Ever since the day we trained these students from the different campuses of our school, we have received countless criticisms, encountered lots of people who were trying to ruin our advocacy, lack of support, and the purpose of the training was unappreciated. Inevitably, contradictions from other experts in the similar field were heavily received and we were nearly unacknowledged by the Admins of the school. Purely having good intentions weren’t credited and worst, it was turned upside down desperately to be searched for loopholes by those educators who prioritized politics and self-interest over the betterment of the school and their students.
Their shadows concealed us, blocked our path, and attempted to put out the fire in us. Some got overwhelmed and discouraged by the enemies, then retreated back to once they were. Yet, little did they know, there is still one glowing ember left in the dark that set the fire burning, spreading the light to as much as it could reach. Pursuing the advocacy with his head held high, and not just sitting idle while there’s a matter in question raised within the authorities. It’s not possible for me to take these credits, please don’t misunderstand. However, I’m proud to be one of the pioneers who have empowered these students to take the initiative upon securing the health, security, and safety of their fellow students and the faculty as well within the school premises.
Eventually, upon applying the skills we’ve trained for, somehow it turned to be the key to the acknowledgement, and the appreciation of such great importance. Our good hearts were awarded with an office and registered as a DRRMO chapter inside the city college. As our value is recognized, further suggestions for establishing the group were heard and one of those is to apply as a school organization. It is considered and currently, the said batch is electing capable officers. Meanwhile, politics and public relations aren’t my thing. I preferred to help on the sidelines and guide them as their Senior. While I’m slightly in conflict with the progression of the group, I’m still supporting the advocacy that we have started, and on the other side, choosing a catchy tagline or motto is the thing in every organization you’ll discover here.
A lot of proposals were nominated, but mine won. Well, I slightly threatened Sir for this. I was like, “Send them my proposed motto, or we’ll have a fight.” And yeah, the demanding junior won. “First to none,” is the tagline replacing their “Always First.” If you just want to exaggerate, let the exaggeration at its finest. The proposed motto for the organization is, “Empowering people, saving lives.” Initially, it was teaching people to save lives is also saving lives, but my mind was distracted and dysfunctional at that moment and I couldn’t compose a more precise version of that. Thankfully, the smart brother of Sir huntersmoon was there to save the day and rephrased it for me, then suggested the more exaggerated tagline above. Supposedly, it was just to avoid any kinds of backlash if ever there will be any lapses from us in the future but since the Instructors were veterans in the field of expertise who have something to be proud of, let there be exaggeration for a bit.
That motto has been my motivation ever since I started teaching Emergency Response and Basic First Aid to my fellow students. Teaching has never been in my interests but helping people is my passion; it’s why I came up with that kind of motivation for myself, which now will be carried out by the whole organization and the next batches of students who are willing to join to share the same objectives with us. It’s fulfilling to inspire people with your advocacy, making every effort, time, and money spent to be worthwhile. I have never expected to reach this far in this field, but I’m here. Still far from what I’m aiming for but already far from where I have started. The motto is the reason why I maintain the eagerness I have everytime, and to spare me from any possible discouragements that could make me step farther from where I am today.
Anyway, it has to start with a reason somehow when you’re advocating something and building up an organization that is carrying out your intentions. Well here, I choose to empower people on how to save lives, and save lives at the same time. By sharing our knowledge and equipping them with life skills, we’re hoping that they’ll have the same heart as we have and soon, they will pass down that knowledge to the next generations. In the future, before we depart from them, we expect that we already have built them a stronger foundation that any discouragement and criticisms can’t wreck and they can also stand still, and walk with their head held high for they only bear the best intentions.