My definition of being a Lasallian has changed drastically since LCLSONE.

At first, I thought that I

can already be called a Lasallian just by enrolling in DLSU but I came to learn that it is not as simple as
that. I have learned that being a Lasallian is embodying the what St. John Baptist De la Salle has done
throughout the course of his life, his values and experiences that is in line with God’s Mission. Take note
that you should “embody” it and not simply “know” it. To be a Lasallian, one must apply the core values
and principles and treat it as an obligation that he/she should take. To be Lasallians, we must be united
and in communion with our fellow Lasallians and strive for one goal and that is to accomplish God’s
Mission. Lasallians tend to be compassionate and they do not hesitate in lending a hand to those who are
needy may it be a friend or a stranger, Lasallians also value their connection with God, through prayer and
by living out acts of faith, lastly as Lasallians they do not hesitate in sharing their talents and skills for
everyone’s betterment. Furthermore, it is also important to apply these values especially that we are
already capable and has increased abilities to help others. As Lasallians, we shall help the others in need
and create long-term solutions through our specific fields towards a better society. Upholding these
Lasallian values may not be an easy task but it all boils down to our founder St. John Baptist de La Salle
and his efforts in creating wide and various Lasallian communities and never forget to always stick with
our tagline, let us start the change we want to see, the change the begins in me.

Staying true to our values is never more important than during times of hardship or crisis. Just like
St. La Salle, I did what I can as a student and as a Filipino citizen to provide help and responsibility amidst
this crisis. I did my part by staying at home, disseminating information, staying alert, donating, helping out
my family, and etc. So I can say that I stayed true to my Lasallian values. It was a difficult to enact this
values and virtues but we have to do it now. With this, I realized this quarantine is that the communion
core value is an essential Lasallian core value at this time. Even while physical distancing measures are
implemented across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the extent to which we are all
connected and share the same humanity. I realized how important reaching out and connecting with
others for their own wellbeing. The core value of service should also be highlighted from the fact that
serving others to help and reach out will make a change and chain to the betterment of the society. There
is no escape to this virus so we have to adapt and serve each other. This crisis has highlighted the
importance of dynamism, adaptability and planning for uncertainty, so it is important to have faith in God,
in ourselves, and in others, hoping that everything will settle down and go back to normal. The pandemic
is far from over but with focus ins staying true to our Lasallian core values (Faith, Service, and Communion)
we’ll get through it together.