A MESSAGE TO MY STUDENTS

My beloved students of IV – Prudence,

Last June 2013, I have presented you a spirited discussion of the school’s vision and mission. In it is an illustration of a man; arms outstretched; head looking up to the heavens. The picture shows how to effect change. I told you that before dreaming of changing the world, you must start the change in that little corner of the world where you find yourselves. 

  I went on further by telling you to fill your hearts with the Ignacian Spirituality of humble servanthood. By doing so, you will be able to witness the loving compassion of Jesus. By witnessing, you will say and do good things which will lead you to change yourselves, and then eventually influence the society to change as well. 

  During that time, you made me believe that you have understood all that I was telling you. And from then on, you constantly remind me that you are driven by our vision. And in that way, I carried out my advisory duties to you with great satisfaction.

Being your teacher is such a great joy. You are all amiable, affable and smart. You are an assurance to me that I was indeed right in choosing teaching as my vocation. As such, with the energy you have given me, I was compelled to become better. Being better entailed raising the bar and expecting quality outputs from you.

These outputs, from theatrical presentations to literary critiques, have constantly fueled me to be the best I can be. In the end, I have realized that I was the one who has learned many things. You are, after all, my great teachers. Thank you for showing me the good things in life which I’ve never thought I’d see nor I’d imagine.

Now, I will be completely honest. Endings require honesty for satisfaction. I should like to tell you that my belief in your capabilities has always been at a high level. I’m a huge fan of your batch. 

  The very thought of your future dealings with the treacheries of life excites me to a great degree. I am certain that you can and will be successful. Because of that, I will always be fond of you. 

  Our relationship has always been joyful. This has been settled in the years we have shared. However, this relationship also is now in the brink of a hiatus until the next time we’ll be able to find time to exchange pleasantries, but only up to pleasantries. In that time, things will never be the same as today. Yes. But don’t feel bad; I won’t. If there is any possible consolation in the tragedy of letting the people we have learned to love go away from our lives, it is the necessary hope that perhaps it was all for the best. In our case, I’m certain it’s all for the best.

I may appear threatening and difficult to deal with at times. Some of you may have rightfully labeled me moody and intimidating. But I know deep inside all of you is that special spot I would like to believe I will forever hold. Presumptuous as I may sound, I have that uncanny ability to be awesome—awesome because I am fair in giving you shares of my wrath. 

 Together with this belief is the congruent line of thinking that I can put reason into your very minds. Thus I will leave you with a request which you are to consider in your future careers. But since I may not find the exact words to let you get my point, I will quote a Professor of the UP School of Economics. She said, “You're going to be as good and as honorable as you should be. You are going to stay in the Philippines. And if you leave the Philippines, you are at least going to try to pay back. And if you don't do any of the above, this is my last threat to you. I am going to haunt you! From the grave! I intend to go up there and from up there I'm going to look down on you and I am going to confront you at the worst possible moments in your life.”

My dear students, you have magnificently reached this far in your academic life; please continue on building excellence, nurturing faith and developing service

With an undying affection, I remain yours,

Sir Leo the Great