Inspiring the Youth: Lessons from BNI

Recently, the Business Network International (BNI) Foundation came up with a great program visiting a school to provide nuggets of wisdom and inspiration for our young students. I was one of the lucky ones given that wonderful opportunity to break bread with the students of Muntinglupa. Aside from imparting a bit of my experience in the military service, it was humbling to know that I too would be learning much from the experience as well.

The main purpose of this activity was not just to regale our students with stories of our life journeys, but to inculcate in each one of them such values as hard work, diligence, persistence, the need to study and learn, and more; if we are to aspire for a better future for ourselves and our families. The experience was both spiritually uplifting and enlightening as well. Apart from witnessing the spark of ambition in the eyes of our future leaders, I too learned and was inspired by the stories given by my co-presentors.

In a world where dreams are often treated with much cynicism and doubt, there will always be that difficult and unlikely path that could open up a magical door for you to achieve those dreams. In my case, I told them how I became an ‘accidental’ soldier’, having joined my cousin in taking the exam for the Philippine Military Academy. I never really thought much about joining the military service, and I consider myself lucky to have passed the series of tests given. I hated the difficulties I had to undergo during my first year in the Academy – plebe year, we call it. But it was only during my second year that I finally realized that the Academy was giving me a clearer path for my then-aimless life. And I learned to embrace the military service from thereon.

It was the Academy that would prepare me for the future. It was the Academy that provided me the discipline, the professional conduct, and the moral compass that guided me through the years. It was the Academy that transformed my dreams into reality through hard work. And it was the Academy that made me what I am today. For all that, I am truly grateful.

But aside from me, there were 2 other compelling co-presentors in our designated section-room. Doris Lee is an agriculturist who is a rabid environmentalist, while Frances Bok Calagui is a hardworking entrep who is into house construction and renovation. What was fascinating to me was that, despite being old enough to be their dad, I was also learning from the wisdom that both my young colleagues gifted us with. Both their stories were unique in that they came from different disciplines, yet they all echoed the same theme: hard work leads to success.

We were all in agreement that we needed to work hard to turn those dreams into reality. And we all agreed that it was important to set clear goals. Doris and Bok are both spiritual persons who demonstrate a clear enthusiasm in articulating their respective crafts. And the passion in their field clearly showed, providing much inspiration for an eager audience.

When our session came to a close, I felt a sense of hope and fulfillment. The Academy had inculcated in me a sense of service. To our country and our people. Clearly, here was another wonderful opportunity to be of service once again. These young minds were not just listening; they were absorbing the lessons that will hopefully mold them into better and more productive citizens of the land. I realized that the impact of our stories would extend far beyond that day. Hopefully, the seeds of inspiration would grow and flourish as they pursue their own unique paths.

After an hour with the students, our job was done. It was now time for the teachers to take over. Our team joined the rest of the group for a short debrief and some snacks. Truly, it was a heartwarming, fun-activity. And it was not just an exchange of stories; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work to achieve our dreams for a better life. As we shared our experiences, I can only hope that we were able to ignite a passion for learning and developing the broad and basic skills that will serve them well in their lifetime.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to birthday girl, Bong Cutiongco, who spearheaded this noble exercise; BNI Winners Prez Agnes Segismundo, who made sure the Dasma contingent was properly prepared, and the other members of our team: Frances Bok Calagui, Doris Lee, Evelyn Tuazon and Ronan Gautane, all of whom made the event truly memorable. Cheers, team!

Pics courtesy of Ronan Gautane, Bok Calagui, other BNI volunteers. For a closer look, just click on the pics.