MY LIFE AS A TRUE NOTRE DAMEAN

Great things are not done by impulse but by a series of small things
brought together.
~Vincent Van Gogh

For 20 years of existence, growing old, making friends, widening my

knowledge, molding myself and facing the realities of life are part of my
every day journey which makes me both weak and strong. But I always
believe who I am today is the product of parents efforts and lessons, my
mentors patience and corrections, familys support and love, friends
shoulders and advises and most especially Gods guidance and ultimate plan
for my life.
My life as a true Notre Damean was not easy but surely it was worth
remembering and journeying. Theres only one name that could help me
describe and explain what is really my life as a true Notre Damean, MAMA
MARY.
All this years, I am really amazed and inspired by the life of Mama Mary most
especially her humility, obedience and her passion to prioritize others first
before herself. In my little own ways, I am trying to be like her but I know I
can only be portion of her compassion, genuineness and service. Mama
Marys humility is incomparable because the simplicity of her being reflects
to her actions and words but still it has great impact to the people around
her. Her immeasurable obedience to the words of God depicts her genuine
faith and her unselfish care and service to those in need touches the lives of
many.
With this, in my own ways I am my living my life like Mama Marys virtues
and passion. I am magnifying my faith every day. I always believe I should
start within myself first before I can radiate it with others, that I should love,
develop and know who I am before I can love others back and be a role
model to others. My parents inculcate in me the importance of praying
reverently and finding ways to deepen my spiritual faith. Outside the school,
I am an active member of CYM of our GKK. I always volunteer myself to be a
reader during masses and bible service and I volunteer myself to be a
catechist when I am free from school works especially summer. I am joining
also in conducting Kriska in our GKK visiting one home to another and reflect
on the words of God. I am also joining other activities conducted by our GKK

related to youth and as one community. My family and I attend the Sunday
mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and during Wednesday attending the mass
for Mama Mary. As a Notre Damean, I lived and served as a true Christian
leader.
I chose to study in a Notre Dame school for 8 years because I know they will
not only mold my faith but also they will help me to achieve my dreams
and aspirations in life. My whole family is a product of Notre Dame
schools that is why it was not difficult to decide on which school Ill have my
preparatory course before proceeding to medicine. It was not also difficult
and bothersome to my parents because they know the quality of the
products of a Notre Dame school. In all honesty, I chose to study in NDDU
because I already established a good foundation and the school will mold,
guide and train me to be the best as I can be. Taking nursing for four years in
NDDU surely was not easy but it was worth it because the school developed
me not only academically and skillfully but also spiritually and emotionally.
The next chapters of my life will be truly brain-draining, body-aching and
spirit-drowning but all of this will be just a hump in my journey because Ive
been there and I was trained to survive. I am proud to say as a Notre
Damean, I am competently molded individual.
As a true Notre Damean, I am expected to make matured decisions and
choices in life that I will live up the values taught us. Honestly, this is the
part of my life that I was weak, its my waterloo. Im weak on this not
because Im poor in decision making but because I know one wrong set of
choices can lead me to wrong decisions in life. At present, Im proud to say
Im becoming good at this part. My choices became SMART (Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Time-Bounded) and always based on my
priorities in life. I always give importance to the people I love, to the good
things that would change me for the better and to the things that my hearts
desires and I know I deserve. A part of that decision-making process is also
the approval of my parents and people involve, my conscience whispering
me and the values inculcated in me. And most especially, the biggest part of
the process is the signal of God that it is right and good for me to take that
path, go for that decision or stop first or wait a little while. I am 100%
percent sure that I am making the most matured decision I could make if my
heart and mind is at ease and happy.
The journey of studying in a Notre Dame school is not complete without the
taste of fun, enjoyment, challenge and making friends. My life as true Notre
Damean was full of excitement because I actively participate in the

activities and programs done by the school. The schools activities are
my one venue to share my God given talents to others and to develop it
more. I joined different public speaking competitions during Intramurals,
University week, Guidance week and many other activities. I developed my
leadership skills also in handling committees in our college, an officer of an
organization and be an active member. I involved myself also in training
other individuals who like to develop their talents also. I became part of
many seminars and trainings to expand my knowledge and skills. Moreover,
in my batch of nursing students (Guarigione Mani Dio 2014) I know I was able
to influence them as the batch president and guided them in many activities
of the course. Moreover, I also actively participate in the activities and
programs outside the school. I am an active member, facilitator and
speaker of youth organizations such as Teen Support Group and YADOs
General Santos City Junior Officials. They have exposed and made me a
competent individual and a citizen in General Santos City. My family also is
active in extending our help and love to the people in need. Yearly, we are
celebrating pre-Christmas celebration in St. Vicente Strambi Home for the
Aged and Brgy. Rotonda, City of Koronadal children. It our familys simple
way of sharing love and blessings to others. As a Notre Damean, I involved
and participated as a community-oriented and culture sensitive individual.
As an individual, it is inculcated in me the values and attitude in order to
survive. Being modest and merciful are the values I remind myself always
to keep my feet on the ground and keep my faith no matter what trials and
obstacles I may encounter every day. I am an adept, adaptable, amicable
and ambitious individual because of the experiences I have in my life. The
attitude of responsible, respectful and risk-taker are also programmed
in me to surpass all the challenges in my life. And lastly, I have the Yes I
can attitude to maintain the positivism in me and make me accomplish all
the task given to me. I know I have all the ingredients I need to become a
perfect taste, I have all the tools I need to have a best structure of myself
and I have all the simple and small things I need to make great things to
others.
My heartwarming and unending THANK YOU to everyone who made me who I
am today. I may be small in height but in the eyes of God I am tall and my
passion to serve and care is immeasurable, I may not that intelligent but I
carried in me the knowledge, skills and right attitude I need to surpass it all
and I may be accomplished and done little things but gather it all I have
given my heart and best.