HMM, YEAH, RED IS DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE COLOR NOW…

By: Terrence Salumbides | 12F

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I get that there are a lot of activities that are designated for each batch depending on our specialties, and a spectator like myself gains a sense of appreciation from the extraneous effort the various councils exert in order to make school more engaging. Furthermore, it’s a great distraction from the stressful academics we go up against on a daily basis.

During the events of ABM week, I was truly enlightened to know what fun activities were waiting for us, but I was particularly hyped for dress-up day, where we go to school in business attire. I am proud of my class, 12F, as they sacrificed a lot of their personal time to make this week possible. That time could've been used to improve their grades or to relax when given the chance, but they didn't. That's why I am truly proud of the strand I chose to be with, as I know I'm with people willing to give a lot to makea a lot. That’s what future leaders should strive for to make the world a better place. I really learned from the Executive Board’s example of putting everyone at the same level of importance and never leaving anyone or their needs behind. It is only ethical to take into consideration other people's needs, and to provide protocols that alleviate their concerns. I realized that ethics gives a business its heart and soul because all human creations have to be developed for the welfare of everyone, as we are an extension of God's infinite benevolence.

The strand hour is arguably the biggest highlight since the recent semestral break, all because I appreciated the game where we had to use everything in our possession to make the longest line of accessories; most especially the part where we started to use actual human beings to make the line reach as far as it can possibly can. I couldn't stop laughing because the utter presence of determination we have is commendable yet outrageous. At the very least, we have such astute creativity to reach our goals in ways that are normally seen as unthinkable, and that inspired me to consider every detail in every scenario and use them for my business advantage, as that is what being astute is all about. It motivated me to not stress out in crucial moments, and find small facts that could somehow give me the edge I need to overcome such trials. I realized business owners must not succumb to the pressure of their work’s nature, as it can yield disastrous consequences; to be able to think of an entire map of actions and arrange them in order is exceptional but to prepare different scenarios that are possibilities is something that very few possess.

The Trade Exposition is the culmination of all the efforts and sacrifices made by the ABM strand in order to jumpstart a mini business venture. It's really great to be a part of something bigger than yourself, especially in a sense where you would be helping a lot of people. As a business enthusiast myself, it really warms my heart to see the good businesses can give to other people's lives. From this experience, I realized to never underestimate the idea that good begets better, so if we set the right example on how to run future business with the intent of benefiting society and the environment, then others will follow the Augustinian example. I was taught that while profits are invaluable to a company’s life, it is the content of your behavior and attitude that can make you and your business a societal blessing. All I do has to be aimed at not only myself, and I practiced that in my little life through academically supporting my friends so that they may have better records that will push them closer to their personal success.

I gotta say… I never second-guessed myself when I chose ABM as my strand, I don’t regret it either.

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