One of the definitions of wisdom is to know yourself. It is evidently practiced during our weekly study forum. We are being taught and provided the means to know who we are and what we can make out of our talents and gifts. MCI (Minority Care International) not only teaches in an intellectual dimension but also in spiritual, social and physical dimensions. MCI believes that the most important academic lesson taught to young persons is to learn and to apply what he or she has learned. It is known that the most effective opportunities for learning is not confined within the four walls of the classroom. Rather, learning can be found through social endeavors such as MCI's Tools for Schools.

A wonderful way to conclude 2009 for MCISA members is to participate in MCI's Tools for Schools project. We, the MCI Student Association (MCISA) members, had an opportunity to take part in the said yearly project. We visited one of the Muslim communities called Kalagan Community located at Bacaca El Rio, Davao City. Sixty school children of Daycare Prep School and Madrasa Arabic School happily received backpacks full of school supplies including toothpaste and toothbrushes. Apart from giving the essential school supplies as tools for schools, the MCISA members entertained the children with fun games much to their delight. Some nursing students who are also MCISA members imparted health teachings focused on dental health specifically on how to properly use toothbrush and toothpaste. Greenville, Texas community donates the gifts given for this year's "Tools for Schools" project.

Poverty promotes the absence of characteristics that help foster effective learning and academic success. MCI seeks to bridge that gap evidently seen in Tools for Schools. Our organization chooses to give school supplies instead of toys during Christmas to place emphasis on learning thus encouraging children to go to school. It motivates children to see the rewards of studying thus making them love school at such young ages. Also, we explain to other cultures the meaning of giving. One of the MCI members said, "Giving frees us from the comfort zones of our own needs by opening our minds and hearts to the unexplained worlds occupied by other people with needs." MCI president, Dr. Aland Mizell also shared that, "the best investment is in humanity because we cannot take our wealth and health with us, but if we invest in someone's life, he or she can continue our legacy for us when we die."

I count myself to be among the lucky few who took part in Tools for Schools 2009. I was really blessed by taking part in the Tools for School activity. It gives more meaning to my Christmas break thus is meaningful to my life. Thank you to MCI for letting me discover myself. Thus, my message to others out there is that what we have accomplished and attained remains on Earth but the contribution and help we extend to others remain as a legacy and will be forever remembered. The Good Book tells us that a good tree cannot produce rotten fruit neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruits. Every tree that does not bear fine fruits are cut down and thrown into the fire. Not all man and woman have the heart to share and give what they have but only those who know that the real source of all possessions are God's possessions not ours. MCI does not just give hope but also teaches MCI members the value of sharing and giving. The Tools for School initiative is one of the best examples of giving during Christmas time. I look forward to next year's Christmas when we will give more and spread goodwill to others as a way of saying thanks for a great year.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Helen Ambrona
MCISA member
Writer