I AM A MSUan!

(MSU as an Avenue for Learning beyond Diversity)

By Jao

“I am MSUan!” – a common proud phrase you would hear from a student who studies at
Mindanao State University or MSU. But somehow you might wonder, why are they so proud of
being a student of a state university? What roles and contribution do they offer to our society?
Firstly, we value local history. People say, “Those who know nothing about history are
doomed forever to repeat it.” Thus, the MSU system offers a course for learning about the local
history of Mindanao specifically, MINSUPALA region. The aim of this course is to teach us, the
students of MSU, to who are our ancestors and possibly understand the mistakes they’ve did in
the past and not repeat them.
Second, we are taught to abolish divisions and biases between Muslims, Christians
and Lumads. It has been long noticed that there is a stain in the relationships of these tribes. As
students of MSU, a university full of students from different parts of Mindanao, we are taught to
respect and understand cultures beyond differences. By respecting one another, we are opting to
develop genuine relationships despite our diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Of course, these are just a few of the reason why we are proud to be called MSUan. But
for me studying in this university reminded me of the fact that who we are today is a product of
the past and we should learn and treasure it. It also made me realize that diversity should not be a
hindrance for genuine relationships, and it is my role to respect and understand that none of us
are the same. For I am a MSUan, and in MSU we respect, accept and learn amidst diversity!