By Anjelika Gentugaya

By Laia De Roma

Business owners, accountants, and entrepreneurs. 

More than being business-minded and financially literate, the students in the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand see and strive for change in learning how to grow. However, it is always difficult to grow with no support. In every journey, there are people to branch out to. 

As people that consistently aim for growth, there must be people willing to help cultivate and develop for the progress of the entire strand. From the current Strand Chairperson to an aspiring candidate, the ABM strand passes down the legacy as a new leader arises. 

Strand of Opportunities

It is often assumed that the only initiatives that ABM students can take are related to money-making, but beyond that is a mindset of looking for opportunities all around them. As the current Strand Chairperson, Maja Samper observed that “ABM is still full of students who are not only interested in business, but people who desire to create a change. I have met so many passionate and warm people in the strand who motivate me to be my best version.” As a student leader, it is key to see what change do people truly desire. 
Zeki Vizcarra, the aspiring candidate for Strand Chairperson, observes ABM similarly: “I would describe the ABM strand as an adventurous strand— seeking opportunities and expanding their horizons for academics and more wherever they can.” To sincerely lead means to first understand the people that are being led, acknowledging each and every one of their goals. 

But beyond just seeing and recognizing the desire of the people, support is needed to make change happen. 

Vizcarra explained that “I would like to sustain the current projects being done such as ABMamahagi as I see it as a great way to provide students a way to grow as individuals and entrepreneurs. However, I would personally motion to expand these to be all-year-round to give more opportunities throughout the year as well as boosting strand visibility and solidifying strand identity and legacy.” Opportunities aren’t to be desired and wished for, but provided as an ABM student with guidance of the leaders of the student body.

Connected Identity

With the future quickly approaching, Samper shares her hopes and aspirations for the strand with her vision: “I hope that ABM students will be well represented by their leaders and that their needs are never dismissed.” From leader to fellow student, there must always be a common ground, whether it be through communication or firsthand experience. A great understanding and comprehension of the needs and wishes of people being led, means being represented. 

As Vizcarra aspires to be the next leader of the strand, he shares a similar vision: “I envision an ABM strand undivided by section but rather connected by strand identity. A strand who is steadfast in their journey towards self and community growth— hoping to achieve a legacy on the way.”  While individual growth of every student is necessary, when it comes to all being supported, this ensures change for everyone. 

It is only through a development that propagates from person to person, that there will be the possibility of a legacy of change to happen for the better. With the empowerment of every individual, a sense of community continues to be uplifted. 

Walking Alongside

In striving to accomplish such a sense of community, Samper advises the next generation of ASHS leaders: “I aspire to see humility, and the strong willingness to learn from constructive feedback. I want to see actual leaders who walk with their constituents, and not in front of them.” Despite all of the guidance and support from leaders, they are never a superior but an equal ready to help.

It is inevitable that there will be a difference in opinion as people will always have different circumstances and experiences, but it is this diversity that will be the key to understanding the core of leadership: people. There will always be a common ground, found in compromise and patience. 

As Vizcarra reflects on his campaign, he shares his ultimate why: “I wish to become a candidate as I  wish to be able to serve ABM to a greater extent while also growing alongside the ABM students.” Being a student leader is a duty of leading as a fellow student. Opportunities may be the focus and desire of each ABM student through learning how to grow, but with the support of kindred spirits on that same journey, it is a lesson that is learned altogether.  

In constantly striving to grow, it is important to remember that it is true growth that happens alongside others. More than just aiming to become business owners, accountants, and entrepreneurs, there is success in supporting and sharing opportunities for fellow students. 

As old and new leaders experience the endeavor of sustaining the passion in ABM students, there is a constant despite the time that has passed— change. It is now up to the next guide of the strand to direct what kind of change. For this strand, a legacy is a continued change of true growth.