It's A Wrap

Family,

I wanted to try and put up my reflections before I crossed that stage Sunday morning!



First, a big ups and thanks to everybody this past semester for traveling with me on this journey. What a journey it was! It was a pleasure meeting and working with every one of you. I admit, balancing JUFRAN with all the other things you need to do during your final semester of your undergrad career, was a little challenging. However, I think we also managed to have some really great dialogue and other down-time fun with one another that made JUFRAN even better. I'm sure a couple week from now I will still be learning and growing from our experiences together. Thank you again.



Revolutionizing your mind, body and spirit is a life-long task. No person can do so in one semester, including myself. I give mad respect to anybody who chooses to challenge themselves to be critical and conscious in their daily lives. Everyday, I find nuances that challenge my values, but I embrace them, for they are part of what makes the struggle beautiful and worthwhile. The people you meet along this journey, are another part of what makes the journey meaningful.



I also hope we were able to convey that what we learn/ed in JUFRAN does not just apply to Filipin@s, but to the many billions of third world people globally. We must work within a globalized mind frame and take action locally. Throughout my four years at State, I have transformed into a completely different person. I have come to better understand the concept of "peace" in its relation to justice, opening my eyes to a completely new world. As a small town boy with big city dreams, I am indebted to LFS and JUFRAN for allowing me to grow and change into a more hopeful and well-rounded person rooted in my many communities.



With knowledge comes with responsibility, and I hope that you all take the next step and realize you are an agent of change (especially as educated people of color in the U.S.). I hope to continue to build strong and meaningful relationships with each of you throughout my LIFE, and can't wait to see what's in store for us.



Trust our struggle, keep your fists up high. Enjoy the rest of your time in college, and continue to build a critical community, one heart at a time. Our children will thank us for it.

Throughout my reflection are some photos from the past 4 years at State. It's been fun!

Respect,
Jr