A 21 year old student from Tondo was with a group of men who were preparing for a nationwide strike for alleged government mismanagement and insensitivities. They were planning to hold a rally at Mendiola at all cost even it would create some violence and would put some of them in danger. They were determined to march there and make their statements denouncing the leadership. Because they were lacking in number, they asked the unemployed people who were also protesting for lack of job opportunities (but actually never tried looking around to find one) to join them and carry their placards. It was a well funded activity, thanks to their 'sponsors' from the 'house'. The student was skipping classes, even if it meant being dropped from the roll of students for the third time for exceeding the allowed number of absences. He has a principle that he believes is worth fighting for.
The day came and he was walking on the streets expressing his principles!
Before this day, another 21 year old student from Tondo was getting ready for his forthcoming graduation. It was a culmination of his hardwork, his struggle to finish college despite his social status. He had to keep 3 jobs, provide food for his parents and 2 siblings, and finish his homework every night before a 3-Pesos worth of candle melts away. He knew it was seemingly impossible to graduate but he believed his life, as well his family's life, will be better after all these sacrifices. He was an average student, his grades are just above passing, but his determination earned him respect and an impending offer from the school to be one of their faculty. The graduation day was indeed 'the biggest day' of his life!
The day came and he was walking up the aisle to receive his diploma!
The day came and he was walking on the streets expressing his principles!
Before this day, another 21 year old student from Tondo was getting ready for his forthcoming graduation. It was a culmination of his hardwork, his struggle to finish college despite his social status. He had to keep 3 jobs, provide food for his parents and 2 siblings, and finish his homework every night before a 3-Pesos worth of candle melts away. He knew it was seemingly impossible to graduate but he believed his life, as well his family's life, will be better after all these sacrifices. He was an average student, his grades are just above passing, but his determination earned him respect and an impending offer from the school to be one of their faculty. The graduation day was indeed 'the biggest day' of his life!
The day came and he was walking up the aisle to receive his diploma!
Nationalism has different faces and it's up to us which one to embrace. We live in a country where everyone thinks he or she's right and everyone else is wrong. The two students had a different take on what to do with their lives. We can't say who's right or who's wrong. It's which side you take that defines what nationalism is for you.
Comments