I am Nilton Nixon, and I recently graduated with The Bachelor Degree of Education in Teaching English for Secondary School from Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB). It brings me immense joy to graduate from an institute of Ignatian Education. This joy is the biggest achievement in my academic journey.

Moreover, being the valedictorian is not more valuable than simply graduating from a Jesuit institution. To me, this is merely a bonus because simply graduating is already enough for me. This accolade also does not make me better than my colleagues; in fact, we all share the same foundation. Maybe the privilege of being valedictorian is to represent my fellow graduates to express our collective gratitude to the school that has played such a vital role in our personal and academic development. That is it, not more than that.

Certainly, challenges are part of every journey. For me, challenges are crucial as they contribute to personal growth. During my four years at ISJB, my challenges revolved around my commitment to fully embrace Jesuit education. I believe that being open to formation is essential for personal transformation. At ISJB, this openness to formation is instrumental in helping students succeed in facing challenges. The formation cultivates the necessary values for students to sharpen their perspectives on themselves and the realities around them, which is an important asset in overcoming challenges.

Specifically, the Ignatian Values are more than just clichés in Jesuit schools like ISJB. In my experience, they genuinely help students cultivate a virtuous way of life that can adapt to modern challenges. Jesuit formation extends beyond the classroom; it is truly a way of life. Therefore, any student formed under Jesuit education has the responsibility to carry the mark of the good values they have experienced.

Reflecting on my experiences, I have come to appreciate how Ignatian Values have helped me adjust my perspective on studying. As a student, I embraced the spirit of ‘being a man for and with others.’ This Ignatian value transformed my view of studying from a mere student task into a personal mission. I adopted the thought that ‘I must study well so that I can better help others one day.’ This motivation instilled in me the concept of ‘MAG+S’ in my studies, focusing not on my own satisfaction but on serving others. Later, I realized that this aligns perfectly with our graduation theme, ‘To go where there is greater need.’ This realization resonated deeply with it.

The idea of serving others greatly motivates me to continually strive in my studies. I used to see myself as a labor sent by God on a mission to serve others, with studying being the preparation for that mission. Neglecting my studies would be a disgrace to my Lord, as it would indicate a lack of seriousness in fulfilling my duty.

Throughout my journey, I have been supported by many mentors: my teachers, my friends, formators, family, and many other people that I conciously do not mention here. Truely, in all my four years, I have learned a lot from my colleagues, not just in academic lessons but in life lessons as well. I am very aware of their valuable experiences, and it would be a big loss for me if I did not learn their insights. They have also been my motivators, as I have found that my studies gain more meaning when I can help others, and vice versa. As I leave the institute, I hope that this value of companionship endures because I think sharing each other’s lives makes the meaning of life even tastier.

Finally, my message to my fellow students is to always strive for ‘more’ and ‘depth’ in life. Our studies hold no value if they are solely for our self-satisfaction. Therefore, we should consider everything we do as a mission, or more simply, a social responsibility. What we receive is meant to be shared for the good of others, making companionship possible.

Everything we do is an opportunity to love God even more. Because, after all, everything we do is for the greater glory of God. AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).

By: Nilton Nixon, alumni of ISJB (Los Viajantes)