PMDS Boljoon Conducts Reflective Recollection for Graduating Senior High Students
In a significant pre-graduation activity, senior high students from the Patronage of Mary Development School (PMDS) in Boljoon, Cebu participated in a deeply reflective recollection during late January. This spiritual and emotional exercise was designed to help graduating students prepare for the transition beyond their academic journey, marking a pivotal moment as the school year approaches its conclusion.
Guided Reflection on Personal Growth and Emotional Healing
The recollection was led by Rev. Fr. Loreto Jaque, who focused on guiding students through a process of introspection. He addressed students from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strands, framing the event as a necessary pause to reflect on their personal experiences and emotional development.
Fr. Jaque emphasized the importance of confronting unresolved emotions and practicing forgiveness as essential steps toward inner preparation for life after graduation. He highlighted that many emotional wounds from childhood often remain unrecognized but can significantly influence self-perception and relationships in adulthood.
Key Reflection Questions and Family Dynamics
Central to the activity were three thought-provoking reflection questions posed by Fr. Jaque:
- "As a child, I lost the chance to be..."
- "As a child, I lost the opportunity to feel..."
- "If I had a magic wand, I would change my parents into..."
These prompts were used to help students examine how childhood experiences continue to shape their emotions, choices, and interpersonal relationships. Fr. Jaque encouraged an approach of honesty and compassion rather than blame, fostering a safe environment for emotional expression.
He also delved into family relationships, particularly the complexities of parent-child dynamics. Fr. Jaque reminded students that parenthood does not automatically equate to emotional maturity, and understanding this reality can be a crucial first step toward healing and personal growth. He stressed that life should be about living with purpose and meaning, not merely survival.
Impact and School Commitment to Holistic Formation
The recollection had a profound emotional impact on participants, with several students visibly moved during the discussions. This reaction underscored the significance of the topics addressed, as students were able to express their feelings and recognize shared experiences among peers in a supportive setting.
School administrators noted that this activity reflects PMDS's commitment to holistic education, aiming to prepare students not just academically, but also emotionally and spiritually as they approach graduation. By integrating such reflective practices, the school supports the overall development of its senior high students, ensuring they are better equipped for future challenges and opportunities.
