I used to think that passing grades were all the best that I can give. There were times when I had to repeat my Algebra and Physics subjects in my previous college campus. I would usually take a dose of shabu the night before my examinations just to keep myself awake and be able to review my lessons. If all else failed, cheating was the best alternative option. “It’s better to cheat than to repeat” was my favorite quote.

I used to think that happiness could be found in hanging out with my friends, getting drunk, and wasting my time and the hard earned money on vices. I had a mindset that graduating from Nursing was my ticket to money and success. Then the time came when I needed to stop schooling and face the reality that my family could no longer provide for me.

My dreams and future shattered before me. I was hopeless, sleepless, and depressed.

One day I was introduced to a LIFE group. Having a LIFE Coach helped me realize my purpose and potential to make an impact . Being part of a LIFE Group was an avenue for me to learn from my mistakes and from what others are sharing as well. That’s when I started thinking about my ways. Little by little, I was able to learn to say no to drinking and pornography—and give them up altogether. Other people in my LIFE Group helped me realize that there’s more to life than money, success, and vices. They encouraged me to make the right decisions in my life.

With Jay Ravelo, my LIFE coach.

LifeBox helped me see beyond the facts and believe for the impossible in my life. True enough, I was given the opportunity to go back to school. I prepared for my classes and asked my friends to tutor me if I needed help, especially with Accounting subjects. From an average student, I became an academic achiever; from a regular student, I became the president of the Student Council.

I am thankful with how LifeBox has equipped me for this chapter of life, as the President of our Student Council. Making decisions for myself is easy, but making decisions for the student body is something else. I’d rather have people disagree with me than compromise integrity. It is important that as leaders, we set the temperature, and know what to come against. This humbling experience broadened my understanding on what really serving is, taught me humility, and take time to listen to criticism. This honing season of my life taught me to be sensitive towards what is needed, give value to what people say, and put things in perspective.

As a leader, it motivates me to see people going out of their comfort zones and actively participate towards the vision of achieving greater results as a team.

Leadership is everyone’s calling, It’s irrevocable. It doesn’t require recognition nor position. It’s simply standing for what is good and taking initiative from there on. To change the destiny of this nation we need to stand and fight for the truth.

Mark Gonzaga is a graduating BSBA-Financial Management student in Arellano University, Pasig City.