PERSONALITY FEATURE

Pitfalls: Alleviate a Leader to Win in Life

By: Elma L. Rabago

Commonly tagged as a busy person, doing things beyond ordinal student routine. A public figure, open to criticisms and sometimes insult. Having been caught in the spotlight trying to maintain steadfast image predetermined by leadership skills and a heart to serve the entire studentry.

Junwerlo M. Ng popularly known as “Ajong” is just an ordinary student with an extraordinary perspective if life. He’s neither a hero nor a conqueror; he’s just a casual third year Bachelor in Secondary Education Student majoring English. What makes him defined as such is his unusual passion to serve with the simplest armor – skills. Add to it is the supplement of his principles in life. He’s never an evidence of mediocrity for he is always settling for excellence. These are his assets upon being a responsible president of Central Student Government (CSG) of Cagayan de Oro College-Phinma.

Leadership is his passion. The only thing that complicates it, is handling public criticism which would come in myriad ways from spectators around. This may go on a variety of impact to him. Some would boost his anger; leave him a challenge while some would also inspire him to do better next time.

In every activity he’s handling, inevitable flaws really exist. This is a fact that justifies his human nature, being open to imperfections and missteps. But the public seems to be unstoppable in throwing out tactless comments without filtering the words to be used. This might hurt Ajong, but he never allow this encounter to put him down. Instead he just smiles, wave, wish them well and move on, sine he believes that without criticisms, he will be nothing but a stagnant Ajong: not progressive and immature. This young fellow also believes that he doesn’t have the power to please everybody but based on his performance, he’s already living up to the standards of the public.

Ajong, is able to experience many things which are not guaranteed by the four corners of the classroom. It is his greatest achievement that he’s able to lead the CSG team amidst criticism. Beyond all the time-consuming tasks and demanding responsibilities as a CSG president, Ajong is now a grown individual, sharpened by his exceptional leadership determination, supplemented by the criticism in every drawback of his imperfections.

Living up with a spotlight being scrutinized with transparencies has been a culture of Ajong. This might connote something uneasy but this serves as a tool for Ajong to grow and tread the way towards maturity. Now, he’s proud enough and grateful to say that, with proper attitude and mindset, pitfalls help a leader win in life.