Ray of difference
Sarah Jane A. Nengasca peers into a spirit tuned in to others.
She’s been doing community extension services since high school, not only in the nearby communities, but reaching even far-off places in the province.
Once, as a Girl Scout, she adopted a community in Abugon, Sibonga. She became part of the neighborhood for a year; she acted as a big sister and teacher to the kids in the barangay. She even built a playground for them. That’s how she loves volunteerism.
At 19, Rachelle Marie G. Dangin’s meekness of spirit has made her reign as a servant, and lead as a follower.
Just as the University of the Philippines celebrates its 100th year, she and her fellow servant leaders have set their brand of student leadership. UPians have been stereotyped, since the First Quarter Storm preceding Martial Law in this country, as radical firebrands, taking to the streets, leading rallies and braving the ire of water cannons or worse.
Rachelle differs. She would rather make a difference by volunteering.
Ruling without overruling, she has responded to the responsibilities and challenges life has brought her way in the campus and outside.
Last February 5-9 and February 22-25, she participated in the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) and The Probe Foundation’s workshop on migration and communication, respectively. AYLC is an annual summit that gathers 75 of the most promising student-leaders from colleges and universities nationwide. The weeklong event is designed to hone the students’ skills in leadership.
Going beyond the four corners of the classroom is not strange for her. For the past three years, Rachelle has been a volunteer of UP-Tsinelas, a school organization with thrusts in children’s education and environmental preservation. Deeply committed to volunteerism, she considers UP-Tsinelas as a platform for her to continue reaching out to others.
Because she loves volunteering, she doesn’t regard it as work.
Recalling their outreach program with UP-Tsinelas in Sibonga last December, she says: “The feeling is overwhelming. It’s different when you’ve really reached out and shared with our less fortunate brothers and sisters. The outreach was one way of experiencing the real essence of Christmas”.
Though many see her as the perfect definition of “perfection,” she admits to many flaws. While volunteerism focuses her commitment, there’s bound to be sacrifices. In this case, her volunteerism encroaches on her relationship with her family. “Sadly, I always arrive home late and leave early. Conflict with my parents arises and still I can’t find time to settle it until it worsens.”
Friendship has also been tested. Keeping a too hectic schedule, she nearly did not realize that she was losing her best friend.
However, Rachelle takes these challenges as opportunities to learn.
“Swallow your pride and never cease praying. These, along with forgiveness, aided me in shaping the broken bits of friendship. The year started good as we reconciled at last. Aside from that, it’s also important to set priorities and to manage time in order to have balance, especially with matters affecting my family.”
While it’s her will that made her go through all the pains and her humility that makes her stand out as a new breed of student-leader, Rachelle believes all these emanate from one Source. “Blessed, that is me.”
Photos: Alex Badayos
Makeup: Bobbie Albert 0905-3426555
Surface Flaws
Ultimate weakness: Christian Bautista. She can’t help kissing the television set when the troubadour comes, singing or not, on screen
Telling absence: Certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth)
Corny Queen: “I really love to crack jokes… but jokes don’t seemingly like to be cracked by me. Whatever timing I follow, my jokes still sound corny.”
these lovely upians are even lovelier inside. i believe that
many of our youngsters would gladly share their time and
effort for others thru volunteerism. it should have been a
big plus to our country as these people does not look for
compensation, award or recognition. it’s only sad that we
don’t have agencies to channel these good stuff into use.
some youngsters get into trouble as they don’t have any
choice but to dwell into “escapism” through drugs, smoke,
alcohol, etc. because it is the only thing offered to them.