The recollection was held at Franciscan Renewal Center in Brgy. Tungkop, Minglanilla, Cebu. All the graduating students from both the Education Department and the Technology Department joined. We left our busy schedules behind for a while and focused on something deeper ourselves, our choices and how we want to live our lives moving forward.
When we arrived everything felt calm. No deadlines, no pressure just a quiet space where we could reflect and be present. It felt strange at first especially since we’re used to rushing from one task to another. As the day went on it felt good to just be still for a while.
The facilitators welcomed us warmly and reminded us that this day wasn’t about performance or achievement it was about checking in with ourselves letting go of some of the stress we’ve been carrying and finding peace before we move on to the next chapter of our lives.
During our recollection we learned that it’s more than that. Integrity means that doing the right thing even when no one is watching us and it’s about staying true to our values even when it’s hard. The speaker shared this line that stuck with me “Integrity is not about of being perfect. It’s about being consistent with values.” That really hit me.
During our reflection time we’re all emotional because the speaker gave us a chance to look back on the past four years and saying thank you to classmates, friends and also the teachers for all the moments we shared. We hugged each other during that time.
Before we ended we were reminded that living with honesty and integrity shouldn’t stop after we graduate. In fact, it becomes even more important. Whether we become teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs or public servants. Our choices will affect others. We’re about to enter a world that won’t always be fair. There will be temptations and challenges. But if we carry integrity with us. We become part of the change this world needs.
After our closing prayer we all went outside for one last activity together. We formed a heart shape standing side by side under the open sky. It was simple yet it meant a lot. It felt like a symbol of everything we shared that day love, unity, peace and the promise to carry these values with us even after graduation.
The speaker Kuya took a photo of us while we were in heart formation. That picture isn’t just a group photo it’s a memory. A reminder of a special day when we slowed down, looked within and remembered what really matters living with honesty, kindness and also integrity.
As we prepare to leave CTU Naga and start a new chapter, we carry not just our diplomas but the values we’ve built along the way. May we continue to live with honesty, humility and courage. May we be the kind of people who choose what’s right.
Preserving the culture of integrity starts with us. And it starts now.