polaris

POLARIS – A Guiding Star

 

            3 words. 5 syllables. 14 letters.

            Sir Celso Nierra.

            He is my Ethics professor last first semester when I was in second year college. Ethics wasn’t really the subject that I adored compared to my psychology majors and Literature. It’s not that I’m an atheist or something like it. I’m just not as concerned about morality as much as other people are. I hate having to follow the norms that our society has set before us. But the moment this man with an almost bald head and who wore a typical pair of eyeglasses started lecturing (the topic was about how a lie often committed ends up convincing everyone), I knew that what I would learn from him would be life changing.

            “In life, it’s not always you do what you like.” This is one of the many quotable quotes from Sir Nierra. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what I have learned most in my Ethics class. In this (at most times) incorrigible world we live in, there is stereotyping, discrimination, and poor judgment. We have been taught of morality in school – to decipher what is right from wrong, a truth from a lie, and the good from the bad. But the most important thing to remember is what’s in between those options and the purpose behind each choice.

            He has taught me to become more accepting and to think rationally. He has taught me to remain hopeful even if I feel that I am at my lowest. He said that God has plans for me and that He will not allow me to be in danger. He has tamed the rebel in me and helped me gain more maturity in life.

            He is someone with a quaint personality. Yes, that would probably be the most appropriate description of him. Someone who has an old-fashioned charm because there’s something about him that makes him extraordinary. He is spontaneous – even if you do not totally agree with what he is saying, his convictions and his confidence in his words would somehow make you reconsider your own opinions.

            He once told me that I should not confuse myself between my mind and my heart. I should stand for what’s right because what’s wrong will remain wrong unless I do something about it. Life will not compromise with me. I have to be versatile and cope with it. Time will not stop and wait for me to be healed. I have to mend with it. When I love, I should not look for someone who will complete me but rather someone who will complement me. Loving someone isn’t only about feeling good but sacrificing and making decisions for the betterment of that person. Lastly, that any first in my life is stuck in my memory and I will never forget it.

            True are his words indeed. From him, I have earned intellect. I have discovered life. I have found truth.

            Sir Celso Nierra. He is my Ethics professor. He is my Polaris. He is one of my guiding stars in life.