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Edward Lee
Theo JJ

This picture reminds me to practice the spirit of Magis because when I see someone struggling, all I need to do is to extend a helping hand. Even the little things could make a big difference to someone when you extend a helping hand. Moreover, I believe that it is our duty to help each other out so that we can live a life that is full of meaning and ultimately that will bring glory to God.

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Dasha Miranda
THEO 13-D

Magis is about choosing the more loving option—to go out of our own personal bubbles and be a person for others. As such, this photo reminds me of the spirit of Magis as it depicts how extending ourselves in loving service to others contributes to our mutual growth and development, both we and the community we are helping. Ultimately, through journeying with them, we can improve their lives and thus bring glory to God.

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Christian Olivares
Theo A

Giving them what they need and more. Magis reminds us to be a person who's greater than what we think can be, we are able to achieve that by practicing it and by living it.

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Jullian Anisco
Theo 13 E

This photo best reminds and inspires me to practice the spirit of Magis since it is where I really learned and understood the concept. I will always remember the values that Ateneo has taught me such as becoming a more loving person.

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Charles Pablo
THEO 13 - JJ

I chose this photo because I think that being a loving person and choosing the more loving option could also be reflected in the act of just being. Sometimes we may not be able to have concrete actions to show people that we are there for them, but just being there even in silence could be enough to show them that you care and that you love them.

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This picture reminds me of the spirit of magis because when we choose to become a more loving person and choose the more loving options, it beautifully reminds us that we are not alone as we face life. Choosing to be a loving a person allows us to be a person for others and it allows us to possess genuine care for our brothers and sisters.

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Julia Avila
THEO 13-D

It is not easy to choose the most loving option, as being the best persons we can be is a difficult journey that we must embark on of our own volition. Hence, This image representing our decisions in life helps me to remember that while choosing to embody Magis may be difficult, it will always be fulfilling in the end.

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This photo represents how Magis is all about striving & achieving good with and for the people around me. It reflects how for me, becoming a more loving person always means recognizing & accepting the realities of my peers, and trying my best to empower their strengths and to grow from their struggles for their own good, as well as everyone else's.

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Paolo Garcia Theo 13-C

Although the picture may seem comical, it inspires me to practice Magis as it emphasizes that even if we do not exactly have all the resources in the world available we can still choose to help others with what we have.

As the decision to help others to the best of our ability with what we have as we encounter different people while going through life I believe is something that each person can strive for in the pursuit of Magis.

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Whenever I think of Magis, I think back to two years ago when I felt at home and at my best as both a student and a person. Ateneo really did push me to do better and to do what I could with what I have. For now, the memories are what I have. (The photo was taken from the Instagram of the Ateneo Wild. The photographer can be found in the photo.)

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Seeing others happy is what drives me to practice Magis in my daily life. Our actions have the capacity to change lives including our own. Being more loving hopefully creates a ripple effect which will have others be more happy and loving as well. As we practice Magis, we should remember to give and not to count the costs of our generosity. We work hard to seek nothing in return but sometimes a smile from our neighbors is worth the whole world.

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This is a photo I have saved in my phone from one of the first recollections I had in high school. Seeing this picture brings me joy because it serves as a reminder that every single person has a story. People are living lives as vivid and complex as our own; it's only through taking the opportunity to reach out that we can truly touch other people's lives. I feel like this is a reminder that Magis is all about choosing the loving option-- there are many ways to do this, something as simple as reaching out to others can serve as a first step!

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This photo is what I visualize when I think of Magis. Helping others in need and offering yourself to others. In my years in Ateneo, I saw the concept of Magis through the people around me and how these individuals inspired me to live with a purpose bigger than just for my own self.

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What I learned in this asynchronous activity is that Magis is about choosing the more loving option- where we choose the path that will help us in becoming a person for others. Because of this, this picture reminds me of the spirit of Magis where it shows that we should always be there for our community and help them especially in times of need. I believe that this is our purpose and that we should always continue in doing so because sino sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang?

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Nature at Gonzaga; Arianna Lee, Theo 13-A

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I chose this image of nature at Gonzaga because similar to what others have said, ADMU is where I first learned about magis. In times when I may be tempted to not choose the loving option, I like to think about the happier times I had on campus, reminiscing about the happiness and appreciation for the life that surrounds us. Such fuels and reminds me to continue choosing love. Through the decisions I make, I hope that comes a future where we can look forward to peacefully basking in the sun's warmth once more.

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Magis for me used to mean being excellence in all aspects. But this session helped me to view Magis in the definition it is suppose to be taken: to be our true selves which is to love one another. And thus I chose this picture exemplifying magis which is just being compassionate to others.

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Magis is about being a more loving person and choosing the more loving options and I think being a helpful and supportive person to those around me is one of the best ways to practice Magis. Since practicing Magis is not only done with other people but with our everyday activities or lives, I think the people that matter most to me in my life (and knowing they are willing to help me if I need it) are who inspire me do the best I can in everything I do and to choose the best and more loving option.

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I am a person who has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. There have been times when I've tried to take my life away. I guess one thing that that can help me practice magis is to continue on living. It doesn't have to be extravagant but maybe it's be great to continue living a simple life and appreciate the little things like how the photo is simple and serene showing a man appreciating nature.

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This photo will help remind and inspire me to practice the spirit of Magis. This photo is a reminder that we must understand what less fortunate people are experiencing in order to truly help make the world a better place for them.

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A picture of people participating in an outreach and interacting with the kids

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For me, this picture of people participatin in an outreach clearly represents magis. Personally engaging in it back enabled me to be a person who loves others, even if I did not know them by face or by name. Simply choosing to wake up early to interact with them allowed me to be a person for others and respond to His call of using my talents and skills to glorify Him

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The concept of Magis for me has always been choosing the more loving choice, and that includes being a person for others. Seeing others smile especially, gives me a sense of fulfillment as it reminds me that life isn’t just about me, but it is about others as well. Everyone has a wonderful story to tell, and everyone is well worth that effort.

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Shannen Marl Casugbo
THEO 13-D

To exhibit the spirit of Magis by choosing the more loving option might prove difficult at times. With this image, I hope to always be reminded to surround myself with people who can accept, support, and love me as well as with people whom I choose to love and wish to empower because by doing so, I believe I can foster an environment for myself where choosing to act upon the more loving option becomes less difficult and more second-nature.

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Sophia Lorence Ruiz (THEO 13 - JJ)

Right now, what reminds or inspires me to practice the spirit of Magis are the student organizations I am currently part of, like SOSE Sanggunian and the Pre-Medical Society of the Ateneo. I realized that surrounding myself with people who shared the same advocacies and drive as me really helps in boosting my confidence to go an extra mile, to be greater, and to do more for the members of the community and the sector that we are trying to serve. Ultimately, I think this is where I am able to concretize my desire to serve my community in the field of science and healthcare; a place where I can be a person for and with others. In hindsight, I owe a lot of my character formation to the Ateneo orgs I have been/are part of, and I'm certain that this is something I'll be bringing with me even as I graduate from the university.

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The concept of Magis has always been such an enigma to me, and even growing up in a household where all members have studied in Ateneo for at least a portion of their lives, I never really truly understood it until college times. To put it simply, the domino effect is what reminds me to practice Magis whenever and wherever I can. I remind myself all the time that even one act of kindness can have a huge effect on others, even though it's not something I'll be able to see immediately. One push can help others to push others until you can't even see the end of the domino chain anymore.

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What reminds me the most to practice the spirit of Magis is this photo of friends being there for one other. It serves as a reminder that there is more to life outside ourselves. Because we all have to study remotely and have little to no human contact, I often forget to humanize myself. Sometimes I'm not even aware that I'm being too hard on myself emotionally, psychologically, and physically. This photo also serves as an inspiration to be there for others even when they seemingly do not need you. I believe that simple acts of kindness and love, no matter how insignificant, can make a big difference in someone's life. As a result, this photo not only reminds me to be a friend to myself, but it also inspires me to do my best to be there for others no matter what.

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40 Kooky Phoebe Buffay Fashion Moments You Forgot You Were Obsessed With on _Friends_

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Geri Puno
Theo 13-E

I think this photo would best remind me to practice the spirit of Magis as it conveys togetherness and lovingness through uplifting relationships. I feel that if everyone just shared their love with others, it would create a meaningful and encouraging environment wherein individuals lift each other up. By being one with others and choosing to show more love, we get to share our growth journey with other people as this makes for a more fulfilling experience for ourselves and for others as well.

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Jhorcen P. Mendoza
THEO 13 (B)

This image was taken at the SEC Field during Ateneo Gabay's Erya Alternative Classroom Program 2019. It features Gabayanos and the Erya kids. As one of our sectors, we offer tutoring services for these public elementary school kids. In this event, we did learning activities together and toured the kids around the campus.

This image inspires me to practice the spirit of Magis because it reminds me of three important things: how the duty-bearers failed these kids, how privileged I am, being a student at an elite university, and above all, my advocacy. The duty-bearers were supposed to protect these kids' right to education. However, it is evident that these kids lack learning resources, preventing them from enjoying quality education. I feel disheartened knowing that they're not enjoying the same privilege that I have.

With all these being said, the image above inspires me to practice the spirit of Magis, to always choose the more loving option, and live by my advocacy of promoting accessible quality education to everyone.

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Jana Wamilda
Theo 13-A

This picture reminds me to practice the spirit of Magis because in of itself, Magis is about having a community mindset. No man is an island and once we recognize that, we can realize that Magis isn't about charity but recognizing the potential we have to connect our greatest passions to the greater good of society.

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What reminds me of Magis is this video where an American, born and raised, learned so many languages (most of it conversational level at the least), to make people feel at home. His love for language let others in simple places like grocery stores, feel that home was not so far away. That they can still hear their language spoken outside of the house. Even if it might be a little bit strange, he does this with pure intentions, and some are even happy to hear their own languages so far from home.

In our own little ways, our compassions and interests can become sources of safety, relief, or happiness with the people we encounter, sustainable or not. The love shown both to your passion and the eagerness of that shared with others is what I think reminds me of Magis.

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When I think about the spirit of Magis, it reminds me of being achieving greater heights and doing more. It gives me the inspiration to embody excellence in choosing to always do more when it comes to everything I do.

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Each moment we have on this earth is a choice we can make on how we want to be. This picture reminds me that the choice I want to choose always is love even in the smallest ways for each act of love can ripple beyond what I could ever imagine, hope, joy and goodness, even in the simplest of moments.

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For me, Magis can be simplified to choose love or choose what you love no matter what, and even choosing to love despite. Choosing love is to volunteer your time, talent, and treasure even if you have little to give — not because you expect something in return, but because it brings you joy. We are all invited to love may it be ourselves or others, because it is through loving that we understand each other and are able to accomplish much more than we imagined.

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This photo is from an Area I attended in Musmos. It is me piggybacking Raiza, one of the kids of Cubao. This picture reminds me that just giving time and a little energy to be there for others and actively listen to them and help them goes a long way.

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The quote above encapsulates what Magis is for me. Magis takes our talent, intelligence, and determination to a goal that is beyond ourselves and will hopefully leave a positive impact.

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This simple picture of sharing reminds me to practice the spirit of Magis because usually I would think and act for my own interest when simply sharing what we have for others could go a long way for the interest of others. There is always something bigger happening in our lives and if we are able to share what we have, we could have a ripple effect where everyone would be able to share what they have and lift each other up.

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As what we've learned through Sabs Ongkiko's talk, Magis involves stretching ourselves to step out of comfort and allow others to enter our lives by being 'mapagmahal'. This image will inspire me to apply Magis in my daily life more often as it demonstrates empathy, an essential skill to practice when socializing with the people around us. Whether it is interacting with orgmates, classmates, friends, family, and such, empathy is an act of Magis that can make a lasting impact on others.

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For me, the concept of magis can be seen in this photo. Magis is basically choosing the more loving option—it is choosing beyond yourself. Choosing to help those who are in need, choosing to use your privilege and advantages in life to act and aid.

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Church of the Gesù, photo by Arleen Chong

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The Church of the Gesù in Ateneo has always been a place of comfort and a reminder of good things for me, while Ateneo has also been the place for me to have learned more about the spirit of Magis and how to apply it concretely. This is why this photo is perfectly fitting to serve as a reminder of my passion for service and desire to continuously become a person for others.

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Thinking about my friends reminds me of the spirit of magis. I believe that through my friends, I become the more loving, more caring, and overall a much better person. More than this, having a supportive group around you really nurtures that spirit of being better for others and choosing the more loving option.

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The Latin definition of Magis is "more", and I believe it can be interpreted as going above and beyond ones call to action. The picture above perfectly encapsulates magis, as it shows a young girl giving food to a helpless old man out of the goodness of her heart. For context, it was not a photoshoot, nor was it an organized outreach program. The girl did it simply because she's a good person who saw a man struggling, which to me, is a perfect example of magis. The photo inspires me to think more selflessly, of ways on how I can give back to my community, and to those in need.

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To me, the Ateneo stairs to Barangka near LST is a significant reminder of Magis. It was here that I got to help this one Lola who was carrying her luggage up the stairs. When I offered my assistance and when she thanked me, it was the first time I said, maybe this means something. And I felt great about myself, I felt happy that I could help, and to me this is my experience of magis. To offer assistance, no matter how small it would be.

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This picture of a common covered basketball court that is used by many barangays as a multi-function hall reminds me of magis the most. During my formation in high school, we were required to have 1 day of community service to a certain community. It was during that time that I met one lola whom I was able to interview and share stories and advices with. Even if it was only for a short period of time, the connection we formed just by sharing was something that inspires me to do more for others.

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I chose the sunrise as my picture because it serves as a reminder for me to practice Magis everyday, to choose the more loving option everyday. Right now in the pandemic, we tend to forget our purpose and to forget why we chose certain paths, and so the sunrise reminds me that with every new day, there is a new opportunity to choose the more loving option, and to continue to show our love to ourselves and to the people around us.

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This picture of my dog inspires me to practice the spirit of Magis. Everyone you encounter is fighting a battle you know nothing about nor would fully understand. Like a dog who awaits its owner by the door (unaware of what the man/woman has gone through), being there means doing more or being more.

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Magis entails people leaving little pieces of themselves in others to help them grow. Each of us, to some extent, has been on the receiving end of Magis. When we practice, Magis therefore, we pay it forward. With respect to the image above, each of us at different points in time may be thought of either of the two figures. Ultimately, Magis is present in all our interactions with others. We constantly grow with the help of others and we constantly help others grow as well. It is important that we continuously choose to practice Magis to help keep this harmony and balance of giving and receiving alive.

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Although admittedly it is not always easy to exhibit Magis, what inspires me is putting myself in the position of those who will benefit from my selfless acts. Seeing people smile because of my loving actions always reminds me that it is always worth it to care for others.

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For me, this picture reminds me of Magis because it is in this school wherein I first heard of this word. Every time I choose my actions in life, I always try to apply and make use of the values that I have learned in this school, with the hopes of choosing the more loving option. Hopefully through the reflections made in this module, I am also inspired to push myself to be better, more loving and accepting of other people, the same way this photo inspires me, the same way the people in this school inspire me to simply be a loving person.

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This photo of a community pantry reminds me of Magis because it shows me that through every struggle (such as the pandemic), there is always a way to help the community, to be involved, and to choose a more loving option that can help others. The community pantry reminds me of the spirit of Magis, that we can always choose to extend a helping hand to others without expecting anything in return.

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Gabriel Mercado
Theo 13 - E

Magis is about choosing the more loving option; to go beyond what is expected from us. I believe that it's not so much about being extra effortful just to fulfill the expectations of others, but it is about fulfilling what one desires in their hearts that would manifest towards others. Playing the piano for me reminds me of that. To play the piano to fulfill my purpose and end-goal gives music to people. When I play wholeheartedly, the music would be heartfelt for those who listen. Though I've made piano an example, I believe that it applies to everything–take heart in what you do, and people will take heart from its results too.

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As cliche as it sounds, Ateneo reminds me of what constitutes 'magis'. Last year, if I am not mistaken, Ateneo was the only school that chose to 'auto-pass' its students.
The admins undeniably knew its consequences (i.e. criticism, reputation, media coverage). When asked for the rationale behind the decision, the Ateneo admins emphasized that it was the more loving option given the rising COVID-19 situation.

If Ateneo, one of the country's biggest academic institutions, can choose the more loving option, I can too.

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Frontliners' Kitchen is a PH youth-led initiative for the benefit of our frontliners in the health, urban, agricultural, and fisherfolk sectors. #FeedtheFight

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For me, the Frontliners' Kitchen logo best represents Magis because it shows that the youth, together, are capable of making a positive impact in the lives of others. Despite having the strictest and longest lockdown in the world, the Philippines continues to record new highs in Covid-19 cases. Hundreds of hospitals are at full capacity and the cry of healthcare workers continues to be neglected as they work on the frontlines underpaid and without benefits. To inspire hope and improve the health and well-being of Filipinos all over the country, I advocate for the improvement and standardization of the quality of healthcare systems in the Philippines. I advocate for better patient engagement, better health facilities, improved access to healthcare, better pay and benefits for healthcare workers, and improved PhilHealth benefits. In pursuit of this advocacy, I am taking small steps by constantly supporting Frontliners’ Kitchen.

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Magis to me is giving a helping hand to those in need. Whether it be a friend, a family member or a stranger, to do more for others when they need it the most reminds me of the spirit of Magis.

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This picture was taken in one of the outreaches I attended before the pandemic. 

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It motivates me to practice the spirit of Magis because it reminds me that even the little things can make others happy. Though it may be cliché, something as simple as sharing your time and talents could truly make a big difference.

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I think there is something so beautiful in genuinely connecting with another person, regardless of who that person is. Magis reminds me to be the best of who I am and truthfully present myself to others. In doing so, hopefully others will do the same and in that way we create a genuine relationship with one another.

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This image represents how Magis is not only striving for excellence for yourself, but also striving for good for those around you. Embodying Magis means choosing the more loving option, and this entails choosing the option that will help us grow as human beings, with and for other human beings. However, this is not just a single decision we make, embodying Magis is a constant and conscious effort one make to grow as a loving person.

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This still from Up (2009), and the film's story in itself actually, is one that offers me motivation every now and then along the lines of magis or choosing the more loving option. I am reminded that oftentimes, we can be caught up with fulfilling promises of the past and healing wounds by our own selves. We overlook the love that we can still offer to those who would need it; that we can still offer ourselves to the adventure that is out there.

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Growing up in an Opus Dei school, I was always inspired by St. Josemaria Escriva and what he stood for. He embodies the spirit of Magis by always turning the other cheek and unconditionally loving those who have wronged you.

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I would like to say that feeling the sense of content and bliss when embodying Magis in the things I do is what keeps me going and inspires me to continue doing so. This is because this feeling of happiness is not only kept within myself, but is also radiated or passed to others as well, similarly to how their happiness is radiated to me.

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Ever since ASHS, Tulong Dunong always inspired me to practice the spirit of Magis in a way that we could be more than just ourselves. We could be more for others too.

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Coming from Ateneo Highschool I have exeperienced outreach programs such as immersion and Tulong Dunong which help me find inspiration to exert Magis. Like in the previous story before from Sabs Ongkiko, the more effort I exert to strive for exellence now, the more I can help others in the future.

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For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to become a physician. All throughout my life I have found joy in being of service towards other people in one way or another, from cheering someone up by telling jokes because their day seems bad, to just helping someone out whenever I think that I can be of use to them. In recent the recent months, I was further inspired by our medical frontliners to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor because I felt like they embodied the spirit of Magis (to practice excellence not just for one's self, but for others as well) in times wherein it is most needed.

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I barely grazed the same experience, but knowing just a bit of it pains me to just be lax. So everyday I tell myself that I have to do better everyday hoping that I could help these children.

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Of course this isn't me in the photo, but I believe this photo helps inspire me to uphold magis as it reminds me that choosing the more loving option sometimes entails doing what will nurture your well-being too. It's a given that there are so many problems in this world that need our attention and require us to step out of our comfort zones. However, we must always remember that our actions should never be done at the cost of our own physical/mental health, otherwise we cannot take care of others if we simply cannot take care of ourselves.

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This image is from the film "A Silent Voice" where the two characters are helping each other cope with their depressive state. This image reminds me of magis because it shows that a little bit of effort can have a big effect. Extending oneself to help others may seem like a small act. But being there for others or having your presence there can make a big change in someone's life.  Being Magis is choosing the more loving option even if it means exerting a little bit more effort.  Even a small act of kindness can come a long way.

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This photo reminds me that magis is a choice to love authentically throughout one's life journey, regardless of how challenging or unfamiliar an experience may be. I chose the image of hiking because it shows that we will always be able to reach greater heights through magis; as long as we are set in our direction of love, carry on through any challenge, and are open to new horizons with Christ.