Erika Joy V.

Fuentebella BMN1Ar October 29, 2021

Reflection for ACP

STRIVE TO THRIVE: “WINNING STILL” LESSONS DURING THE PANDEMIC

In this ACP topic STRIVE TO THRIVE: “WINNING STILL” LESSONS DURING

THE PANDEMIC. They have Coach Emmanuel Rene “Noli” Ayo as the speaker who is the
Director of University Athletics in Ateneo de Davao University and a Convener in Mindanao
Peace Games also a former professor and student of Ateneo de Naga University. He originated in
Bicol as well. He is the Project Director of the winning still book that responds to an
unbelievable event in our world right now, the sudden changes that Covid 19 pandemic has
brought to us.
As his long years of teaching sports, he uses it as a platform for peace. He said that it was
a powerful platform in changing people for it gives him wisdom, learnings and take away that
makes him a better person and a leader. I am not actually into sports but when Coach Noli said
that it changed him to become the person he is right now, it made me realize it is because he
works hard for it, he made us realize that we don’t have to be in sports or anything to win still.
We just have to find our star though this pandemic gives so many frustrations and battles to win,
we just have to look in a different perspective because the star is always there. This pandemic
disrupted our star, our plans, goals and dreams in life but we just have to look on a brighter side
because this pandemic also gives us silver linings and opportunities such as letting us learn in
adapting to changes and to win still in whatever we are doing right now and move forward. It
helps us find ourselves more and appreciate the life and the people around us right now. I also
learned from the talks of coach Noli his definition of MAGIS. For Ateneans, magis means
excellence but for him MAGIS is a process of receiving less but giving back others more than
what you receive. It is not about the things you gain, it is about giving others value by means of
helping them to strive and win still. For him, Less is More.
Aside from that, he shared to us his 3 lessons he had during this pandemic and the 3rd
lesson really made an impact on me because that is what me and all students need to hear “YOU
MATTER DON'T GIVE UP”. From everything that's happening right now, everyone is
suffering, not just the students but to all those affected by this pandemic but if we choose to see it
negatively, it will be hard for us to see clearly the true meaning of life. It tells us to don’t give up
because God may give us a message of hope but let us try to read it from top to bottom instead of
left to right because you will not see clearly the real message for you or your real life story if you
keep being linear. So, always choose to see the brighter side of life, be strong and always believe
in yourself. He also taught us that “THE WAY YOU THINK, DICTATE THE WAY YOU
ACT”. This powerful phrase is the true manifestation that the way you think always makes a
great impact on your actions and what you will choose for yourself. That’s why it made me
realize that he is true, we have to change the way we think, in order for us to move forward. If
we let negativity take over us, we will never be happy. We should shift our perspective because
there perhaps lies the meaning that we’re looking for. Always look on the bright side of things,
have a strong mindset and the capacity to strive to cultivate good thoughts for greater actions and
greater possibilities. “VUJADE” find your star because it has always been there. Still win and
grow in life. Kick negativity and excuses, marry opportunities and goals instead.
Overall, no matter what you do, always put meaning to it. Strive to win and never give
up. Always think positive. Life may always be hard but if you know how to handle things
properly, things will go smoothly. We cannot predict what will happen in the future, that's why
we should always be prepared. As for me, I won’t deny the fact that this pandemic really
changed the way I look at life, how I foresee my future but there’s always been a good thing that
happens, and that is my family is safe and healthy and I got to spend more time with them. I also
had a chance to understand and discover online opportunities though it is tiring but it was so
fulfilling since whatever I do, I always do my best. It’s not perfect but it's worth it. I will always
strive to win and never stop learning. I will continue to establish connections with others and
sharpen my iron. Most importantly, I will not lose hope in finding my star no matter what it takes
because I believe someday I will own it.