Secretary: Maria Carmelia Galapon

Hey! I'm Maria and I'm currently serving as COSDU's secretary.

To start off, let me explain why (how) I became the secretary:

Right before I left the Philippines to study in Australia, I was part of a youth group at my Parish. I was there for roughly 3 months, which if you think about it isn't that long. Having to leave a group I was just starting to feel welcomed at, I felt this need to look for another youth group here. It took me around 7 months, but hey, I found it - COSDU. Right at the moment I saw COSDU's name on UMSU's clubs list, I knew it was the one.

So anyway, months before the Annual General Meeting, I sort of already knew that I was going to be Secretary. During the first session I attended, we had a Special General Meeting where we had to elect a new Secretary. Right then and there, I knew I wanted to be part of the committee. To be fully honest, I was actually thinking about running as the Publicity Coordinator. God, however, gave me signs to think otherwise. 

I guess my point is: if you really try to seek it, if you wholly trust and put your faith in God, He will make it happen. He knows what you want, He knows what you need, and He will help you get it. He will not call you if He knows you are not ready. He will give you signs. Do not be afraid to open your heart and to acknowledge them for you are being called for a reason. As for my case, He knew I wanted to serve. He called me and I answered. As the saying goes, "He doesn't call the worthy, He makes the worthy called".

With regards to the job description, being Secretary isn't as difficult as it seems. 

1) Create and collate presentation slides for the weekly sessions.

2) Manage COSDU's email account

3) Be in charge of the membership list and the constitution

4) Submit documents regarding grants, events, and affiliation

Now, will you be brave enough to answer His call?

Social Activities Coordinator: Patrice Penas

Hey there!

My name’s Patrice and I am serving as the Social Activities Coordinator 2015-2016.

Social Activities involves two of my favourite things: food and games.

As such, the SA coordinator is mainly in charge of the Welcome Food and Games session as well as organising the dinners each week. It’s more than just going to Rice Bar because you feel like having Asian food that week; it involves having the consideration of location, quality of food, and probably most importantly, since we’re all uni students- affordability. But I found that no matter where we went and what food we ate, COSDU dinners are always fun and full of joy, all thanks to our members!

Aside from that, the Social Activities Coordinator is involved in, of course, organising social activities. The big events each semester include Sports Day, Trick or Eat, and Scavenger Hunt. The unofficial birthday celebrations and get togethers are also a part of COSDU’s social activities. As we all know, COSDU loves fellowship! And for many of us, COSDU is our family away from home. Part of social activities is to have the vision of deepened friendships among fellow COSDUans, among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Running for COSDU committee was something that didn’t even cross my mind. At the Annual General Meeting, let’s just say that it was peer pressure that landed me this role. But I praise God for those very persistent people that made me say yes! Being in the committee is truly something else.

For me, being a part of the committee means, for one, attending the sessions. I’ve been a member of COSDU for years now, but I used to only go maybe a couple sessions per semester, if that. Being in the committee meant that I’m pretty much obliged to be present at the sessions- which I saw as God already giving me more opportunities to be in His presence and giving me more ways to know, learn, and serve Him more.

Taking on the SA role, I discovered a newfound appreciation for icebreakers and games. Too often I get caught up in worrying about what is going to happen next, in sessions and in life, but I realise that I have a joyful God, a God that wants me to have fun!

If you’re reading all of this and worrying that you aren’t fun or sociable enough, organised enough, or just not enough, I urge you to listen to the God that calls on us not to worry and calls us to rejoice and pray instead!

Philippians 4: 4, 6-7 “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

God bless in your discernment! I am praying for you!

In Christ’s peace,

Patrice