize that you did something worthwhile. That you helped your fellow man in some way.