Living the Spinolanian Way
I have been part of the Spinola community since2009, when my eldest sibling first studied in this institution. Since then, I can confidently say that I’ve been connected to this family for quite some time. But the longer I stayed here, a deeper question arises in my heart: “Is being a Spinolanian just a label I carry? Or is it a calling I live out from my heart?”
As Spinolanians, our founders Blessed Marcelo Spinola and Venerable Mother Celia Mendez , inspire and influence us to live the Spinola way. In this community, we are shaped to be agents of transformation in the world according to the Gospel, thus generating life and hope.
We often reiterate our school’s motto, “To serve is to reign” — which gives emphasis on the greatness in humbly serving others. When we are to describe Spinolanians, oftentimes people associate it with the words humility, simplicity, charity, and service, because that is the way of living taught to us by this community, shown to us by our founders — to serve humbly even when no one notices, to listen in silence, to care sincerely, and to live each day with kindness and compassion.
Have I done all that? Perhaps not perfectly, but with sincerity in my heart. I have been actively serving the people around me in ways I could. I tried helping those people in need. I showed love to those who are hurting. And, I offered prayers for those who are suffering. But I’ve also fallen short. I’ve had days that the help that I’ve given was out of obligation rather than love, moments that I hurt those people I cared for, and times when I chose comfort over compassion.
In silence, I took time to reflect. Still, my heart remained empty with answers but full of wonder. Am I really a Spinolanian by heart? One thing I am certain about is that I am trying to be. And that I hope to be a Spinolanian — not perfectly, but faithfully.
I began unsure, but through reflection, I’ve come to a thought that maybe the essence of being a Spinolanian is that it’s not a perfect state that we could possibly reach, but rather a continuous journey that we commit to. And perhaps, after all, I can say I am a certified Spinolanian — not because I have been fl awless, but because I have tried sincerely. Despite my human limitations, I still strive to do better. " is institution is not shaping us to be perfect, but to recognize that despite the brokenness, we still have goodness to offer. " rough this community, I’ve learned to grow emotionally, morally, spiritually, and intellectually — and that growth, I believe, makes me a Spinolanian by heart.
But, maybe the answer isn’t mine to give. Maybe it lies in the people to whom I’ve shown service, dedication, love, and care — the people who have seen my heart in action. So, I ask you: Did I ever show you the heart of a Spinolanian? Because maybe your answer will reveal whether “Spinolanian” is only a label I carry or a value that I truly embody.
We welcome contributions from teachers and students from schools in Zamboanga Sibugay.
