SHINE THROUGH

Written by: JCI Mem. Lalissa Singson

JCI Quezon City Luna

We are all aware of how 2020 has been the greatest plot twist of the century. I cannot find the right words to describe my year, but the most certain thing that I could think of is it has molded me to be both gentle and vigilant.

When I was elected as the second president of JCI Quezon City Luna, I promised myself to create leaders from this newbie chapter in one of the most competitive regions in the Philippines.

Looking at how we have started building Luna in 2018, our mission has been about advocacy-based communities that serve various concerns. Apart from creating meaningful projects, one of my ultimate goals was to create leaders who are equipped, inspired, and enlightened.

Hence, I am proud that hailing from the 2020 roster of JCI Quezon City Luna are two Area Chairpersons, a Regional Coordinator for a national youth event, and a concurrent Regional Executive Director. They are qualified in their own right and I am just really happy to share that our chapter has been an instrument to enable these added credentials.

The committees that we built, the project chairs who initiate a lot of our programs, and the entire membership of our budding organization inspire me to keep going, despite how challenging 2020 has been.

Maybe it is true that when you serve, you are tested; and also when you serve, you are also blessed a hundredfold. I will not forget this year.

I paused the operation of my travel agency because of the pandemic, but I also grew several industries under my consulting group. I am also reunited with my family after years of “ultra independence”. There are more challenges that I cannot reveal publicly but those have certainly tested my courage to keep hoping after each downfall.

There are so many things that changed its course because of how this global situation unfolded. I would like to believe that every day we are one day closer to a better world.

As of now, it is time to turn over the leadership to someone who will take charge on this very important mission. It will not be an easy journey but it will definitely be one of the best experiences life can give.

I am grateful to the support of real friends and family. I am thankful to those who believe in me, those whose love transcend my flaws, and those who believe in my vision.

A very special thanks to the people behind JCI Quezon City Luna who said yes to build, grow, and lead with us. To our charter president and the board of directors, thank you for believing in me.

Special thanks to Batch Hiraya for the everyday laughter. You make each day extra bearable.

One year to lead; to cherish in my entire lifetime.

JCI, I cannot thank you enough.