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She inspires me to reflect on how I have loved others through my actions in the past in order to love the best way that I can in the present. Additionally, she made me realize that I do not need to have explicit intentions behind my actions aside from the desire to love. By seeking to love others, my actions will naturally maximize my talents for the common good.

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Her story awakened my desire to help other people. Before the pandemic, I was also active in volunteer work like Sabs. However, with the pandemic, the isolation, and disconnect from society, I've noticed that I've become more individualistic. Somehow, since I'm confined in my own house, in my own room, I've adopted the "out of sight, out of mind" attitude towards the people who are in dire need of help. This brief talk by Sabs reminded me that showing your love towards others isn't a one-time-only thing, rather, a continuous service that you need to render, even in the simplest ways possible.

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When Ms. Ongkiko shared this statement, I was inspired to ask myself the same question in the context of my current and future vocation/career path. "In omnibus amare et servire Domino," in everything love and serve the Lord. To do everything for the sake of Love means to always choose the loving option. I have yet to determine "the loving option" at this stage of my life, but I am optimistic that I will someday come to realize it.

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Her story ignited my desire to be more of service to other people and stray away from self-centered desires. I acknowledge that everyone must look after themselves above all things but we must leave room to open ourselves to others. We mimic the Lord's way through loving and caring for those around us and I think the satisfaction we get from seeing people benefit from our actions outweighs self satisfaction. Our goal is to have a lasting impact on people's lives no matter how small the gesture. We can start by acting how a human would--a person guided by the good, respect, and love.

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We must understand that even though we have plans of changing careers or doing other things with our lives, we must look back on our past choices and where it brought us today. As she said, her choices were always related to teaching and children. Those signs lead to us finding our vocation. It's just a proof of concept that we can never say no to what God wills for us and that inspired me to deeply reflect on what I have done with my life and what I plan to do next.

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Take time to reflect on my own life - J. Sy

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Take time to reflect on my own life - J. Sy

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Sabs Ongkiko's story inspired me to critically examine and reflect on the small decisions that I have made throughout my life, and from that, I afford myself the opportunity to get a better glimpse of what my personal vocation/s is/are. She also inspired me to always choose the loving option for the needs of others because that's exactly what God wants us to do, to serve God in accordance to His likeness for the main goal of giving glory to His name.

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You flourish when you choose the more loving option

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You flourish when you choose the more loving option

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The story of Sabs Ongkiko inspires me to choose the more loving option even if it means that I need to stretch myself, rather, ESPECIALLY when it means that I need to stretch myself because this will make my act of love or act of service towards others more impactful. Her story inspires me to be open to being stretched and going out of my comfort zone because through this, I will flourish.

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Sabs ongkiko's story inspires me because I do believe I am going through the same situation as her. Being a young student with my life ahead of me, it truly is difficult to think of what's in store for me in the future. Her story inspired me a lot, and I choose perspective as my subject, because she shifted my focus into something else. It is emotionally taxing to think of what is uncertain, and it was in her story wherein I reminded myself to shift my focus towards the things I am more familiar with, the small decisions I've made, the obvious patters in my life that I should choose to take as signals in order to figure out who I really want to be.

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The desire that has awakened in me is the fact that I love seeing other people happy or at peace. Throughout this pandemic, I've realized that one of my strongest assets is my company. It's the fact I know how to comfort someone, and I stay persistent in my goal to make them feel better. Not only do I want to constantly do this for the people I love, but this story has reignited my flame to help those who I do not even know. Those who deserve this inner peace, the marginalized, the oppress. In these uncertain times, we all need that glimpse of hope and security, and I would love to be that small symbol for others in the long run.

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The story of Sabs Ongkiko inspires me to pursue my dreams not only for myself, but for my community and God. It is choosing to be someone who is more loving and who can meet other people's needs. It reminds me to choose my goals wisely so that it may ultimately glorify and serve God.

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The talk ignited my passion to do more, to help more, and to honor God more. I feel like I have not been as ambitious as before. I sometimes lose the desire to do things out of love. Sabs Ongkiko awakened my desire to accomplish God's plan for my life with passion.

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Sabs Ongkiko’s story inspired me to choose a vocation that I am passionate about while also considering the factors in which I can help the community. Through the talk, I am reminded to live not just a successful life but also a meaningful life where I can lift others up by helping them discern their purpose in life and nourish their God-given skills and talents. -Bawalan

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As a junior in college, I must already have a plan in life--what I want to do after graduating, where I want to be, and how I'll be working towards those goals. As of now, I'm on the pre-med track because, well, I've wanted to become a doctor since I was a child. After hearing Sabs' story, I'm starting to have second thoughts if this is what's meant for me. Like Sabs, I'm sure that this is what I want, but is it my calling? This story inspires me because I resonate with her. It made me think of my advocacies and if it is aligned with the path that I'm taking. Furthermore, you don't need to be fixated on a single cause. She advocated for public education while on the way to becoming a doctor. This is inspiring.

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She awakened my desire to continue doing charitable works as a way of serving God and my brethren. And this service, I believe, asks me to do more than what I can because I am one of God’s instruments for this mission to let other people feel the love, kindness, and compassion He has for all His children. -Bawalan

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Sabs Ongkiko inspires by moving me to choose love

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Sabs Ongkiko inspires by moving me to choose love

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It made me realize that despite the difficulties of loving, one should choose it. This means that instead of choosing the easier, but more selfish, route, that I should choose the road that may be harder, but one that serves. In other words, to go for one's true vocation

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Ms. Ongkiko Inspires to Serve God, Serve the people.

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Ms. Ongkiko Inspires to Serve God, Serve the people.

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It made me realize that serving God is not an act of isolation. Rather, it requires one to love thy neighbor. Therefore, if one want's to serve God, one must serve others.

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Sabs Ongkiko's story inspires me to look within myself in order to better grasp my abilities and passions and how I may use them to better others. Moreover, her story reminds me that it is up to me to make each decision in my life matter by opting for the more loving option. While this may not always be the most convenient or easy path to take, Sabs' story reminds me that in choosing to serve others to the best of my abilities, I may find that my life is given great purpose through service to God. Lastly, I was inspired by her decision of becoming a teacher and living up to her decision each day as she reminds me that how I choose to do something is just as important as what I do.

-Chino Guzman

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Listening to Sabs Ongkiko’s story as many Filipinos face untold hardship due to the pandemic makes me want to strive to do more and be better in all that I do for the good of others as I am reminded that there are truly so many ways I can choose to better others. This desire is one that drives me to never be content with the status quo, especially that of our country’s, despite how hard it may be as it is only through going beyond it that I may truly act according to the spirit of Magis.

-Chino Guzman

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The more loving option is the most difficult option

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The more loving option is the most difficult option

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Choosing the option that would be for the betterment of others more than yourself is selfless, challenging, and exhausting. One's limits are going to be pushed. One's faith is going to be tested. There will come a point where your intentions, as pure as it is, would feel incomprehensible and nonsensical. However, Ms. Ongkiko convinced me that the most difficult option is the most flourishing option. While our limits are being stretched, our capacity to love expands.

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We All Have an Important Role to Play in the Pursuit of the Common Good

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We All Have an Important Role to Play in the Pursuit of the Common Good

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The part in Ms. Sab Ongkiko's talk that struck me the most is when she mentioned that we should use our success, intelligence, and smarts to raise others up and if many of us do this, we won't need to wait for one person to fix the system in society. This really made me reflect on my role in society and how I can be a force for good and change. I was very inspired to trust in the fact that my good deeds, small wins, and helpful acts, when done to aid others, are not at all insignificant; they really do help make the world a better place.

- Gabriel Caballero

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In my life, there are times when I feel that my actions are insignificant; that I wont amount to anything. Ms. Sabs Ongkikp tells me otherwise with her statement that us using our gifts to raise others up, no matter how small our actions may seem in the grand scheme of things, truly does make a difference. With this, what was awakened in me was a sense of hope. I was moved to believe in the worth of my good deeds as these ultimately will help lead to a more loving society as a whole.

- Gabriel Caballero

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Sabs' story reminded me that whether pinili or pinilit into the profession that we will undertake, we can use our profession as a tool to care for others. We need to carefully reflect on our small, incremental choices because eventually this is what will lead us to our vocation. -EKC

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Prior to being admitted into the Ateneo, the desire to teach was first planted in me when I heard an Atenean speaker in a conference (I can't quite remember his name anymore) speak about how he, instead of working a corporate job that would make him lots of money directly after graduation, chose to teach for two years in a remote area in Luzon. I have always had an affinity to teach and this video reminded me of this desire that was buried. -EKC

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The story of Sabs Ongkiko enlightened and straighten my perspective in life to maximize the gifts God has given me to be of service to Him and to others. Throughout my entire life, I have so many apprehensions that make me doubt myself if I’ve been doing the right thing. However, her story gave me an eye-opening takeaway that our small decisions that may seem a minute aspect in our lives but could play a major role in finding ourselves and help the community improve their lives.
-Czam Medrano

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When I learned about her story, my desire to not waste the blessings and gifts God had bestowed upon me has been awakened. I used to think I have limited opportunities to share my gifts and utilize them for the better. This also inspired me to not be afraid of making big decisions since God will never abandon us and that whatever decision we make, we must always choose to be a loving person even though it is difficult and beyond our comfort zone.
-Czam Medrano

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Listening to her story, I saw that at some point we were the same with the felling of uncertainty. This talks to me at a personal level because I am still unsure of who I am and who I can be. It inspires to be more because she went beyond her comfort zone in order to achieve who she is. She went out of her comfort zone by choosing to love others and to live for others. As someone who is in a similar uncertainty, maybe this is the path that I need to take. To love and serve others in order to be more that what I am.
- Michael Tangi

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The desire that was awakened within me was the desire to help. Before the pandemic, I often choose to help people who I see in the streets with a little food or money. The small choices that she talked about made me see that I can actually help. It made me realize I actually want to help. In order for me to do so, I must go out of my comfort zone and extend myself to those who I will live for.
- Michael Tangi

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Her story inspires me because Sabs Ongkiko desired to be a loving teacher which is a difficult choice that I often relate to . I have difficulty loving everyone to the point that I sometimes avoid serving others when I can because I am not willing to leave my comfort zone.

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Her story inspired me to pursue a path that includes helping the community around me. 

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Her story inspired me to pursue a path that includes helping the community around me. 

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After hearing her story, I am reminded about my future path. I try to envision how I can include helping others with the gifts that I am given so that I can help improve the lives of others even with my individual contribution.

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I am inspired to be a loving version of whatever I choose to be.

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I am inspired to be a loving version of whatever I choose to be.

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Ms. Ongkiko mentioned that it is difficult to be a loving person. However, I was inspired by her story to choose to be one anyway as I know that the benefits will outweigh the costs. I will be taken out of my comfort zone, but it is only with that happening that I can grow as well :)

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I'm also interested in the field of education, and I think the desire to serve was awakened in me when I watched her inspiring talk. It's a big challenge to be a teacher, more so a public school teacher, but it is definitely fulfilling to serve, especially if we know that is what we were made to do.

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The 4-minute video of Sabs Ongkiko prompted me to do the same thing she did: look back and reflect upon the small decisions I've made in the past. This has given me clarity about what I want to do in the future. Upon entering college, I was convinced that I was going to take a certain career path, but I've always questioned it. So now, I have realized that there's something else that is aligned with my advocacies and will make me feel happy and fulfilled. I've been inspired to chase after this and disregard other people's opinions about my decisions for this career path is where I could render my service best and spread love to people.

-Elle B.

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Miss Ongkiko inspires me because of her courage to reflect an alternate career choice. Because of the pandemic, I am having second-thoughts about my career path should look like, so changing majors has been the last thing on my mind. I have more consideration to do because I could finish my chemistry degree and look towards the medical field in leu of the medical staff shortage.
-Samuel Jacinto

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How does the story of Sabs Ongkiko inspire you? What desire was awakened or reignited in you?

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How does the story of Sabs Ongkiko inspire you? What desire was awakened or reignited in you?

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I think her story made me discern more the perceived vocation that I currently want to have as my future. It made me question whether this certain vocation that I am leading myself to will be right for me, since I am still quite uncertain with where I am right now. It made me want to test out this path that I am in, in terms of how it can make me be the happy loving person that God ought me to be, one day. - Sabrina Perez

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My desire to improve the living conditions of the Philippines has reignited. Ultimately, I would love to have my own research laboratory and explore the sciences. I have been reluctant to pursue biology because of its difficulty, but it is essential to the wellbeing of the Philippines. I hope one day,  I will be able to conduct chemistry for the benefit of those around me.
-Samuel Jacinto

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Her story inspired me to lower down my pride and act on my vocation not only for myself but for others as well. In this stage of my life, it is especially difficult for me to understand where I want to be because it is undeniably pressuring since the future is still uncertain. However, when Sabs said that the smallest of her decisions made way for her biggest one, I realized that I should take everything slowly and understand better where I want to be in this world and how I can serve others instead of drowning myself in pessimism.

- Sophia Sy

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As someone who comes from a business course and a family of business people, this TEDxtalk allowed me to see things outside of making money. Although money is important because it is an undeniable fact that we cannot live without it, I thought about how this money can be used for those who have less, or those who are in more need. I want to pursue a vocation that especially highlights social responsibility and how I can use my skills to hone and develop others' as well.

- Sophia Sy

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Sabs Ongkiko has inspired me to look at the things I am passionate about, and actions, as I consider which career path to take. When I make important decisions, I usually choose what others expect me to. And when it comes to my future job, I have only been eyeing positions that may financially benefit me. But after listening to her talk, she made me understand that my career should also align with my God-given traits and gifts. Bringing this into the picture will not only give me a fulfilling life, but it will also allow me to live out God’s purpose for me.

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Her story awakened my desire to become more selfless, because this is where I might find the most fulfillment and do the most good. Working for my own dreams is important, but I realized I should also include others in them. In order to serve God, I must serve and reach out to His people too, especially in this time of suffering and isolation.
-Louise Sy

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Hearing about Sabs' story made me reflect on the little things that I advocate for, unconsciously. I always consider my family when I make big decisions, and I'm a good citizen in my city. Even though I'm pursuing a career in finance, maybe something a little closer to home is what I need?

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Sabs Ongkiko's story has inspired me to go beyond the minimum of what is expected of me. I never really asked myself, "what type of student do I want to be?". I was always content with being someone who was standard. Sabs' story has made me realize that we are called to do more and to be more- for our sake and for the sake of the people around us.
-Dominic Maluenda

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Ms. Ongkiko's story stood out to me because of how she was able to discern the direction her life should take based off of previous, smaller decisions and actions she'd made in the past. This inspired me because, personally, I don't have that clear of a path planned out for my own future yet, and oftentimes I don't really know where to start. But her story shows that there is a perfect place to start evaluating what our vocation should be, and that is from the God-given talents, passions, interests we have, and even the events that He has allowed us to experience.

Additionally, her resolve to be "Magis" in everything she does was also very inspiring, especially with how she went the extra mile for the people she was serving, even though it meant leaving her comfort zone. As someone who really doesn't like leaving my comfort zone, it was a great reminder that it's worth it, because not only is it loving, but glorifying to God.

- Rachel Wu

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With this talk, I feel the conviction to serve others and always keep others in mind with the decisions I make - I should not live just for myself, but for God and others too, because we're called to do this. I often have the habit of doing the bare minimum or putting in effort for my own sake, but I realize now that this is not enough.

As someone taking an entrepreneurship major in college right now, I'm really geared towards the business and startup industry more than anything else, rather than something more conventionally "serving" in nature, such as social sciences or education. But this talk has made me realize that I can and should apply the principles of serving wherever I am.

- Rachel Wu

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The story of Ms. Ongkiko struck me as a wonderful story of a person who chose to be a teacher, one who could help others, despite having the option to become a doctor. Doctors in this country make much more money, are more respected by society, and generally enjoy a higher quality of life than teachers do, but Ms. Ongkiko saw that she would be better able to serve others if she became a teacher. A truly selfless move. This has shown me that it isn't just about the money, sometimes if you truly feel that you want to serve the people, if it makes you happy then go for it. You may not live a life of luxury, but you will find yourself living one of fulfilment and service to others.

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She inspires me to reflect on what I want to do with my dream job. I know what I want to do but she made me think on what MORE can I do with my dream job. So far I wanted to do that because I found doing it fun and interesting, but she made me think what can I do with that job to help and improve the community that I am a part of?

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She was able to reignite my desire to help people. I chose my dream job because it was interesting and I wanted to challenge myself and improve my skills. She made me think on how would I be able to use my dream job to help people around my community and eventually the world.

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Ms. Ongkiko's story inspired me to reflect more and think back the small decisions and actions I did in the past that made me feel that I helped and contributed to the community. The reflection helped me that these small decisions can guide me in the path I want to take. It inspired me to take more pride in my talents as it is a gift and we made use of that gift by nourishing it and using in service for the community.

- Jairus Santos

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The story reignited my passion more in assisting others on their technical issues (specifically on computers and phones) as this was a talent I used to assist others as I fix their issues with it. From fixing my friend's phone, assisting my family in choosing the best choice of laptops, helping my friend in diagnosing his computer and such. It made me feel happy especially when initially my computer knowledge was started from my curiosity and for myself only. I never expected that I'll be using that knowledge in assisting others in that specific field.
I even think that I inspired one of my friends to learn how to diagnose by himself as I know my limits, when I saw him doing more than I can and learn, I couldn't help but feel proud and fulfilled.

- Jairus Santos

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The story of Ongkiko inspired me to be a better person. Not just for myself, but also for others - She inspired me to be a better person for others.
I realized that she used to be like me - confused on what path she will take in life. She looked back on her decisions in life and aligned them with what kind of person she wanted to be. Then she made her choice of becoming a loving teacher for others. This further inspired me to make decisions, even small ones. Since God gave us the free will and intellect to choose what to do and who to be in this life, and we must be able to use it for the betterment of everyone.

-Janae Pajarillo

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Her story ignited my desire to always choose the most loving option in service to the community. For now, I can apply this to my own life and experiences.
During quarantine, family members often seek my help or assistance with various activities and tasks. At first, I found myself feeling happy that I was the first person they thought of for help. However, at some point, I felt annoyed since I was also juggling school work and other activities. Ongkiko reignited my will to help - no matter how big or small the task is. In a way, to help my family members is another way for me to say that I care about them, and that they are the option where I can be my most loving self.

-Janae Pajarillo

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Commitment to grow in goodness with others

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Commitment to grow in goodness with others

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I was inspired by her commitment to grow in goodness with others. The small decisions she made had a huge impact and the best thing was that she found vocation. Her decision to choose the more loving option despite the difficulties gave her the opportunity to truly find authentic herself. But it doesn’t end there, the fact that she continues to choose it everyday like its her mission and even using her God-given skills to lift others up is really inspiring. Truly, a successful life isn’t always determined by the many possessions and achievement one has in their life but more so living a meaningful life with others.

- Hannah Favis

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Sab Ongkiko’s story inspires me to strive to be a better, more authentic version of myself and to always choose the more loving option (even if one must go out of their comfort zones to do so). It might not be an easy choice but it is a life-giving one. The best example is to follow Christ, who is good and perfect and by doing so, I can channel a more service-oriented and loving attitude towards others. It also awakened a desire for me to utilize my strengths and capabilities to lift others up and to always be a “voice for the voiceless”. She inspired me to be committed in the process of finding my true self and to grow in goodness with others.

- Hannah Favis

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At a time in my life where I doubt my choices and the path I am currently on, I am inspired by her reflection that whatever I may come to be, whether by choice or circumstance, what matters is how I do it. It is in how lovingly and generously I do it that defines me, way beyond the simple title of my job. This love can be both motivator and goal when there are challenges I must overcome.

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Her story allowed me to realize that ultimately making the 'big decision' in your life is not the end goal. Your story and impact continues further from then on. When she chose to become a teacher, that was not the end of her service to the youth. It was moreso the beginning of her journey. What you do after you choose the 'big decision' after all the 'small decisions' is how you live out your life to the fullest and lift others up in the process. For Sabs Ongkiko, becoming a teacher was nothing without being a good and loving teacher in which she tries to live out everyday, and this can be applied in whatever we choose to do.

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I have always had the desire to become a lawyer. For many years I have thought about attempting to make it through law school and the exams in order to finally become a lawyer. This talk awakens in me the realization that there is a life to be lived after becoming a lawyer. That the end goal is not to merely become a lawyer, but to be a good one who serves the people and does his job. I want not only to be good, but to be selfless and hopefully use my platform in the way it was meant to be used; to help others and to serve justice.

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Her talk really reflects what was taught to us in the vocation section of our module. The little things in our lives, the inclinations we have and the interests we have all serve as hints to our true calling — the big decisions we have to take. She also inspires me to place others above myself; to be willing to love and show vulnerability to others when musing over what big decision to make in our journey towards our true calling.

-Rixian Sy

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To never lose sight of what it means to live

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To never lose sight of what it means to live

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It's easy to be cynic nowadays and abandon others in favor of one's self. It's easy to never love, and to never show the vulnerabilities that come with loving another. It's a lot easier to not love at all; to never experience the hurt that comes with this love unreciprocated. But this isn't how we're meant to live, and an excess of this avoidance of love will lead one to a bleak, and narrow path — a dead end of endless longing and apathy.

Thus, her talk has reminded me to remain steadfast in my conviction. To live life solely for the self is a life not lived at all. This talk reminded me of my desire to help another, and to dedicate my entire being and vocation for the betterment of people. No matter their capacity for evil, and no matter if my efforts go unrewarded. To help and love another is the essential meaning to life.

-Rixian Sy

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Sabs Ongkiko's talk inspired me to discern my past choices so that when I am faced with a big decision in the future, I will choose the choice that better fits me and the world. It also inspired me to always choose the loving option. It may seem such a simple thing to choose but as she said, it will stretch you out and may become taxing but in the end, knowing that you are able to love and help people, it will be worth it.
- Carmela Ordoño

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Sabs Ongkiko's story inspired me because I know that the decision she made may not be the easiest for a lot of people. Especially in our country where being a doctor is highly regarded, she still chose to do what she loved despite being all set for medical school.  As a current college student, I also find myself wondering what I should do after graduation, and I am already a junior yet I am still conflicted. She mentioned how her past experiences made her realize what she was really passionate about, and this is what made her change her direction. I am also very passionate about helping less privileged and abused children get a better future through education. However, I cannot ignore the reality and social expectations placed upon me to enter into a well-paying and "esteemed" job. I hope that when the time comes, I get the same resolve Sabs Ongkiko had when she made her choice. Hopefully, i end up with a vocation that I love and utilize to help those around me. - Benicia De Guzman

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It had awakened my desire to have a future that goes hand-in-hand with my current advocacies. While being successful and well-off is a dream for many, I hope that I do not compromise my integrity to achieve this. I wish to do work that not only fulfils me, but also lets me give back to my kapwa. - Benicia De Guzman

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When she said "Kapag nakaka-angat ka na, gamitin mo ang talino at talento mo para iangat ang iba.". This ignited my desire to help people and gave me motivation to continue to pursue the career that I have always wanted to take. I am blessed to be privileged and I do not want to take it for granted. I want to be able to share and help people who have less and in this way, I believe that can make a difference even in the slightest.
- Carmela Ordoño

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As a junior student, I feel like time is starting to pressure me about my future. On one hand, I want to be able to help my family when I graduate; to provide a better life for them but at the same time, I want to do and discover things for myself in order to truly grow into the person I am. It's hard for me because these two things are at a different path from one another I always find myself asking: sino ba ang susundin ko? Sabs Ongkiko inspires me to choose the option where I would be able to go beyond myself because in being with others we grow into ourselves. Maybe my options aren't so different from one another after all. -Patricia Dela Cruz

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My biggest fear in life is not being able to make something of myself. Growing up, I would always hear my family telling me that I would be successful, become an executive, be rich, or live abroad. However, as I matured, I find myself asking if I define a successful life the same way my family used to tell me. And with the hardships life threw at us because of the pandemic I sometimes find myself agreeing with my family's definition of success. I can always do something for the community when I'm doing well in life. Sabs Ongkiko was able to reawaken my desire to aspire for more than the shallow things in this world. Making something of myself is not only about money and prestige but living for others and choosing the more loving option. -Patricia Dela Cruz

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As I am junior approaching the ending of my time in Ateneo I realized that I don't really have a plan to do anything beyond what I'm doing now. Her story inspires me to try to use what I've learn not to just create a cushy life for myself but also make the world a better place.
-Migo Villanueva

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Her story made me rethink the reason as to why I study Physics in the first place. From that I was reminded that I did not choose this course simply because of the job opportunities but rather I chose the course because of respect for the teacher that helped me. In a way her story reignited my desire to try and get into education.
- Migo Villanueva

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After listening to Ongkiko's story, I was inspired by the fact that she was able to change her career choice from doctor to teacher even though she had already engaged in the process of becoming a doctor. It is inspiring because she managed to pursue what she really wanted to pursue though it was not obvious to her at first and followed up on it rather than being reluctant about it.

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The desire to use my God-given vocation for the greater of the people especially the underprivileged and the marginalized and do it repeatedly through small actions rather than just one big gesture.

-HSS

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I really liked Sabs Ongkiko's talk. There is something very admirable about choosing one's career path based not on how much you can make, but on how much you can help others, as Sabs did. Moreover, what Sabs said about choosing to be a loving teacher and using one's talents for good made me realise that it's not always about the money, fame, glory - yes they are nice, but there is also merit in choosing to be the bigger person. By helping others through our chosen career paths, we are allowing them access to opportunities that they otherwise wouldn't have. This really resonated with me as someone who's interested in taking up prosthetics engineering; physics-based jobs don't make the most money or make you the most popular person, but being able to help others by designing and making prosthetics for them is something that I find cool and admirable, even though it is not the most financially rewarding job out there. Her talk reminded me how important it is to stick to these values especially as the world continues to grow bigger and more chaotic.

- Josh Solis

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It inspired me to think beyond the usual parameters of success that society dictates to us. Becoming a public school teacher is often looked down upon due to the low wages and the lack of prestige, but it the education of the youth is an important calling that some of us may have been born for, and should be considered.
- Damon Dizon

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Her mention of patterns awakened in me the desire to figure out my path for myself since I have, as of late, just been going with the flow.
- Damon Dizon

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Her story inspired me that even if we our certain with our career paths, there are other things that can enlighten us and show us what we are really meant for. That is why we should never lose hope whenever we feel like we're not meant for something, we should just wait for the right moment and we'll be able to see our true calling and purpose.
- Jet Bana

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Her story awakened my desire to become more aware on how to do charitable things and good things to others. It made me realize that I can do more things with my talents and skills to serve other people especially the underprivileged people.
-Jet Bana

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After listening to her talk, I realized that when we think about our future we must also see what we can do for others. When we think about the greater good of others in the things we do, it leads us toward a good path and it inspires us to do better as well. This serves as a reminder to us all that we must not only live a prosperous life but we must also live a meaningful one.
-Antonio Villarosa

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This talk inspired me to be a better person, friend, son to my loved ones. It also ignited in me the need to ask God more questions and for more guidance. It is very easy to feel disconnected not only with the world but with God as well, so I think that it is even more important now to ask God anything so that we do not feel alone in these trying times. I felt inspired by Sabs Ongkiko's will and vocation to be a person that our country needs right now.
-Antonio Villarosa

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Hindi po ito magbatak ng droga, kundi magbatak ng pagkatao at kaluluwa. Ang pinakatumatak sa aking isipan sa sinabi ni Bb. Sabs Ongkiko ay ang hirap ng pagiging isang mapagmahal na tao sapagkat kinakailangan nating mabatak upang maiparating natin ang ating pagmamahal sa kapwa. Masakit at hindi komportable ang karanasang ito, subalit sa bawat pagbatak sa ating pagkatao at kaluluwa ay mapapansing unti unti tayong lumalago. Binigyan ako ng inspirasyon ni Bb. Ongkiko na maging isang tao na handang magpabatak upang maging isang tao na bukas sa pagmamahal ng Diyos, at tao na nagpaparating ng pagmamahal sa kapwa.

~John Rhed Atienza

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Muling binigyang buhay ng kwento ni Bb. Ongkiko ang kagustuhan kong maglingkod sa kapwa sa pamamagitan ng gabay ng ating Diyos. Gaya niya ay unti-unti ko ng nahahanap ang aking komunidad at kapwa na nais paglingkuran at ito ay ang mga nangangailangan. Bilang isang bata na lumaki mula sa mahirap na pamilya, ay alam ko din ang hirap na dinadala ng mga katulad ko at minulat ako sa kalupitan ng mundo. Bilang isang mag-aaral nais kong paglingkuran ang aking kapwa sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo sa kanila at pagpapalaganap ng kahalagahan ng edukasyon.

~John Rhed Atienza

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My desire to challenge myself to become more selfless in this trying time awakened in me. It is very difficult to think about what to give when you know you don't have much too. But I think her story inspired me to search deeper within myself on what things--even the smallest ones-- could I give to other people. -Erin Tanchoco

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Sabs Ongkiko story inspires me to reimagine my goals and motivations regarding my college degree and direct it towards a purpose for others. Her passion about her vocation is something I resonate with in the beginning of my adolescent years but have at times become a blur. I hope to emulate that same passion again as it certainly gives me a person to look up to with a heart for her work. - Lean Angelo

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The story of Sabs inspires me because it is one of sacrifice. After all, her decision to be a public school teacher was not one that was born out of circumstance, it was a decision that intentionally went out of the way of her original plans, a decision she herself would admit to be difficult for a multitude of reasons. I think that her genuine desire to help and be of service to others is palpable and infectious. Her story reminded me to be human in a world that constantly incentivizes selfishness.
- Lio Benson

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Sabs energy about sharing her work radiates a sort of joy distinct to a person happy with what they do for a living. That is something I also hope to emulate and rediscover with my college degree.

-Lean Angelo

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The story of Sabs awakened my desire to help people. I used to join a lot of organizations that would have initiatives to help others through outreaches and reach-ins. Although I am still part of these organizations, I have not been as active and I think that it is mostly because of how I don't see with my own eyes how what I am doing is helping. Instead of seeing the people, I am left with statistics of how many people were helped. The loss of contact contributed to the loss of motivation on my end. Her talk made me remember why I was doing those in the past and who it was for. Moreover, it made me realize there are many different ways to help even from the confinement of my room.

Russel Mei de Jesus

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Sab Ongkiko inspired me to look into my life and everything that i have done so far. She inspired me to find a pattern in the things that i love doing and find a common theme. Aside from finding a common theme, she helped me realize that connecting this common theme to helping and serving others is what is important. She made me realize that everything that i have accomplished or liked are clues in my life that would point me to my personal vocation.  -Ben Sarilla

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After looking at my life and the clues that it gives, i realize that i already know what i want to do in life. But sometimes, it is too absurd or scary to even think of. I realized that i have dreams that i have kept under the rug due to fear of failure, or insecurities. The things that i love to do sometimes brings to light my flaws and that is a scary thing to pursue. However, Sab Ongkiko gave me a little bit of courage to pursue my vocation not for myself but to help alleviate others.

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It struck me that sometimes I feel quite blinded by what I think I want that I don't take the time to examine myself and the small decisions that I make. It inspired me to take a minute to look at myself and reflect on my past decisions.

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For once I want to stop and clear myself of what I had envisioned myself doing, instead, I want to look at my choices and moments in life where I had chosen to serve the people around me. What is is that I want to do for others? Surely, there has been a choice I've been choosing subconsciously because I want to do it. I have lost my sense of service to the community to the pandemic as I've been stuck in a room for more than a year now, and after reading Sabs Ongkiko's story, it had made me want to take a moment to reflect on rediscover my lost sense of service.

-Kurt

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She inspires me to really reflect and discern on where our small choices lead us and what it says about our character. Additionally she reminds us, despite how basic it may seem, the importance of being humane or a person to others. As well as to direct our talents to be of service to others.

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I was reminded of how important it is to choose the path which reflect who I am as a person. So despite her initial plans, she chose that which really aligned with her. I believe this ignited the desire in me to really reflect and discern on the path I have chosen for myself. It wanted me to really find and discover a path which is uniquely my own.

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Plans can fall apart and sometimes that's a good thing.

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Plans can fall apart and sometimes that's a good thing.

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As Sabs Ongkiko continued to talk about how she thought deeply about the suggestion of being a teacher, it made me realize that even if for how many years you are fixated on something, it isn't a bad thing nor is it an impulse to change that. In Sabs Ongkiko's case she ended up finding more about herself and finding purpose in her life through this decision. It just goes to show that you can't predict the future, and you can't figure out what He has planned for you but know it is for the best when you come to that crossroad.

-Luis Mikhael Gonzalez

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It would be the desire to explore the options given to me. Even if it feels like there are only 2 ways to pass through the given problem, it isn't an ultimatum. Thinking about it, rarely is something ever an ultimatum and just seeing how satisfied and fulfilled Sabs Ongkiko feels about choosing a path she never considered before, it just goes to show that you rarely know how things will turnout.

-Luis Mikhael Gonzalez

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Sabs Ongkiko's story inspired me a lot, because she made me realize that I needed to reflect on my previous actions and decisions that led me to the point where I am now and to find a common theme in these actions and using it as a means to improve myself and my ability to  help others in any way I can. In saying all this, I really hope this helps me find my purpose in life as I continue to navigate the ups and downs of life.
-Gaston Jimenez

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To continue to serve others in any way I can

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To continue to serve others in any way I can

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The desire to continue to serve and help others in any way I can, especially those who are in need. This is particularly important during a time like this wherein many people are struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I consider myself lucky to be in the position I am right now and I plan to use the resources that I have been blessed with to serve God and others who are in need.
-Gaston Jimenez

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I knew of my personal desire to take care or support young kids back when I was in Senior High. All those community programs helped me see the situation of many young children out there and it somehow planted a desire in me to want to be able to do something about their situation. I would save as much as I can for years now in hopes that I would be able to build some sort of foundation for these young kids. However, during the pandemic, I was in despair thinking about those children in these times and even more that I can't do anything about them. I felt useless.

The story of Sabs Ongkiko helped me remember that part of me. It reignited my hopes and made me think that it's not too late to actually act on them in any way I can rather than just pitying myself because of the situation. This is one of the things that I'm good at, helping people, and I must not be my own barrier from doing something that I love doing for the sake of other people.

- Joan Narit

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I was inspired by Ma'am Ongkiko to become more selfless. Her genuine love for others is so deeply ingrained in her vocation, and I would love to have something similar. I aspire to grow and to use these talents that I have to touch other people's lives because this is what truly helps us to become human. "Ito ang tunay magtuturo sa atin kung paano nga ba maging makatao." More than anything, it pushes me to look at the bigger picture, rather than solely focusing on my own.

-Alicia Baquiran

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It has been a rollercoaster ride for me to search for what my true calling is. I've shifted courses, and have applied for various internships and community work. Event after all of that, there have been many moments when I would doubt how much I deserve to be in a certain course, or perceive myself in a career path. For now, I would like to explore the desire to find that "calling". I want to be able to find what vocation I can be passionate about so that I can further extend myself to God and to His people.

-Alicia Baquiran

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"Piliin niyo sanang maging magaling. Na kapag nakaka-angat ka na, gamitin mo ang talino at talento mo para iangat ang iba" is the line that struck me the most among everything she said. To grow and flourish not only for ourselves, but also to grow in a manner that we can be of service to others as a vessel of love and kindness is the sort of growth that we must strive to achieve. The way Sabs Ongkiko lives out the concept of Magis, and going further and beyond herself through the love she gives inspires me to think that, perhaps, I could do the same.

-Bea Alcantara

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Choosing to be loving is never easy. In fact, it's probably one of the most difficult thing to do to give your whole self to be of service to others. But because the decision to love is one that we must actively make, how Sabs Ongkiko shows how she does this kindles a thought in me that I also have the ability do the same. Although I currently may not have what it takes to practice this, I aspire to grow into a person who can also actively choose the more loving option.

-Bea Alcantara

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Sab Ongkiko's story has inspired me to rethink how I show my affection to others. As of right now, I would always think about how my actions towards others would benefit myself before helping others. Her story has taught me that I do not need to be so calculating when it comes to helping people, especially my loved ones.

-Ezekiel Dayawon

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I learned that we all have a choice to use our lives as tools for service to others. God has given us free will and callings so that we can use them for good.

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Sab Ongkiko inspired me to show more compassion!

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Sab Ongkiko inspired me to show more compassion!

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Sab Ongkiko is a true Ignatian example of a woman for others. She made me realize that is important to think more about how I can best serve my community given my talents and opportunities.

-Marty Soliven

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Listening to Sab Ongkiko made me realize how much I desire to help people again. I used to join outreaches all the time in high school, but as I've gotten older and busier I don't do that as often anymore. I usually think about enjoying my own free time.
-Marty Soliven
Her talk reignited me to go out and help others like I used to. (Maybe when the world is COVID safe again, though.)