Hope Springs Eternal

Alexander Pope in his poem “An Essay on Man” wrote: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast”, thereby reflecting the idea that people continue to hope for better outcomes, no matter the difficulties they encounter.

With this, the phrase “hope springs eternal” has become known to suggest that human beings always find a reason to be optimistic, even in the face of adversity.

Indeed, Hope fuels motivation and provides the mental strength to endure difficult situations. It gives one a solid anchor to maintain a sense of purpose and believe that things will be well, better even.

Hope and optimism are clearly intertwined. On the one hand, Hope is “something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling about what will happen in the future.” Optimism, on the other hand, is “the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief that something good will happen.”

Hope, which is to desire with the expectation of obtainment or fulfillment, is certainly a key tool in dealing with many aspects of life. Indeed, being hopeful or fostering an optimistic mindset diffuses the air of negativity or bad vibes, and at once sets the tone and direction of an organization.

Without hope or optimism, a leader would simply withdraw and allow himself to be defeated by the headwinds, headaches, and the hard headedness of a problematic few. But when positively motivated, when infused with hope, when one’s moral compass is clear, a leader will be firm, bullish, and unapologetically soldier on to do what he morally believes must be carried out.

Hope-creating President Raffy Alunan had a challenging year due to numerous factors ad reasons. The death of his beloved wife a few months ago, for one, heavily affected him as he was about to start the crucial final quarter of his term.

All these notwithstanding, he remained optimistic and hopeful. He courageously held the fort, forged ahead, unyieldingly protected the legacy and good name of the Club, and with fortitude defended and upheld the Four-Way Test.

President Raffy was eventually vindicated when the Club received a respectable number of awards given by RI District 3810 on June 15.

Congratulations to President Raffy and to Team RCM! Kudos to those officers who truly honored their sworn duties, and those who faithfully and judiciously served the Club.

Hope was truly created this year; and with this hope and optimism, Asia’s First Rotary Club is ready now more than ever to shine this forthcoming magical year.

To DGE Jackie, PE Jujut, and the incoming directors and officers: may the force be with you as you lead the District and the Club in this unfolding Rotary year. Remember, there is hope to be harvested, lessons to be learned, projects to be pursued, ideas to be initiated, and reforms to be reinforced.

Again, congratulations Pres. Raffy; and Godspeed, DGE Jackie and PE Jujut!