“ The Decision”

By: Karl Bautista

Jose was a very shy little boy in a small town of Palo Leyte. In school, he never joined any activity
because he was afraid. Jose is a bright student and excel in almost all of his subjects. One day his
teacher announce that there will be a debate contest in Tacloban City participated in by almost all
the schools in the province and that the price would help build the school computer room. To his
surprise the teacher ask Jose to represent his school in this contest. Jose was surprise! He then
asked his teacher “Of all the students in this school, why pick me?I lack confidence and i am shy
and afraid of even going to the stage. I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of the crowd”.”You
should always learn how to face your fears. We, your teacher and your classmates will be helping
you all throughout the competition” the teacher said. We will be here for you in every step of the
competition. Then the teacher whispered to Jose saying that he favours him among all his student
and that the teacher knows that Jose can and will give honour to the school. Immediately, Jose
gained confidence and said to his teacher that if this is a fight for honor to the school then he is
willing to do it.

Jose started to practice in school, coached by his teacher and help by students he even do not
know. The practice was so difficult that the thought of quitting is always there looming in his head.
But the persistence and perseverance of his mentors kept Jose striving to do his best.

At home, Jose’s parents is trying to help him prepare as well because they know that this will give
their family that much need boost in morale and spirit. His mother would always prepare hearty
meals while his father would always bring newspapers and other reading materials. At night, they
all together pray the rosary to ask for guidance and confidence for Jose.

On contest day, his teacher said to Jose that what ever happens, Jose will always be their school’s
greatest hero. Proud and with full confidence, Jose went up to the stage and the podium. He
immediately won over schools other participants. And when the time came for the championship,
he looked at his teacher and saw her praying very hard, two hand clasp together and with closed
eyes. He began to feel the heat and the tension. Again with full confidence he just followed his
heart, battle it up and he won.

Reflection:
Just like Mary, Jose had doubts but was overcome by his faith and love from his teachers. Both of
them had to make a very hard decision and chose to trust God in what they were about to do. Just
like in real life, we always have to make decision and we should always trust God so that we make
the right decisions.