Charlene Mae M. Torres
Editor-In-Chief
2023 Bulung Culiat
Happy new year and happy new term, brothers and sisters in JCI! I hope 2023 is treating you well so far.
I personally felt pumped and excited entering the new year. It felt as if I were to enter a new world, someplace brighter with more positive energy. This might sound absurd to some because new year is literally a second away, but I guess there’s an inexplicable magic to it. It makes some of us feel more hopeful, more inspired, refreshed. It’s as if we’re leaving our baggage behind, and we take on a new journey feeling lighter.
This might not apply to all, though. Some of us treat the new year as just another day. Some of us did not celebrate and just went on with their routines. Some of us entered the new year with the same heavy and overwhelming feelings.
I cannot tell those who feel overwhelmed to chill and relax. I cannot tell those who journey with their baggage to just drop the weight. And I cannot for sure tell anyone to be okay, or make peace with whoever, whatever. What I do know is that there are people – your family and / or friends – or even organizations like JCI, that actually look after us and our well-being.
When Pres Kate personally laid down her vision for Culiat’s 2023 term to as many members she can personally reach, it hit me differently. Culiat has definitely produced sustainable, high-impact community projects over the years, but not as much focus on members’ needs and interests.
This is where Culiat for Culiat of the 2023 BOD enters. The mission of the program is simple – divert back the focus on the members, listen to their needs and wants, and in the capacity of the board, satisfy those interests.
Members will always be the core of the organization. The talents, the time and effort, the financial support – all these keep the chapter afloat, and as Culiat’s history proved, the members have put the chapter on the map, at the forefront of countless initiatives for countless communities.
I am a firm believer that people who feel valued are most productive. In a non-profit organization like JCI, appreciation goes a long way. That is what Culiat for Culiat would hopefully reflect and extend not only to the chapter’s members but to each of their family – husband, wife, parents, kids, friends. So, if you feel overwhelmed with the many facets of life at this point, I hope you get the support system that you want. I hope that wherever you choose to be, you feel that you are valued. Cheers!
