foundation day reflection essay brainly

Celebrating Foundation Day: A Day of Reflection and Joy

Foundation Day is a special occasion that holds immense significance for educational institutions. It is a day when students, faculty, and staff come together to celebrate the establishment of their beloved institution. This day is not only a time for reflection but time for joy, unity, and gratitude.

On Foundation Day, various events and activities are organized to make the day memorable. These events often include cultural performances, talent shows, and competitions. Students showcase their talents in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. These performances not only entertain the audience but also highlight the diverse talents of the students.

In addition to the cultural performances, Foundation Day also includes competitions such as debates, quizzes, and essay writing. These competitions encourage students to think critically, research thoroughly, and express their opinions in a clear and concise manner. They also provide an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in a competitive environment.

However, Foundation Day is not just about competitions and performances. It is also a day for reflection and gratitude. It is a time when students, faculty, and staff come together to remember the institution's history, its founders, and the sacrifices they made to establish it. It is a time to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff who have shaped the institution into what it is today.

Foundation Day is also a time for joy and celebration is a day when students and faculty dress up in their best attire, decorate the campus, and enjoy delicious food together. It is a day filled with laughter, smiles, and positive energy. It is a day that brings everyone together, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bond between students, faculty, and staff.

In conclusion, Foundation Day is a special occasion that celebrates the establishment of an educational institution. It is a day of reflection, joy, unity, and gratitude. It is a day when students, faculty, and staff come together to remember the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future. Let us celebrate Foundation Day with enthusiasm and make it a memorable occasion for years to come.

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The pilgrimage called life, bright futures built on strong foundations, to the stars, we soar up high, blasting into the past: remembering our foundation day celebrations.

Blasting Into the Past The past 20 years have been a rewarding journey for FAITH Colleges. Amidst these unprecedented times in our lifetime, our community goes back in time to recall with fondness past celebrations of our foundation day. With gratitude and so much hope in our hearts, we look to the future with a strong resolve grounded on our conviction that the best years for FAITH are yet to come.

“Foundation day celebrations in pre-pandemic times were exciting and eventful for all. The students were very eager and happy to participate in the different activities even though they were tired due to the preparations made weeks before. Different departments had their own entry to the SHINDIG where the employees displayed their talents while wearing their beautiful outfits and colorful costumes as they strutted on stage. My favorite was when the Library Department created a photo exhibit that showed the history and development of FAITH Colleges that covered the ground breaking for our first building—Mabini Hall, the administration, pioneer employees and students, up to the most recent pictures. What do I miss the most? Seeing the students on the campus grounds proudly wearing their foundation day T-shirts, enjoying the fair booths and all the activities.” – Glaisa M. Redondo, SHLRC Librarian

“The 10th Foundation day was really a memorable one. The opening of the 12th NCAA-South coincided with the celebrations that added glamour and prestige to the Foundation Day celebration.” – Damialito O Arim, Sports Director

“As part of the Technical Committee, the MIS worked “behind the cameras” every Foundation Day, supporting all events—from departmental programs, concerts, and recently even esports. We see to it that every program ran smoothly to give students and parents the best experience possible.I remember the 10 th year of the foundation celebration best. That year was memorable to me since it was my first foundation experience at FAITH Colleges. That same year, FAITH was also hosting the NCAA-South Season 12 which made the event bigger and louder. It was also the first time I performed on stage together with my colleagues for the SHINDIG program. It was also the first time that we livestreamed and broadcasted an event online. I guess my team’s favorite events were the concerts and the mobile games tournament. As we supported the events, we enjoyed it ,too. We sorely miss all these events. We hope and pray that this pandemic will be over soon so we can celebrate our Foundation Day the way we used to.” – Benison Sandoval, MIS Manager

“Celebrating the FAITH Colleges Foundation Day would always remind me of two words: fellowship and gratitude. First is fellowship because all the fun games and activities that showcased our talents gave us the precious chance to bond with our colleagues. Second is gratitude. I am very thankful that for 11 years starting from being a FAITH Colleges student and to being part of the institution as guidance coordinator, FAITH never failed to give me some of the best experiences of my life.” – Jane Aira Ramilo, Guidance Coordinator

“Each Foundation Day celebration here at FAITH is a manifestation of the whole community’s spirituality and strong love for Mama Mary (Mater Fidelium). Each year, the highlight of our week-long celebration was the celebration of the Holy Mass every 8th of September. On those days, families gathered in the field and sat in circles to attend the Mass as a small praying community since the covered court was already overflowing. Each year, the Holy Mass gathered the entire FAITH community in thanksgiving, as we all look forward to celebrating as one big FAITH Family.” – Anthony James P. Mendoza, Campus Ministry and ASEAN Residence Head

“September is audit period. Because of the nature of our work, our department would be working most of the time while the entire community participated in the activities throughout the week-long celebration. But while we mostly stayed in front of our computers, we still felt the vibes of the different activities, specially when we would hear the excited screams coming from the gymnasium. After work, we’d stay until late night to watch the amazing shows. I also miss the booths with different food choices.” – John Henry F. Refran, Accountant

“ Mommy, miss ko na po ‘yong bonding natin sa FAITH campus during past Foundation Sunday celebrations ,” words from my child Angel. I do share her sentiments both as a parent and as an employee. After attending the Mass, we would watch the shows. What we loved most was our bonding during lunchtime. Iikutin namin ang buong campus. Tapos, hahanap kami ng spot where we can eat our lunch together . We miss the fresh air, the gardens, the College Promenade.” – Ohlie Macatangay, FAITH Catholic School parent

“I’d say the Shindig will always be memorable. The Shindig happens every three years and showcased the talents of faculty members and administrative staff. It was the time where we took a break from our regular work and showed our students that we too, have talent other than teaching and doing administrative work. Shindig 2016 will always be special to me because it was the first time I experienced the feeling of having long, blonde hair. Seriously though, what I loved best about Shindig was that it was an activity for a cause. The proceeds from selling tickets to the Shindig went to the Bato-Balani Foundation.” – Jaime J. David IV, ME, Physical Plant Administraton

How I remember our foundation day celebrations in the pre-pandemic times By Angelika Malabuyo, BSIE

During my five years of study at FAITH Colleges, I can describe all the Foundation Day Celebrations that I have attended as both festive and hectic. I can still vividly recall how crazy and loud the entire community gets whenever it is our foundation celebration week. It was as if our school grounds would turn into something like Coachella. Every year, the celebrations get better and bigger. I believe the game-changer here was the fact that the entire community committed to intensifying our founding anniversary celebrations. As our school grew each year, we grew as well as a community. It is hard to say which was the best part of every celebration. But the Shindig, which only happens every three years, was a must go-to not just for the students but more so for the alumni. Seeing the Institution’s faculty and administrative staff enjoying themselves while performing and entertaining the community was such as sight to see. Believe me, every Shindig that I attended were all top tiers. It must be included in every Braveheart’s Top 10 Foundation Day Moments.

Aside from the main events like the World of Dance (WOD), Rave/After Party Concerts, etc., we had the Picnic Lunch per college. We played games, usually per block section. The main event was the buffet. This is on my favorite list because this gave us the chance to bond and know more our brothers and sisters from the other year levels. I think the college picnic lunches were what powered the 11-year winning streak of Thurbligz as champions of the BravEvolution.

What I missed the most are the vibe and the entire community itself. I miss the competitive atmosphere during World of Dance (WOD); the cramming weeks or days before the main event due to last minute changes in production or choreography; and the celebratory vibe that you get from everybody. I miss it. I miss FAITH Colleges so much.

What are my cannot-forget moments? All bits of it! By Nicole R. Austria, BSN-4

Our Foundation Day celebration used to be the most-awaited event of the entire year. I could still vividly remember how lively, fun, and enjoyable this week-long celebrations were during the pre-pandemic time. This were the times when almost all classrooms were empty as we all gathered in the gymnasium where the celebration was held with a blast.

Every year, there were different sets of activities and competitions that we truly enjoyed and valued. I remember the band concerts, dance competitions (Step-Up), the Search for Mr. and Ms. Bravehearts, ASEAN, Shindig, and the class picnic lunch.

Certainly, the last two are my favorites. I truly consider myself very lucky as I got to witness through the Shindig how talented my college professors were. I would definitely never forget how great they were on stage. I was too mesmerized to the point that I almost tripped over the crowd while I was cheering actively and shouting at the top of my lungs. I cannot also forget the picnic where my classmates and I got to share lunch boodle fight-style with the visiting Japanese students from the Tokyo Medical University. The whole duration of the picnic lunch was filled with light talks and heartwarming smiles and at that very moment, it dawned upon me that the foundation week was not just for the commemoration of the founding of the school but is also for the celebration of camaraderie, love, and friendship. With that, I am certain that all foundation celebrations that I experienced ever since my senior high school days until mycollege years at FAITH are treasures that will forever be embedded in my heart. And if I am to be asked what I miss the most about the foundation celebration, my answer would be, “All bits of it.”

Exceptionally memorable days of entertainment and fellowship By Jillian B. Lansangan, BSMLS-4

As our dearest alma mater commemorated its 21st Founding Anniversary, we are humbly reminded not only of its mission, charism, heritage, and founding story but also its unwavering commitment to respond to today’s reality. However, due to the ongoing global health crisis, this celebration was conducted online for the second time around. It is unfortunate to again miss out on all the fun and thrilling festivities usually held on the loud and crowded school grounds. This certainly sparks a feeling of nostalgia, especially in old students like me as wonderful memories of the past celebrations come flooding into my mind.

FAITH Colleges’ Foundation Day celebrations were marked with various activities for students, institutional partners, alumni, parents, and other members of the community. The dance competitions, e-tournaments, concerts, musical performances, initiation rites, picnic lunches, and many more showcased the unity and togetherness of First Asians. If asked to choose the main highlight of the celebration, I would definitely pick the World of Dance Competition. Dancing has always been my passion. This kind of art freely allows me to express myself in ways that words never could. Being able to participate in this competition for two consecutive years was such an unforgettable and delightful experience. Aside from being able to do what I love most, I was also able to meet amazing people from other courses and build unexpected friendships.

Second would be the Frosh Initiation Rites. Personally, I consider this as one of the best moments in my college life. It was such a cordial, extra fun, exciting, yet messy way of welcoming the new members of the FAITH community. It felt like an extraordinary rite of passage for an individual to be officially considered as a Braveheart.

The Tertiary School Acquaintance Party 2019 would secure the third spot. This is special as this was one of our first activities as newly-elected FAITH Student Council officers. As a student leader and organizer, nothing warms my heart more than witnessing my fellow students express their happiness and satisfaction over the event.

Over the years, the commemoration of the institution’s founding celebration has provided exceptionally memorable days of entertainment and fellowship. This annual milestone represents the school’s unrelenting passion and initiative to maintain a meaningful presence in the lives of its students and surrounding communities while sustaining excellence. Undeniably, this is an event that a First Asian cannot afford to miss. I sincerely wish for the end of the pandemic so we may finally stop longing and reminiscing and start going back to the old ways.

Alaala ng mga Setyembreng Nagdaan Mula sa panulat ng bumubuo ng Registrar’s Office

Pagsapit ng Setyembre aming inaabangan Tarpaulin na nagsabit sa aming paaralan Kanya-kanyang sukat ng t-shirt Ang dating ay pang malakasan Bawat tema ng tao’y makikitang pinaghahadaan Bawat departamento’y may surpresang inaabangan

Tin-man, nasaan ka Lahat ay nais magpapicture Kahit ang init ng araw ay di alinatana, Pinaghandaan madaling araw pa lamang Paradang inaabangan ng balana Shindig ay kapanapanabik Saan ka pa’y sa pag-indak ni teacher ay sabik Ika nga ng estudyante’y, panahon na makabawi at sa tuwa’y humahagikhik…

Ultimong magulang excited na masyado Makita lang ang anak umindak sa entablado Hindi magkamayaw pagkuha ng litrato Walang pakialam lumuhod man o masiko, Halu-halo sa field demo Mga tsikiting kanya kanya ang istilo May basta nakatayo, may umiiyak sa dulo Ang iba nama’y kung umindak ay todo-todo

Dito rin makikita angking galing ng mga bata, Paligsahan sa pag indak ng bawat baitang ay makikita Lumalabas pagkamalikhain sa mga proyekto ay ibinida Minsan pa nga sa telebisyon ay nakita Masayang balikan bawat taong nagdaan Masayang alalahanin mga bagay na ginampanan Dalawang taong walang ganap Pagdiriwang ng Foundation Day ngayon ay isang pangarap.

Learning amidst a pandemic

Batangas development summit 2021 tackles sustainability and recovery, related posts, buhay ang pangarap: inspiring greatness in others, christmas lights of batangas 2021, collecting memories: 20 years of faith colleges.

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Home » Reflections » A shared Reflection for Foundation Day

A shared Reflection for Foundation Day

(Note: The following is a four-part reflection offered on Foundation Day, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016):

Part 1 – General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski

Happy Foundation Day!

General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski

How good it is for all of us to gather wherever we are to remember what happened here 176 years ago today. Robert Bellah, in his book “Habits of the Heart,” reminds us that any real community is a community that does not forget its past. That we will not survive if we do not pass down the wisdom of previous generations.

For 176 years, Sisters of Providence , our friends, our ministry partners, and, more recently, our Associates, have been remembering the arrival of six courageous women who trusted that God would give them a future full of hope.

Bellah also says that being a community or memory, while tying us to the past, also turns us toward the future as communities of hope.

To help us all focus on our shared future, I have invited three representatives of our Providence Community to share how our Foundation Story gives each of them hope for the future.

First, we will hear from Sister Rita Clare Gerardot , a Sister of Providence for 72 years; then from Postulant Emily TeKolste , who officially has been with us for a little more than six weeks; and from Father Dan Hopcus , who will share his reflections from the viewpoint of one of our first Providence Associates.

So, Rita Clare and Emily if you will come forth …

Thank you Rita Clare, Emily, Dan … for sharing your hopes.

And as this day moves on, I invite each of us to take some time to do our own reflection on what part of the Foundation Story gives us hope for the future. Perhaps in the days ahead we can share those hopes with one another, so that together, we will strengthen the heart and soul of our Providence Community. And in doing so, may we fulfill Mother Theodore’s hope for all of us – that we love God much, love one another and never forget why we came here. And in that remembering may we find hope, hope enough to share.

The world needs us for this.

Part 2 – Sister Rita Clare Gerardot

In the first reading from Jeremiah, we heard these words: “For surely I know the plans I have for you. Plans for your welfare to give you a future with hope.”

Sister Rita Clare Gerardot

Mother Theodore, as we know, did not have plans to leave France. She did not volunteer for the Indiana mission, primarily because of her poor health. However, when Mother Mary told her the mission to Indiana would not go forward unless she was willing to lead the group, she put aside her fears and needs to lead her three companions (three novices and two professed sisters) to the wilderness of Indiana. She knew that God’s plan, expressed through her superior, was for her welfare leading to a future with hope.

Despite many hardships throughout this perilous journey, the sisters arrived in this wilderness to find neither a home nor school, both of which they had been promised. However, one building was under construction. This was to have been their convent. Mother Theodore decided that it would become the Academy. Her commitment to mission and ministry took precedence over their having comfortable living accommodations. Imagine starting a school within a year of their arrival! Also, consider Mother Theodore’s extraordinary bravery in making a second trip to France to secure funds after all the hardships during the first journey. Mother Theodore modeled for us, her daughters of the 21st Century, our desire to be mission and ministry driven despite fewer members and financial concerns.

We, her daughters, during these 176 years, have accepted the challenges of our times. Seventy-two years ago, I left my home and large, loving family to enter this community. I believe it was the strong relationships formed during the six months of postulancy with my band members that helped me come to love the life God had chosen for me. I believe similar relationships formed over these many years with so many Sisters of Providence, colleagues, students, parishioners and friends have given me hope and happiness as a Sister of Providence and a strong belief that God will continue to provide for our future.

When we consider how blessed we have been to have had strong, faith-filled leadership through all these 176 years, talented young women joining us, devoted Providence Associates increasing year, dedicated staff giving invaluable assistance to our ministries, generous donors supporting our efforts – this certainly increases my trust in Providence.

I like this stanza from a poem Sister Thomas Jeanne Doriot wrote many years ago: “ Mother Theodore , you look on us amazed, as women will at daughters growing generations after them. We are all this century knows of any value in your venturing into a wilderness where Christ was waiting for you, waiting in the poor, the frightened, the wealthy, the self-assured, the hungry, the homeless, the peaceful and the violent.”

It’s only fitting, I think, that Mother Theodore have the last word. She tells us, “Trust in the Providence of God that so far has never failed us.”

Part 3 – Postulant Emily TeKolste

As I began pondering the question, “What in the Foundation Story gives you hope for the future,” one word kept coming up: Unknown .

Postulant Emily TeKolste

An unknown land. Unknown people. An unknown language. Unknown postulants.

An unknown future.

And from that unknown, our foundresses created abundantly. They opened schools and orphanages. They recruited and trained new members. They worked hard in the fields and at house chores. They navigated a small but growing religious community.

They provided a foundation that allowed the Sisters of Providence of the future to thrive.

As Sister Mary Theodosia Mug , quoted in the Positio, says, “Mother Theodore’s great faith is shown by the fact that she undertook apparently impossible things – with success – always leaning on Divine Providence, which never failed her.” Like Martin Luther King Jr., she recognized that you don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the first step.

Six French sisters arrived in this space 176 years ago today. As of today, 5,255 women have signed in as members of this Community. The journey of our original sisters certainly wasn’t easy. The thousands of sisters who followed in their footsteps faced their own obstacles. Yet, we thrive still today.

As I begin my life in this Community, I don’t know what it will look like even two years from now. But I rest assured that Providence will guide the steps we take together into the unknown future.

As Pope Francis said during the beatification mass for Pope Paul VI, “God is not afraid of new things!”

(Note: Postulant Emily TeKolste has her own blog site . Read some more of her reflections!)

Part 4 – Father Dan Hopcus, pastoral leader for the Congregation

Father Dan Hopcus

Almost 15 years ago, I came here from Southern California. I felt a special closeness to the Sisters of Providence. It was an honor to be accepted.

Becoming a Providence Associate gave it an added dimension. Rather than being a presider, it allowed me to belong to the Community in a special way.

The ministry is now a more shared ministry. It is an opportunity to share more in the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. It is an opportunity to continue the mission of Saint Mother Theodore and to share this mission with others.

This is what gives me hope for the future – to share with others the opportunity to minister and prayer together, to continue to show love, mercy, justice and compassion to the world we live in.

We are all able to do it together.