Context

There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If
you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a
fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest
thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in helping others. When
we discussed the different Ignatian Values and Principles, my mind flew back to the
most unforgettable and life changing moment in my life. It was December 1, 2016 when
I fully realized that this is where my Jesuit Education led me. The values that have
taught in school permeates every aspect of my life; Xavier have welcomed me into a
community where I have been encouraged to develop not just academically, but to
mature into a complete young adult where we embody a greater appreciation for
community and relationships.
Experience
December 1, 2016, SBM Business Expo. It was so disappointing when we didn’t
reach our quota in selling that day and we haven’t even sold half of the products we
are ought to sell. The afternoon came and still progress is obscure. My friends and I
are on a great dilemma of what to do with the products since the goods are
perishable. I don’t know what happen but we found ourselves walking around the
streets of Divisoria finding beggars and street children. The decision we made was
really not included on the list of actions we are planning to do; it was so random
and out of nowhere, but seeing the kids wearing big smiles on their faces for what
we did was worth a thousand words. It was indeed heartwarming and life-changing.
Reflection
Night of that day, when I’m on my bed I asked myself “ I know what we did helps them,
but how does it help me?  How will serving others make a difference in my life?”, and
after a few minutes I realized that the answer is quite simple. When you decide to
notice, when you decide to act, when you decide to make a difference even in a small
way, you have taken the first step in changing the world. Our actions will not only be
appreciated, but chances are, it will touch the lives of both the people we met and many
people we may never even see again. The greatest reward of serving others is how it
makes me feel about myself.  The kids’ appreciation was so sincere and their gratitude
so heartfelt that it still gives me a warm feeling just thinking about it. I know in a way,
that special feeling is God’s way of telling me thank you! Thank you for caring!  Thank
you for making a difference in the world! I don’t know if I’ve ever been so satisfied with
anything I’ve done before or since that moment. To know that your work means so
much to someone else made me understand the value that comes from helping other
people.
Action

With that experience, the calling to be “men and women for others” are not just
nice phrases, but rather touch at the very core of my commitment towards justice
and the common good. And while this calling summarizes my desire to help the
poor and suffering in the world, my inspiration to work towards justice and the
common good extends far beyond what any simple phrase can describe.

Evaluation

In an article that I have read a few days ago, this line have struck me “Always — I
repeat — always keep in mind that your existence cannot be measured by what you do
for yourself but what you do for others.” I pondered deeply and recognized that only
when I whole-heartedly committed myself to serving others and my community
did I genuinely find meaning in my life. And when I grow old, my legacy wouldn’t
be defined by what I did for myself but it would be defined by the impact I made
on other people’s lives.