Friday, January 10, 2014

Youth = Future

If I am to define commitment, it will be love and dedication. Commitment to the future means doing everything to acquire the best of tomorrow. That is exactly what Filipinos want for the Philippines to achieve years from now, in the global picture. And the youth, being an asset of the country, plays a vital role in the fulfillment of this aspiration. But the question is, “will we be given the chance?”

Filipinos tend to erase the inscription labeled upon us (youth) being the “hope,” for the reason that we lack commitment due to our youthfulness. Is it that so? Isn’t it that older generations have lost their love and trust in us? That instead of prioritizing our formation, they find time to humiliate us when we commit errors, when they should have corrected and encouraged us. Indeed, commitment to the youth means the love of the Filipinos (adults) for us, their trust in our capabilities and their dedication for our proper development.
  
“The youth of today are lost and hopeless.” Cliché as it may sound, yet it is the greatest preconception against us these days. It is not very rare when we are scolded by our parents for staying out at night, or by teachers for not participating in the class and for failing grades; and even elders for our being unbearable. Now, is there really hope for the young? Still, the answer is yes. Many may not agree with this, but who knows the youth, better than the youth? We are young and we will be giving reasons why Filipinos should not lose hope and should be committed in nurturing the youth for the betterment of the country.
 
Youth, by nature, are sociable, dynamic, and animated. Human as we are, generosity and a sense of responsibility still flow in our veins, and love, still springs in our hearts. Despite of our misdemeanors, we continue yearning to be better.
            
Our image in the society may not be that good, but still, we want to voice out our side on why some youth opt to engage in most of today’s scandals – using prohibited drugs, drinking liquors or alcoholic beverages, indulging in premarital sex and joining in “fraternities,” among others. It is because of our being in this stage of life that we seek for many things. According to the late great Pope John Paul II on the stage of youth, “..during this time, he searches for answers to basic questions, not only of the meaning of life but of a concrete way to go about living it.” Yes, we are searching for many things, and some of us often do those unpleasant things because they think that it would give meaning and purpose in their lives. They are just being themselves.
           
Yet, we don’t want things to remain that way. We are willing to be corrected, not humiliated. Youth are the building blocks of a nation. It is a fact that the stronger the youth, the more developed our country is. The role of the youth in the nation-building occupies the central place. The countries which utilize their youth in a right direction are more progressive. The energy and the brightness of minds of youth act as the torch for the Philippines. On the contrary, the countries which fail to realize the importance of the youth lag behind in every department of life. Hence, we, the youth, lack proper patronage. Developed countries are totally aware of the youth’s worth. More importantly, the Philippines should cater the needs of the youth: education, employment, recreational activities, etc. in order to prepare us to lead the country through thick and thin. If the youth is not in the right direction and is unconcerned about the future of the country, they will become a burden. Consequently, they will not play any productive role.
                 
We love assessments, we really do. We need guidance, a guide who does not walk ahead and direct, but someone who leads while journeying with us. We are by nature, effective leaders and followers. We are willing to render service for a cause, not for a cost, as what many would perceive. We love working together for the common good. We can change if the adult’s preconception towards us will also change. And when we see that it brings goodwill, then we will opt to willingly adapt change within ourselves. Just talk to us sincerely, guides us and we will surely deliver things even beyond the adult’s expectations. With proper motivation, guidance, and of course, compliments from the adults, we can be responsible.
                
 Young people are not bad at all. We are also very expressive in some other things such as art, music, fashion, and lingo. But just as expressive as we are with those things, so are we when it comes to serious and more mature matters. Most of us think about issues concerning education, religion, family, and good life. Despite our wildness, we remain idealistic.
                 
After all, the youth have what it takes to be the best. Only, we are often prejudged and not given a chance to shine. This is an appeal to all that you may learn to love the youth and commit yourselves for our holistic growth. We are, and will always be, the future of the Philippines. Trust us that we can bring to ourselves and to you, a bright future for our beloved country. PADAYUN!

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