CHUA, EURIELLE VRIANNE

LF102

REFLECTION PAPER

“Real wealth is the ability to think and feel, not being possessed by possessions, to
give, to receive, to reason.” – St. John Baptist De La Salle

John Baptiste De La Salle is an epitome of what a Lasallian should be. A lasallian

should be faithful, loving, smart and prayerful. A lasallian must have a zeal for service
and serving the unfortunate.

Before, I knew very little about La Salle. But coming from a catholic school, his
name does pop up sometimes. He was a man who gave his everything for God, he
stood up for what he believed was right and did it for a good cause. He caused a great
wave of good deeds, in which people nowadays consider rare. His good deeds and
vocation lead to one of the greatest feats and group until today – education. Education
that is sadly seen as a privilege than a right, especially in the Philippines, where most
children are deprived from it. Like La Salle, I believe that education is a great precursor
for change. Without education, change is stagnant, development is nonexistent and
humans are basically mindless beings. And, with La Salle, he did provide change.

One thing that inspired me the most about John Baptist De La Salle was his
strength in pursuing his advocacy for the youth's education, even at his family's
discretion. I adore how he sacrificed his earthly fortune for the greater good. He chose
to serve God with all of his heart and being, and he became a savior for those who are
oppressed from education.

La Salle handled conflicts excellently and I adore his patience and understanding
attitude and trait. Of course in every setting and situation, conflicts are inevitable. I am a
person that reacts aggressively, often based on emotion and lack of sensitivity and
understanding. La Salle was the opposite. And to think of it, we must handle conflicts
the same way he did; calmly and rationally.
 Another thing that I adore La Salle for is his courage and knack of taking risks. He
was fearless in doing what he believes is right and he does what he can for his beliefs
and God. When people saw hopeless financially-disabled kids, he saw hope within them
– causing significant and tremendous vocation into educating these children.

He studied hard and showed great passion for learning and teaching, something I
see in myself. I strive to do my best academically and believe that education is
important to everyone, as it is a right. I relate to him because I've always promised
myself that after college, as I work; I want serve the people who are seeking justice and
betterment. Education is a good pathway to solve the unjust system we have. I also see
myself in La Salle for his compassion to people. I believe compassion is an important
tool to understanding, and it is also an aid to heal people who experience the lack of it.
This made me realize that as lasallians, we become the epitome and model for La Salle,
whom we must encapsulate and engrave within our hearts and minds. While some of us
may drift to different ways, we must understand the implications of actions and if our
actions drive change and betterment for those who are experiencing injustice.

Of course, at least, for now I must be encapsulate being a Lasallian in small way.
Through studying hard and praying, I show the qualities of a lasallian. I can also give
donations and services to the poor, and showing them that I care about them. Also by
being socially responsible and courageous, I can fight for the unjust system against the
poor.

Small ways can go a long way, and with this actions may be a precursor to a
bigger one; maybe a foundation, maybe teach to those who are neglected, and maybe
even more.