The Flame Homepage

But is that accurate enough to say until now? If we are willing to work collectively with fellow Artlets and to
unlearn our negative traits, then it would be easier for us to look at the world in a clearer perspective. These negative traits hinder us from participating to the fullest in the movement for change.
Of course, “getting involved” might mean different things for different people. Some might not be part of the student council or school paper but make just as much contribution as others in political groups or organizations.
One does not need to be any kind of officer to realize that the bigger dilemma of our faculty is the lack of classrooms (one of the reasons why third and fourth year students have to stay in class until 9 p.m.) rather than how tacky and “high-school-ish” our uniform seems to be.
Just because one might not be a part of an organization does not mean that he or she does not possess the same amount of responsibility as others do. It is not a matter of holding a title or position. A real leader will act up on good will, not authority.
The reasons for being part of an organization may be glamorous. These include recognition, experience, commitment to social and political issues, friendship, and a sense of belonging. But putting aside personal reasons, what is more important is to consider what one can offer to the organization and what the organization can offer to everyone else. .
The youth has been an essential force for social change, may it be in the form of activism or non-activism. Students have been at the forefront of movements to promote democracy and human rights. Before, they catered the best interests of fellow students, but now, most of us have our personal interests at hand.
The focus of students should not only be in changing the institutions of society. The needed renewal is in the changing of society that must be done together with changing oneself.
Anybody who would have the time to read this would think, “Hey, how does this writer know what she is saying when she, herself, has not done anything yet?” That I think, I might not be able to defend. I, myself, cannot take pride in saying I have done something significant for the Faculty or the University.
What I am sure of is that living out our dreams in a revolutionizing society demands extreme flexibility and never-ending determination in adjusti ng to social realiti es. Our hopes and plans, united with the rhythms and reasons of the days, give some arrangement, drive, and certainty to our lives. But each of us must also cope repeatedly with the unplanned and unexpected. In the process, we mature litt le by little.
This goes on to the Filipino youth “who with loving desire sends you fortune and consolati on.” Rizal could not have said it any better himself.
Our youthful reveries refl ect our unique qualiti es, but are shaped by the values and expectati ons of those around us—and they shift as we and our ti mes change.

WE ARE in the prime of our lives—more open to new ideas, more daring to take risks, and most of all, more independent.
All of these are positive traits that make the youth, especially students, an important part of any movement for change. However, the youth of today also possesses traits that are negative in more ways than one.
We tend to be indecisive, self-centered, and unwilling to leave our comfort zones. We are allowed to have fun, I suppose. But we must know that the big world is not all fun.
It is sometimes true that discussions about the youth being the country’s next leaders can be as interesting as waiting for the grass to grow. We then fail to realize that what is expected of us is no laughing matter.
We are the driving force of change. Artlets students have been known for being the most liberal students in the campus.