𝙇𝙚𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙋. 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 | 𝘽𝙎𝙈𝙏 𝙄𝙄
𝙶𝙴 10 – 𝚆𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙴𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

𝕽𝖊𝖋𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘 𝖔𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖀𝖓𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖞\’𝖘 𝕸𝖔𝖙𝖙𝖔

Silliman University\’s campus life finds its center of gravity in their guiding motto \”Via, Veritas, Vita,\” symbolizing Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.. Translated as \”The Way, The Truth, and The Life,\” this Latin phrase was chosen with utmost care and purpose. Its origin lies in the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically from the Gospel of John (14:6). In this verse, Jesus declares Himself as \”the way and the truth and the life,\” underlining the spiritual and moral significance of these words.

This motto holds a unique niche for Silliman University, signifying the institution\’s strong commitment to religious instruction and the teachings of Jesus Christ as an essential foundation for the moral development of its students. It serves as a guiding principle, emphasizing the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also pursuing truth and leading a life filled with purpose and meaning.

What sets this motto apart is its reach beyond the university\’s walls. It has been embraced by the entire Province of Negros Oriental, becoming a part of its provincial seal. This adoption signifies the widespread recognition of the motto\’s universal values and its power to inspire individuals in their quest for the way, the truth, and a meaningful life. In this motto, Silliman University not only imparts knowledge but also instills a sense of purpose, amplifying the enduring message of hope and guidance found in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

𝙇𝙚𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙋. 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 | 𝘽𝙎𝙈𝙏 𝙄𝙄
𝙶𝙴 10 – 𝚆𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙴𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖎𝖒𝖆𝖓 𝕷𝖔𝖌𝖔

Silliman University’s logo or seal holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a symbol of tradition, excellence, and heritage. The logo features an open book with the Latin phrase “Via, Veritas, Vita,” which translates to “The Way, The Truth, The Life.” This encapsulates the institution’s commitment to guiding students towards truth, knowledge, and a meaningful life. The open book also symbolizes the university’s dedication to academic and intellectual growth, emphasizing the importance of learning as a lifelong pursuit.

The “Lightened Lamp” at the center signifies enlightenment, illuminating the path of knowledge for its students. The year of its founding, 1901, represents the rich history and tradition that the university has built upon over the years. The presence of “The Bible” acknowledges the strong Christian foundation of the university, emphasizing the importance of faith and moral values in education.

The “Circle” encircling these elements can be seen as a representation of heaven, underlining the Christian values upheld by the institution. The “Scallop,” symbolizing the winds of change, highlights the adaptability and progressiveness of the university. The inclusion of “2 stars” representing America and the Philippines reflects the international and diverse perspective Silliman University promotes. Finally, the “Vine” in the seal embodies the strong ties between students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing a sense of community and togetherness.

In conjunction with the Latin phrase “Via, Veritas, Vita,” the seal signifies Silliman University’s unwavering commitment to leading students on a path of truth and knowledge, guiding them toward a life filled with meaning and purpose. The seal encapsulates the institution’s dedication to a well-rounded education that incorporates moral values, the pursuit of truth, adaptability, a global perspective, and a strong sense of community. It serves as a powerful symbol of the university’s identity and mission to mold individuals into responsible and enlightened citizens.

| 𝚁𝚎𝚏𝚕𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

𝙇𝙚𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙋. 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨
BSMT II | GE 10 – DD

[𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚁𝚎𝚏𝚕𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 4-6 ]

| 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 4 |
Today, I read Romans Chapter 4, and it really got me thinking about faith and actions. It’s led me down a contemplative path, trying to shed light between faith and actions. It’s a bit like witnessing a mesmerizing mutuality between our deeply held beliefs and the tangible steps we take in response.
In Romans 4, Paul emphasizes that justification comes solely through faith, not by our own works or efforts. He uses Abraham as an example to show that faith is credited as righteousness. God’s blessing is that believers are considered righteous, their sins forgiven, and their status as part of God’s family secured through faith, irrespective of circumcision or good works. The law is abolished through Christ, and the promise to Abraham is fulfilled through faith, making all believers part of Abraham’s family and inheritance. Abraham’s faith in the face of the impossible serves as an inspiration for us all .
The chapter opens with a narrative about Abraham, an ancient figure who earned righteousness not through a laundry list of virtuous deeds but by his firm and steadfast faith in God. It is really easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, constantly measuring ourselves by the things we do. This truly serves as a poignant reminder for all of us that our worth isn’t solely measured by our actions but is equally influenced by the convictions that reside within our hearts. Romans 4 reminds me that there’s something deeper at play. It is about the beliefs that reside deep in our hearts, the core of who we are. It is about having faith in something greater than ourselves.
Yet, there’s an intriguing twist to this because Abraham’s faith was far from passive. He didn’t just sit back and rely solely on his beliefs. Instead, he actively engaged with his faith, manifested through his obedience to God’s instructions. This dynamic interaction really emphasizes that faith and actions aren’t separate entities but they coexist. To truly embrace our beliefs, we must translate them into tangible deeds; they are intrinsically intertwined. This hit close to home because I have often wrestled with turning my beliefs into actions, and this chapter is a gentle nudge to make that connection. The idea of hope, too, has a deeply personal resonance. It’s that little light inside of us that refuses to go out, even when life gets tough. It’s the assurance that, no matter how challenging things may seem, there are brighter days ahead. In my own journey, hope has often been my lifeline, pulling me through difficult times.Hope is the sustaining force that fuels our faith and inspires our actions.
So my takeaway from Romans Chapter 4 is this: Have faith, absolutely, but don’t allow it to remain an abstract concept. As I reflect on this, I am taking it to heart in a deeply personal way. Put your faith into motion through your actions. Let them coexist and complement each and amidst it all, never extinguish that flicker of hope, for it’s the steadfast companion that will illuminate your path, even in the darkest hours. I’m reminded to have faith in what I believe in, to let it guide my actions, and to keep that flame of hope alive, no matter what life throws my way.

| 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 5 |

Romans Chapter 5 speaks of peace, grace, and the incredible depth of God’s love, and I can’t help but connect it to my own experiences. It reminds me of the peace that faith can bring. In a world where chaos and anxiety often prevail, this chapter is a gentle reminder that through faith, I can find peace with God. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding, a serene refuge amidst life’s storms. It encourages me to trust that, no matter how tumultuous the world may become, I can find solace in my faith.
But what truly resonates with me is the concept of grace. It’s like a divine gift, freely given, despite my imperfections. This concept has a personal significance for me, as it reminds me that I don’t need to be flawless to be loved by God. Grace is the embodiment of unconditional love, and I find comfort in the knowledge that it’s available to me, no matter what. The chapter goes on to explore the idea of how, through one man’s disobedience, sin entered the world, and through another man’s obedience (Jesus), grace and righteousness were brought into the world. This juxtaposition strikes a chord within me, with the idea that even in my moments of weakness and mistakes, there is redemption and hope.
This chapter speaks of grace abounding, even in the face of sin. It’s like an unending well of compassion, always accessible. This resonates with me deeply because it reminds me that God’s love is boundless, forgiving, and always ready to embrace me, no matter how far I may have strayed. It encourages me to accept these gifts with gratitude and to live my life with the assurance that, in the end, grace and love will always prevail.

| 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 6 |

Reading Romans 6 has been a reminder of the transformation that takes place when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Just as Abraham’s old self died when he believed God’s promise, my old self, dominated by sin and the flesh, has died when I surrendered my life to Jesus. Through baptism, I symbolically buried that old self.
I find myself facing a daily choice: to yield to sin and the desires of the flesh or to yield to God and His righteousness. The power of sin no longer reigns over me; I am now under grace. I can either serve the old master, sin, and experience death, or I can serve the new Master, God, and experience eternal life. It’s a battle, a struggle, but the promise is clear: sin shall not have dominion over me. I can live a life of victory over the flesh and the power of sin because I am now a servant of God and His righteousness. I’ve decided to follow Jesus, and by His grace, and seek righteousness for His glory. Thank God for His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, a life that brings forth fruit unto holiness. This chapter reminds me that, in Christ, I am free from sin’s tyranny, and I can walk in newness of life.

Lea Katrina P. Canizares
GE 10- DD

| Attendance for October 3, 2023 |

[Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) ]

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Lea Katrina P. Canizares
BSMT – II
GE 10 -DD

| Reflections on Defining What is a Sillimanian |

A Sillimanian is not merely a title but an embodiment of a unique culture and ethos, rooted in the rich history and ideals of Silliman University. To me, being a Sillimanian means embracing a holistic vision of education, one that aligns with the institution’s powerful mission. The mission of Silliman University, which emphasizes infusing core values, instilling social consciousness, and cultivating a globally competitive academic community, adds even more depth to the concept of being a Sillimanian.

Being a Sillimanian means not only embracing academic excellence but also anchoring that pursuit in the core values inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It means seeking knowledge not just for personal gain but for the greater purpose of nurturing faith, character, and competence. It’s an understanding that academic growth should go hand-in-hand with spiritual and ethical development, creating individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and principled. Sillimanians are unique because we carry with us a deep sense of social consciousness and environmental stewardship. We recognize our role as responsible custodians of the world around us. This awareness translates into action, whether it’s in volunteering for community projects, advocating for environmental sustainability, or championing social justice causes. It’s a commitment to making the world a better place, reflecting the university’s mission to care for the environment and work toward societal well-being. Furthermore, being a Sillimanian means being part of an academic community that is not only resilient but globally competitive. We don’t just seek knowledge; we produce it. We don’t merely follow; we innovate. We’re not limited by borders; we actively contribute to sustainable development on a global scale. This commitment to knowledge production and innovation sets us apart, making us catalysts for positive change in an ever-evolving world.

What makes me a Sillimanian, and sets us apart from other students, is our commitment to this vision and mission. We are not just learners but stewards of life, tasked with the noble mission of advancing society’s well-being and safeguarding the environment. This transcends the boundaries of a typical student experience; it’s a profound responsibility that fuels our journey. Silliman University’s institutional goals resonate deeply with every Sillimanian. The emphasis on strengthening character, competence, and faith is the cornerstone of our education. Through Silliman’s 5 C’s (The Classroom, the Church, the (Athletic) Court, the Cultural Center, and the Community, each student is molded holistically in different settings, The classroom is not just a place for academic pursuit but a crucible where our character is forged, and our faith nurtured. The church provides us with the spiritual foundation that underpins our ethical compass, guiding us toward justice and compassion for others. The court exemplifies how Sillimanians can also excel in various sports, and the cultural center celebrates our diversity, fostering creativity and appreciation for art, while our service in the community showcases our commitment to social transformation. But it’s not just these goals; it’s the unique culture of Silliman University that shapes us. The Silliman Spirit, an intangible but palpable essence, infuses our journey with resilience, compassion, and a thirst for knowledge. It’s the camaraderie in our diverse community, where we learn not only from textbooks but from one another’s cultures and experiences. It’s the harmony of faith and reason, of intellectual curiosity and spiritual depth.

As a Sillimanian, I carry this spirit with me in every endeavor. It’s a torch that illuminates my path toward responsible stewardship, lifelong learning, and making a difference in the world. It’s a commitment to seek truth, embrace diversity, and strive for a just and humane society. In a world filled with students, being a Sillimanian is more than an identity; it’s a call to shape a better community for all.

| My View on the Mental Aspects of Man |

The profound intricacies of the human mind have always been a source of intrigue for me. I view the mental aspect of humanity as a captivating and complex realm that defines our individuality and shapes our interactions with the world. It is a domain where thoughts, emotions, and consciousness converge, giving rise to our unique perspectives and inner landscapes. What fascinates me most is the sheer diversity of human minds, each an intricate mosaic of experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It’s through understanding this diversity that we can connect on a deeper level, fostering empathy and compassion in our interactions with others.

In my everyday life, this perspective on the mental aspect of humanity plays a pivotal role as it guides my approach to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of active listening and seeking to understand others’ perspectives. By recognizing the complexity of the human mind, I strive to be more patient and empathetic in my interactions, appreciating that each individual’s thoughts and emotions are shaped by a unique set of experiences. Moreover, my fascination with the mental aspect of man extends to self-reflection. It encourages me to explore my own thoughts and emotions. By delving into the recesses of my mind, I gain insights into my motivations, fears, and aspirations, allowing me to make more informed decisions and navigate the uncharacteristic bouts of life’s challenges with greater resilience.
Much like the intricate facets of our individual minds, we, as complete beings, share an innate and intricate connection with one another that transcends the confines of language and mere words. This connection means that we are not solitary entities but rather pieces of a bigger human puzzle. This interconnectedness stems from our shared experiences, joys, sorrows, and aspirations, forming a universal language that bridges linguistic divides. It embodies compassion and our shared human essence, reaffirming that, at our core, we all yearn for the same fundamental things: love, understanding, and a sense of belonging.