“BE  THE  CHANGE  WE  WANT  TO  SEE”

La Salle Bacolod is one of seventeen educational institutions belonging to Lasallian Philippines. We call this network ONE LA SALLE. Its goal is to offer quality Christian education.

In the face of mounting corruption, the plunder of national resources, and widespread dishonesty, the Lasallian network joined the movement for change and reform. And one of the small, but concrete step we took was to remind each other that if we wanted change, then we must be the change we want to see. Consequently, a short but simple prayer was circulated and recited in all Lasallian schools.

Let me be the change I want to see
to do with strength and wisdom
all that needs to be done…
And become the hope that I can be.

Set me free from my fears and hesitations
grant me courage and humility
fill me with Spirit to face the challenge
and start the change I long to see.

Today I start the change I want to see.
Even if I’m not the light
I can be the spark
in faith, service and communion
let us start the change we want to see.
The change that begins in me.

  Dear Students, I know that you may be familiar with this. But tonight you finally complete your clinical requirements and tomorrow you will graduate as Lasallian nurses. So as you leave your Alma Mater, the spirit of this prayer is my message to you. Be the change you and I want to see. Be the change our country needs.

Three simple, key phrases:
First: “to do with strength and wisdom all that needs to be done…”
As Lasallian graduates you have received an education that gives you this strength and wisdom. Wisdom is different from “training.” What do I mean? Let us look at this short video of Einstein, a very well trained parrot.

   

Einstein is a marvelous, wonderful and well-trained parrot. Trained to repeat sounds but does not understand what they really mean. Dear students, we didn’t train you to be parrots. Your education goes beyond training. You have received wisdom and strength: basic knowledge, thinking skills and good judgment – in order to practice your craft as Lasallian nurses. Apply your wisdom and strength and you will become the hope that we want you to be.

Second: Set me free from my fears and hesitations … to face the challenge
The second part of this Lasallian prayer acknowledges what you, dear Friends, probably feel as you think of what lies beyond tonight or tomorrow’s graduation: the licensure exams, finding a job, fulfilling personal or family expectations. Kahaladluk? Mabudlay?
So we pray to be set free from these fears and hesitations and asking for the gift of God’s Spirit to help us. If you think the challenges confronting you are insurmountable, let me introduce you to Nicolas Vujicic. His difficulties were much, much harder. But with help of God’s Spirit he overcame them.

   

Like Nicolas, we all have fears and hesitations, weaknesses and limitations. Remember how many challenges and obstacles you and your classmates have overcome in order to reach this day? Know then, my dear Lasallians, that with the gifts that the Spirit gives you: faith, wisdom, strength and determination, you will be able to face and overcome the challenges ahead of you.

Third: Even if I’m not the light I can be the spark in faith, service and communion…
My dear Friends, we do not demand that single-handed, you will change our city, our province, our country or the whole world. You don’t have to be the light. But you can be the spark. But imagine if each of your sparks light up other sparks – what a big bonfire we will have! INDI BALA?

What is this spark? It’s nothing else but the personal and professional love and concern you carry in your heart. This is the spark that will touch the hearts of your patients and their families. And touching their hearts, you will transform their lives. Is it possible that a simple, personal action of yours as a nurse will touch hearts and transform lives? Well, let me share with you the actual case of Johnny. Johnny had Down’s Syndrome. This physical handicap did not prevent him from getting a job as a “bagger” in a supermarket. But he did more than just pack groceries into grocery bags for the customers – he touched their hearts.

Johnny’s story tells us that we don’t have to be geniuses to help others, you don’t have to do very dramatic actions so people will feel important or cared for. The spark in your hearts, the spark of genuine love, honest concern and humble service – will bring healing, meaning and gratitude to the people you encounter. Then you will see the change you want to see.

So dear Students, this is my parting message to you. This Lasallian prayer is also the parting legacy of your Alma Mater to you. But it is also the parting challenge to you of your mentors, your family and your fellow Filipinos.