College is one of the toughest phases in an individual's journey. With responsibilities piling up from academics, friends, and families—it takes so much passion and dedication to serve, for a student to take on another challenge and be a trailblazer. It is safe to say that being a student leader is like giving your soul without expectation in taking the helm, your heart and grit are on the line.
A new set of leaders has emerged from the recently concluded university and college-wide Student Council Elections (SCE), ready to give their hearts and souls in service to their peers without expectation.
Driven by Compassion, Paid With Threat
Despite having so much on their plate and the danger of facing fear, threats, and intimidation—Tracy Althea Ramos and Deniel Tolentino, the current president and vice president of the PUP College of Communication Student Council (COC SC), still took on the challenge of being the leaders of their college.
Before running for office, Tracy and Deniel were already serving their fellow students. They knew that their role carries huge amounts of responsibilities and even have the ability to influence, and that they are subject to various concerning issues such as red-tagging, threats, and acts of intimidation coming from the people that might oppose their leadership and the calls that they struggle.
“Bilang isang lider-estudyante, naniniwala tayo na nandyan, of course ‘yung presensya ng takot sa bawat hakbangin na gagawin natin. Pero ang mahalaga, dapat ‘yung isang student-leader, naniniwala tayo na dapat mayroon siyang kapasyahan na talagang igpawan ‘yung takot na mayroon siya,” Tracy told The Communicator.
Student leaders are the souls that are always free and open for their constituents. They are willing to serve the COC community even though some would place red-tagging remarks on their necks, which feels more of a burden and load-bearing than a badge of honor.
Collectively Leading, Embracing Accountability
Being a student leader is not an easy job as it comes along with two big responsibilities: serving your community while also thriving in academics. That is why it requires a solid formula to be a good student and at the same time, an effective leader.
Aside from proper time management, Tracy and Deniel shared that their key for a successful and effective leadership is their collectivism within the council. It is their united efforts that drive them more to accomplish their tasks and achieve their goals.
For them, being a member of a council is not just a responsibility; it is about creating and building a new family, united by a shared vision and goal that aid as the main foundation—to serve and be a genuine representation of their student bodies. A representation grounded with love and accountability.
Truly, leadership should be driven by love, compassion, and goals. But good leadership should always come with teamwork and be ready to be held accountable that reflects their commitment to be a genuine student representation. A leader’s integrity and dedication to their community must be a constant, unwavering force, demonstrating that they are not just in power but are of the people they serve.
Hearts on the Line
It is an undeniable fact that leadership is a calling, but it is also something that should naturally come out of one’s heart.
Being in the service even before Tracy got elected as the president, she said that it is hard to be a student leader, but fulfilling because she did not run for a position just for herself, but for the whole college she’s serving.
“At the end of the day, masasabi mo na ‘yung ginagawa mo, hindi siya para sa sarili mo—para siya sa mga estudyante,” Tracy added.
The COC SC’s vice president also said that his role fueled his love and commitment to fighting for the rights of his constituents.
“Hindi pwedeng lumalaban ka lang dahil responsibilidad mo. Lumalaban ka dahil mahal mo sila at gusto mo silang paglingkuran,“ Deniel emphasized.
Student leaders are like superheroes, as they are the ones who are willing to offer themselves for free just to cater to the needs of their fellow students. They might not have their capes and superpowers, but they surely are equipped with their igniting love, determination, and unwavering commitment to their student bodies.
In fostering the welfare of the studentry, they are effectively selling their souls for free; in taking the helm, their hearts are truly on the line.
Article: Rolan Muyot
Graphics: Shannen Rowan
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