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A Young Leader's Voice

Q: Hi, CD! Can you tell us something about yourself?

CD: I'm in 4th year highschool, Datu Paglas National Highschool, I attended the 1st EYLC last May (2006).

Q: How was life before entering the ELSA Young Leaders' Camp?

CD: To be honest, before the camp, I was not

an active student. I didn't take things to heart. At that time, I was also preoccupied with family and financial problems, and I didn't feel like going to school most of the time. I felt like I have no motive in life. It was a difficult experience.

Q: What was bothering you at that time?

CD: I could not concentrate because of personal problems... (pause). My mom is very sick right now, we found out that she has breast cancer. These problems, I usually keep to myself because I didn't know how to handle them. It was hard for me. My dad is working and seldom comes home, and my brother is studying in another school.

Q: How do you cope with problems?

CD: I get strength from my friends, they empower me and tell me that I should not give up, these are only trials. In time, I will be able to settle the situation with my family and personal problems. I'm struggling to keep focused, and discern what is right and wrong in my decisions.

Q: Going back to the camp, how did you get involved with it?

CD: There's a nomination for each school for the top students... fortunately, I was able to get in. There were 3 of us from the school who participated in the camp.

Q: Can you share your experience in the camp? What are the most important things that you have learned?

CD: I really learned so much from the camp... I know now that a true leader should know how to consult everyone, and be open minded in dealing with criticism. I had fun with the reflections and activities, I gained many friends... The camp helped me realize my dreams, ambitions... it gave me a sense of direction. It made me realize that I am a leader! And to me, leadership is all about serving other people without asking for anything in return. That is one of the most valuable lessons I have learned.

Q: After the camp, how are you able to apply those principles in your everyday life?

CD: After I attended the camp... I felt like I had to share what i have learned because I know those values and lessons had to be passed on. So we set up an organization in school, for young leaders... our last project was for the benefit of those who have terminal illnesses. Right now, we're learning how to handle our finances in the organization so we can do more projects.

Q: What can you advice to the young people and young leaders out there?

CD: I guess every young leader should remember that serving other people means being selfless. One should not expect anything in return... what's important is that you have made a difference in the lives of other people.