Unearthing the Animo legacy

The colors green and white, the archer wielding his bow and arrow, and the star called Signum Fidei – these are among the symbols that instantly come into mind with the quick mention of “Lasallian”. They have prevailed the boundaries of time and have embodied themselves as the bastions of the Lasallian heritage. Meanwhile, as our generation steps up to preserve the heritage, little are we aware that we also create new pieces of history that will be cherished by future generations.

Now imagine if DLSU held an event where a time capsule is to be buried at the Marian Quadrangle to preserve the most memorable fragments of our variegated culture. This month, The Menagerie delves into the minds of Lasallians by asking  them what they believe should be deposited inside this time capsule as they discover for themselves what it truly means to be a green-blooded Lasallian.

A sprint to the starting line

More than two months have passed and the freshmen have already grasped the culture and essence of being a Lasallian. Shelley (I, CHE) believes that a Lasallian, being an achiever for God and country, “upholds the Lasallian honor and virtue both inside and outside of the university.” Alyssa (I, MTH-BAP) adds that a Lasallian is “a responsible student with good morals and values.”

Ehmylle (I, ADV), in response to what she would leave for generations to come, acknowledges the rosary that was given to her block during LPEP.  She justifies that “In the future there may be so much advancements in terms of technology but even so, Lasallians should never forget to seek help and guidance from God.”

Meanwhile, in respect to the humble origins of our school founder, Wilton (I, BSA) decides to deposit a framed picture of St. La Salle so that the future generations of Lasallians would “think of ways that would absolutely praise him in their own little way by showing their love and care for him.”

Green-blooded drive

Given the school’s trimestral system, it is well-known by all how everything seems to happen so fast inside (and often outside as well) the walls of the University. This can bring forth several inevitable changes such as urbanization due to the reconstruction of buildings. Ysabelle (II, AB- ISJ) notes its repercussions and shares that she would like to keep a few blades of the Henry Sy grass as a memento because “after quite some time there would be none left of the grassy area around school.” Additionally, developments in technology play a critical role in shaping the point of view and adjustment strategies of students towards such changes. Spencer* (II, AB- ISJ) admits that he would deposit a photocopying machine inside the time capsule and explains that “50 years from now, technology is more advanced to the point that everything is in the computer. This sort of represents how Lasallians, during my time, study. “ But despite these environmental factors, the key to effective coping with any career path and Lasallian culture practices is the ability to interact and adapt to the environment. “Engagement. We interact with the people around us. We build connections. We make friends”, states Sab* (AB- LIM).

The iconic bow and arrow is a crowd favorite time capsule memento for upper batch Lasallians. Riley* (IV- ADV) justifies, “A bow and arrow may be very symbolic and memorable not because it is the instrument of an archer, but also representing a solid bond between the passion of the Lasallians and the Lasallians themselves. An archer won’t be an archer without its bow and arrow, same as to students; they won’t be themselves if they’re not driven by their passions.”

Students of the upper batch continue on their journey to discover more of the Animo culture and spirit. The longevity of stay reflects their perseverance and ever-bright intention to finish or graduate as a “Lasallian”. In their future endeavors come the mistakes and success that motivate them to cross that finish line as green- blooded Lasallians.

Crossing the finish line

Being a Lasallian doesn’t stop once the student goes up on stage and finally obtains his hard- earned diploma. Rather, the bond to being a true “Lasallian achiever for God and country” comes with graduating as a Lasallian. An alumnus shares the same view as she describes that, “A Lasallian means having the characteristics and mind setting which our great founder planted… being Christian achievers and well-rounded citizens”. Furthermore, Aemanuelle (Alumni, BS- PSYC) emphasizes how the diverse DLSU culture can shape Lasallian graduates into unique beings. He explains, “The people that you will meet, introduce, like, hate, teach, learn from, and love are the ones that serve as the foundation to what you now know as DLSU. It is being a Lasallian that will separate you from the rest. It is the Lasallian that you will become once you exit its doors that will make the people around you say that you are of a different kind.”

In the continuous strive to attaining the sought after success or dream, Archie (Alumni, AB-PSM), says, “Intangible is the Animo pride that no matter where we are, who we become, we have the spirit of a fighting archer that will achieve endless possibilities”. Perhaps it is true that the “achiever” spirit has become embedded within a Lasallian and it becomes a drive to go further.

Clearly, the Animo pride is successfully inculcated and indoctrinated within the hearts and minds of Lasallians. What truly makes one a distinct Lasallian may be derived from the passion to pursue excellence and professionalism in every aspect of one’s life– the very essence of the line plastered upon the white walls of our beloved classrooms, “Lasallian achievers for God and country.” Lasallian philosophy and education influences and resounds an intrinsic nature to be adept to various situations whatever it may be, hence, an abundant produce of multi-talented individuals ranging from business, the sciences and the arts. Perhaps, the decades long of shaping the identity and symbolism of the Lasallian; an obviously lengthy process can be traced back to the roots of St. La Salle’s advocacy and Jesus’ ardent spirituality.

Boundless opportunities are brought forth by the versatility and passionate drive of a Lasallian. As one student (AB- CAM) has pointed out, “It would be good if they could bury in the time capsule the statue of the green archer because it embodies being a green archer in the literal sense but symbolizes what it means to be one.” The striking clarity embedded amongst Lasallians’ collective concept of the green archer may well be the shining emblem of our patron’s legacy.

There are always changes here in DLSU, and that’s a good thing because as Lasallians, we have learned to cope with change. “La Salle is in constant change, and we must sacrifice some things to make way of even greater ones.” Kenny (Alumni, BS HUM- BIO) exclaims. And as the years go by with the archer spirit in mind, the continued strength to withstand change and development is sought to be perfectly mastered by the Lasallian of today and hopefully for the generations to come.