Iris O.

Bontoyan

(2012-56490) (2012-20523)

Ma. Ruth Gianelle T. Jaymalin Prof. Frances Abao English 10, THU-1 10 October 2012

Report Catalysts of Today

"This is who we are. We are DESTINY!" These simple yet meaningful statements generalize what the UP Students of Destiny organization is all about. The UP Students of Destiny or UP-SOD is a non-denominational, non-profit, university-based organization of Christian UP students in Diliman, Quezon City. It firmly believes that through raising up godly leaders, our generation can truly take on the challenge of being the catalyst of our nations transformation and development. It was established in 2001, and still continues in serving the UP Diliman community until today. They had purposefully served the UP Diliman community through its relevant social, academic and spiritual activities. Leadership seminars, outreach programs, youth camps and leadership camps are some of its regular activities every semester. It also has its well-known weekly activities, such as life groups and life parties. Life groups are done in small groups, which can be held at any time and any place. Fortunately, we were able to take part in one of these life groups and had a first hand experience. We had a Bible study, shared various experiences, and expressed our inner thoughts and feelings. The one-hour session ended with the singing of a religious song. For us, it was very inspiring. It taught and made us realize some

important things. We learned that it is a 'must' to leave a legacy worth living for. As you live, you should be able to touch another's life, even in your own simple ways. It should not be the reward that you're after. It should be about the feeling of fulfillment, that you have greatly done your purpose on Earth. Another activity of theirs is the life party. A Life Party is done every Thursday, starting at 6 in the evening, and held at either the UP Film Institute or Ang Bahay ng Alumni. It is the gathering of all the members of SOD and witnessing a religious concert. Its main purpose is to simply celebrate life. The UP-SOD strives to change the campus as well as the nation. We believe that this organization can achieve its mission because many members have testified on how much they have changed since they became a part of Destiny. Just like Adrian Marzan, a leader from the UP-SOD, his life changed because he used to dream of working abroad but now he is thinking about serving the nation and he also has become closer to his parents. Being in destiny, his view about Christianity changed like he finally met God for the first time. Another leader of Destiny is Jamie Villamor, she used to rebel against her parents but when she finally joined Destiny she learned to understand and value her parents. My life-group leader Anna Uy also testified by sharing her love life. Before, her world revolved on her ex-boyfriend but then they broke up. She did not know what to do with her life without her ex-boyfriend that is why one of her friends invited her to Destiny. Destiny showed her that there is more to value other than his exboyfriend. Those who want to be a part of UP- Students of Destiny must be a disciple to one of the life-group leaders. Being a disciple means one must attend the life-groups headed by his/ her lifegroup leader. It also means being a disciplined follower who makes time for God. A true disciple

knows his/her priority, which is God. Other than being a disciple, they must also attend other activities organized by UP-SOD. These students were born to lead. They were born to stand out. They were born to succeed. They were born to be great. They were born for this. They have discovered what they were born for; they have discovered Destiny. Have you?