heartshape

Pride in mockers' paradise
Obcompfreak
Claudine Lim

We love Silliman.

We all do. Anyone who thinks otherwise may step out of this institution.

But then again, those who declare that this campus by the sea is nothing but a sprawling reason for an allowance or a laid-back respite from mind-boggling complexities may have not yet realized the value of this 105-year-old university. They probably haven't had the chance to appreciate Silliman enough to defend its glory, or at least, stand proud when the school gets scoffed at.

But being Sillimanians, we don't often stumble upon Mockery's guile. Perhaps we are not as exposed to these negative feedback as those who actually eat them for breakfast. After all, we belong to a prestigious institution and we often get recognized. No student usually graduates without someone believing him or her lucky for being a Sillimanian.

Usually.

I had no clue as to where Silliman's influence extended or how illustrious it was until I joined the Corps of Campus Ambassadors and started guiding university guests around campus. As student frontliners, we introduce outsiders to the sights and sounds of the Silliman campus, and advertise, promote and persuade them to experience the vitality of the Via, Veritas, Vita that we privileged Sillimanians enjoy. We tap their curiosity by sharing a part of Silliman while seeing that they feel at home. And most importantly, we tell them (without getting paid, mind you) why we love Silliman and what makes us proud to be here. Now that requires a significant amount of pride.

Telling visitors how we thrive in this 56-hectare haven, and bragging the school's achievements in the name of Silliman Spirit might seem effortless. But facing different people from all walks of life requires flexibility to adjust to various interests and personalities, uncalled-for circumstances, and impulsive (and sometimes deliberate) criticisms. It is not easy.

In our past tours, we have been bombarded with phrases like "56 hectares lang?", "It's not really that big" or "Ang liit lang naman pala ng boulevard n'yo" after we just showed off Silliman and the rest of Dumaguete's treasured spots.

For the love of this institution, we dare not taint its name by retorting, even if its critics go overboard in mocking Silliman and making fun of our attempts at telling something about our school.

Before, I would wince at every nasty remark (who wouldn't if somebody announces to the group that the spotted deer at the Center for Tropical Studies are your cousins?). If those alone made me feel like I got stabbed at the chest, how much more with heavier comments like "Hindi naman talaga magaling ang Silliman" or "Okay lang, nothing interesting" after a wearisome two-hour campus tour?

I was not used to hearing snide comments about Silliman, I wasn't experienced enough to just overlook those who deride our endeavors, and clearly didn't have enough grace to handle pressure. That was then.

I realized that we can't help encountering know-it-alls, be it students or professionals, who always have something to say; intimidating and pointing out mistakes, never tiring of joking around. We would always come face-to-face with bullies who seem to live for watching anxious people squirm. Unfortunately they're everywhere, but it's just through practice that indifference to these creatures becomes an art.

In time, maybe you'll have your chance of standing proud, of finally appreciating Silliman amidst the criticisms. Sooner or later, you'd have to defend its honor, and doing it while keeping your cool is never easy.

But since most people say Sillimanians never turn down a challenge, perhaps someday, you could surprise a few detractors by subtly (and wisely) making them regret why they ever mocked Silliman University.