Be Brave
It was quarter past five in the morning, and it was quiet. Sitting on one of the main campus’ stone benches, I thought that probably a major number of Tamaraws are not morning people. Students were on auto-pilot mode, walking towards their classrooms and buildings. For some reason, my college freshman self chose the earliest time she could possibly choose to take a morning walk. I felt the warmth of the sunlight touch me a little longer as I let the thought of Far Eastern University being my new home, sink in.
The documentary, Be Brave: The Story of Far Eastern University, showed how the university was founded by a visionary who upheld the values of fortitude, excellence and uprightness, Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. whose efforts were cherished by his students. His drive and vision was caught by his children and had never forgotten even after the Second World War had passed, around that time, the founder has fallen into his demise with his wife and two youngest children. His three eldest children survived the war and willingly held the baton of leading the school their father has founded, and took his dream and goals forward, even after his death. “Be brave,” the founder said to his daughter, Mrs. Lourdes Reyes-Montinola, before he died. Years later, these words will ring into the hearts and minds of every Tamaraw who aims to reach for the stars — and UAAP matches.
FEU garnered awards after awards against competing schools, and went as far as being recognized and representing the Philippines globally. Students who carry excellence in their system, who are recognized within the country and outside — Arwind Santos, Rachel Daquis, Lydia De Vega — to name a few, were raised. Now, FEU is known as a force to be reckoned with in various fields such as sports, technology, arts, and business. Each achievement brings pride to everyone who hail from the university, and inspire those who aim to follow their footsteps in the industry.
Watching the documentary reignited in me a greater appreciation for the love of the founder and his family for establishing a university that aims to build up, creating an environment that instill the values of fortitude, excellence, uprightness, and to battle for the right wherever we may go. I have gained a greater respect for everyone who walked the happy halls of every student whose memories are instilled within them, for every student who fought bravely during the war, for every social issue that was faced, for every concert, and for everyone who fights to live every day and study for tomorrow’s better opportunities.
I sat again in one of the main campus’ stone benches, and the sun was about to set. I’ve recounted memories good and bad, with the bittersweet feeling of knowing that this may be one of the last days I get to experience this as a student in one of the places I call home. I remember watching how warmth of the sun touched the grounds of the university like how a lover caresses his beloved’s cheek with the back of his palm, not knowing it will become a habit years later.
The future may seem daunting for a lot of us but let us carry on with the hunger to move forward, and reach for our dreams and visions just as Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. and his children had, with the values instilled in us for our years of study in FEU. May we never be afraid to lead the charge, and may we always choose to be brave.
