A SPARK OF HOPE FROM THE WIZARDS

CASaranay spreads hope by giving little assistance to the indigenous people, especially now we are in times of health crisis.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, A leader is a dealer in hope. When Pandora opened the box, and all evil was released in the world, Elpis remained. Bonaparte wants to express that leaders should spread hope around them. Through their simple actions, they can spread inspiration and smiles to people. In times of uncertainty, student leaders are able to use their authority and display their leadership skills through lending help to other students, and also the community. They were elected by the students, not only because they like someone to represent the student body, but also to have someone who will become a role model that they can look up to, and someone that can give them hope and inspiration. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council, headed by its President, Maria Karel Mariñas, also known as Maui, launched a donation drive called CASaranay. They distributed donations to the Tinguian tribe of Brgy. Santo Niño, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, last November 12, 2021. It aims to extend help to indigenous people who were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural calamities the community faced. The activity was in line with the celebration of Indigenous People’s Month last October. And they were able to collect over P30,000 worth of donations, and were distributed to 70 beneficiaries in Brgy. Santo Niño. “For us, a [donation] drive is not only comprised of giving and sharing, it is also a platform for us to learn charitable acts and realigning our motives by acquiring more perspectives,” said Maui.

CASaranay spreads hope by giving little assistance to the indigenous people, especially now we are in times of health crisis. This activity shows how everyone faces problems brought about by the pandemic and how students find ways to ease the sufferings of other individuals. As Maui mentioned, there are a lot of stories, told and untold, and seen and ignored. Thus, the donation drive establishes a bridge among the students to have a heart for community service and the indigenous people. Maui shared that the donation drive will not be possible without collective participation. It will not happen without the help of other academic organizations, faculty, students, alumni, and other people who gave in-kind and cash donations. So, everyone can make a difference in our society. But, making a difference starts with good leadership and management. The CAS Student Council has been very active and vocal in student concerns and creating programs for the community. Moreover, last Academic Year, they were hailed as the first-ever Best College Student Council Hall of Famer in the Mariano Marcos State University’s celebration of students’ day in January. Thus, even after being recognized, the present officers of the college student council still hold the past administration’s blood of commitment. Therefore, CASSC is consistent with its vision for excellence in Academics, Integrity, Movement, and Service.