Tsada

Was about to leave Xavier University when a grimy old man approached him. The complete stranger asked him to buy him some ice water. To his surprise, that old man was bleeding, blood flowing from his forehead and there was a noticeable burse in his face. The student caught by surprised abandoned his intention to go home and decided to help this old man. His instinct led him to go to the Rizal Hospital knowing that the service there is free since the money he had was just enough for him to travel home. From the front gate they travelled all the way to the back but only faced a locked gate. His second option was the Loyola house, residence of the Jesuits. Unfortunately, the porter told him that nobody was home. So the distressed student has lost all thinkable options but thankfully enough, in that moment the porter spoke and suggested to call the KKP Director’s office instead.

After Sir Ermin and I finished a fruitful conversation inside his office, the phone rang. I wondered who the caller was since I noticed a slight change of tone of Sir Ermin’s voice. I got patches of information from his replies and made the assumption that it is something of an emergency. Once the call was over, he shared what it was all about. I felt shivers climb up my spine.

I immediately recalled our earlier conversation. We talked about ways to creatively foster a deeper appreciation of Atenean values and behold, as we where talking about it, this student was living it out in that very moment.

He then arrived at the KKP office. Since he has no extra cash, the office provided assistance. He accompanied the old man to the Hospital. His deed did not just stop there; he went all the way to accompany the old man back to his home in Carmen. This is magis.

Atenean heroes are true and living. The amazing story of this student highlighted the truth that a Good Samaritan still does exist. I hope his story serves as an inspiration for all of us ateneans. May his story emphasize that our identity as ateneans is not so much defined by our status, the way we speak, academic loyalty, or even wearing all ateneo shirts and accessories but it is defined by our DEEDS coming from a true concern for others especially the poor.

Resume

ERNESTO B. NERI
Home Address:
Tiano – Gomez Streets,
9000 Cagayan de Oro City
0927-365-7235

Education: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy Undergraduate
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
Corrales Street, Cagayan de Oro City

Graduated High School March 2006
Xavier University High School
Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City

Graduated Elementary March 2002
Xavier University Grade School
Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City

Achievement Academic


Consistent Honor Student
Xavier University Grade School 1997-2002

Consistent Honor Student 2002-2006
Xavier University High School

Academic Excellence Award for Social Science March 2006

Second Honors March 2006

Dean’s Lister 2006-2007

Extra-curricular

Magis Awards for Service March 2006

Gerry Roxas Leadership Award March 2006

Top 1 Best Speaker – Xavier Cup December 2007

Regional Federation of Junior September 2007
Philippine Institute of Accountants
Ambassador of Goodwill


Best Interview – Aboitiz Future Leaders’ August 2008
Business Summit

Regional Federation of Junior September 2008
Philippine Institute of Accountants
Oratorical Competition 2nd Place

3 Exemplar Awards (External achievements) March 2009
Magis Awards 09
Xavier University

Deux Gregis Award March 2009
Magis Awards 09
Xavier University


Activities President, Xavier University High 2005-2006
School Student Council

Rotary Youth Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City September 2006

Volunteer, Krsitohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakaban –
Social Involvement Office 2007-present

Volunteer, NAMFREL Quick Count May 2007

Ambassador, Buklod Atenista 2007-2008

Participant, Catholic Social Teachings and Ignatian June 2007
Spirituality Seminar - Workshop

Delegate, United Nations National Millennium October 2007
Development Goals Summit for Young Filipino Leaders

Vice President, Xavier University 2008-2009
Central Student Government

Ateneo Campus Leadership Discovery July 2008
Speaker

SBMSC General Assembly July 2007
Project Head

Participant, Summer Immersion April 2008
Sumilao, Bukidnon

Delegate, Aboitiz Future Leaders’ Business Summit August 2008
Cebu City

Participant, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Social Learning Program August 2008

Delegate, 10th Association of South East Asian
Colleges and Universities Student Conference
Bandung, Indonesia August 2008

Finalist, Ateneo Student Leaders’ Assembly August 2008

25th Buklod Atenista October 2008
Ateneo de Naga University
Naga, Camarines Sur

Ayala Young Leader’s Congress Interview Stage November 2008
Ayala Corporate Tower One
Makati, Manila Philippines


Global Undergraduate Exchange Program December 2008
National Nominee
Manila, Philippines

Cinemagis January 2009
Forum Director
Xavier University

11th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress February 2009
Delegate, Regional Convener for Region X
Alfonso, Cavite

New Decade

As we prepare to end one year and enter another, let us look forward with hope and trust in the Lord who is stronger than all darkness. As we look back over the year and think perhaps with mixed feelings, of all its joys and sorrows, all the promises kept and opportunities wasted, it is important for us to be reminded that our Father is the Lord of all time, and in Him all things are truly made new. It may be that we find ourselves looking back on the resolutions which we made at the beginning of the year, on all our good intentions to improve our commitment to prayer and our spiritual life, and feeling disappointed at our inability to live up to our ideals. Perhaps we find ourselves struggling with the same pat terns of sinfulness which we did a year ago and more.

The Church tells us that today is not a day for disappointment over how little we have achieved but a day for joy and anticipation over what God has achieved. Today’s Gospel invites us to turn our eyes away from the slow passage of days and years and to look instead towards the free unending horizon of eternity.

www.jesuits.ph