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| Meggie Eleazar |
One
thing that was evident in the congress was that we were there to talk but more importantly, to listen. Yes, we had to express our questions, thoughts and
opinions - but what was more persistent
was the yearning to listen and to learn through what you hear. In the congress
I heard three things, the first was the speakers. The panel discussion that we
had was very enlightening and helpful because unlike other seminars that had
speakers directing the participants on what must be done based on concepts and
norms of the community – here, the panelist presented us their true and real
life experiences and stories. We were able to see them as something more than a
celebrity or a public figure but as a person, as a leader. We heard them as
they went through difficulties in their lives and how they overcame such. We
were awed by their realizations and their decision making. The panel discussion
was more personal and it was real. As such, it made a greater impact on me also
because some of their experiences are the same as mine.
The
next voice I heard was that of my co-delegates. Most especially in our workshop
groups, where we openly shared our problems and reactions to the
aforementioned, I was frequently awed by the opinions of my group mates. It was
a great experience to hear the stories of young leaders nearly at your age.
Hearing both their personal and professional problems both inspired and
saddened me at times. It was great to be a part of a young leaders’ path to
development and self-improvement. The input we shared in our workshop groups
gave us all realizations on our own leadership problems and dilemmas.
The
last voice I heard was my inner voice. That was the voice I listened to at dawn
when I was reflecting the things I learned from the day’s activity. It was the
voice of a new hope and determination within me, eager to put into action the
inputs that I got and the changes that I wanted to make within myself and
within my school and community.
Another
important thing that I realized from the congress and which I would always keep
in mind was the lesson on trust. One of our outdoor activities really struck me
– how the team really worked together, kept together, literally held each other
and kept each one firm and strong so that one of us would be able to achieve
her own personal goal. Considering the effort everyone repeatedly made, it had
this impact on me – making me realize the true importance of trust and
dedication to teamwork within organizations. I knew that having trust in
yourself was an important thing. But another thing I realized was that you also
had to really trust the other people you work with. And it is not enough that
you silently and conceptually trust them, you had to show them that you trust
and support them. Such an action would in turn make that person increase her
trust in herself and make her all the more eager to do her best and perform her
hardest in achieving her goals. I used
to think that if a good, she could be able to do everything by herself. But
after that activity, I realized that the true effective leader would be someone
who is able to stand by calmly as she lets other people do the tasks assigned
to them, trusting their capabilities and knowing they would be able to do the
job.
Another
thing that was almost always mentioned by our speakers was something in
relation to values. As an Atenean, I was familiar to this concept already.
Nevertheless, hearing from these professionals the difference their values made
in their decision making and in the course of their lives made me see the true
impact one’s values has in determining not only the decisions we make but also
the courses our lives will take. We were told that our values were something
non-negotiable. It cannot be applicable to others but not to some. It can’t be
called in this situation but inapplicable in the next. Values are one important
aspect of leadership. It is an indication of our identity. It determines who we
are, what we are, who we are for and what we are for. Our values guide us in
doing the things we do. It is something we go back to when faced with making
decisions and choices. Our values identifies who are, and is very important to
young leaders like us. It is something we stand for, fight for and live for.
To
end my reflection on the congress, I want to share my appreciation of the staff
and everyone who is behind this leadership congress. Without question this was
an experience that will forever change our lives. I am a firm believer that
this is an effective and fruitful campaign on directing change and development
in our country – through forming young leaders with service for the community
and their country as their foremost devotion.
One
of our panelists shared that truly, it is important to love what you are doing
– to unconditionally love what you are doing. As I spent
those four days in the company of 80 other young leaders, I saw an unwavering smile
on everyone’s face and an unmasked dedication and passion for what we were
there for. As such, with 80 others, I am very hopeful that indeed, the future
of our nation would be a bright and progressive one.
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Meggie is a third year business student of the Ateneo de Naga University
