I am the current chairperson of a political organization which upholds Integrity, Initiative and Involvement as its principle since its establishment 7 years ago. And just last night, I talked about integrity to the next student leaders (c'mon!) of our campus. It was actually more of an impromptu talk but I guess talking about a character or principle becomes easy when you know that it's real to you.
I was telling the candidates that integrity is a state of wholeness - pure, complete and without shame. It tells much about who you are and what you believe in. And with all the things that are happening (political rivals, internal problems, misunderstandings) in and out of our organization, I can't help but wonder, if individuals decided to be who they are right now, or were there external factor that caused them to decide that way?
It's sads me that there are actually people who forget their identity because they are lured of something pleasing and pleasant to them. Many allowed their political organization or emotions to dictate their identity; dictate who they are. It's just that, my hope is that people will know they are, that they will know their worth before entering an organization.
BUKLOD will not force Integrity, Initiative and Involvement down your throat. Having Integrity, Initiative and Involvement is what makes you BUKLOD. I will not even allow my organization to dictate who you are (even when our principles are pretty much cool. haha!) if that is not who you really are. You see, your character, principle and identity is a decision you have to make, not something that is imposed on you.
As for me, I know my identity :) Even before joining BUKLOD-UPLB, I knew about it, and it's what I am holding on to :)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20, NIV