by JE GONZALBO and NEO CANIA
“The flap of a butterfly’s wings can cause a tornado.”
This was a quote from Edward Norton Lorenz – a line that turned a scientific theory into a concept that can be similarly seen in exemplary and outstanding students who appear as role models for the other students to follow. Not only do they stand as a good example simply because they are well-groomed from head to toe – wearing a proper hairstyle and complete school uniform with black shoes – but as well as the fact that they hold bright optimism and great participation in class and other extracurricular activities.
Rather than the big accomplishments, they are hailed for achieving even the smallest things a student must require… maybe things that even most of us overlook or ignore.
In Far Eastern Private School (FEPS) Al Shahba, model students who are willing to learn, grow, and develop are acknowledged by the school at the beginning of every month. During the morning assembly, different class representatives are chosen by the OIC principal. Ms. Mary Jane P. Onato announces and rewards students for setting a good example to fellow students and peers.
One of the model students, Adriel Dionco, who was awarded in the month of October, said he was taken aback when he received the recognition. He was called during the morning assembly because of his admirable appearance. “I was pretty surprised, to be honest,” he stated. “I usually don’t receive these types of awards. Personally, I think everyone should get the award since everyone else follows the rules din naman.” – which is precisely why various awardees are chosen every month.
“I felt that all my hard work gets acknowledged and that I have accomplished something special,” says Zareth Lim, a grade 8 student, when asked about how he felt when announced as one of the model students. He had been picked several times since the school year had started – and not just because of his well-ironed polo shirt and blue, clean slacks, but as well as Zareth’s high spirits in learning and setting a good example for his fellow classmates.
Like Amit Ray, in ‘Walking the Path of Compassion’, who believes in its (the butterfly’s) effect, “A small positive vibration can change the entire cosmos.” It is fairly evident that model students help pave the way for their batchmates and fellow FEPSians to walk through a path full of passion and dedication for continuous learning and growth.
Because of the class representatives and their efforts to study in school – which are all recognized by the teachers by rewarding their represented class 10 stars and giving them a donut and juice – other students are inspired to follow, as such that even a single difference one student can make can be the start of a culture, a norm for a voice that may seem heeded but in reality, easily neglected by many.