This week, our virtue focus is on humility – a value that might sound simple, but is truly powerful in shaping the way we live and interact with others.
Bunieafachukwuenu Chukwuenyegomnmeli ONUBOGU
So, what is humility? Humility means having a modest view of your own importance. It doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself; it simply means thinking of yourself less. It’s about recognizing that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that no matter how much we know or how good we are at something, there is always room to learn and grow. Imagine you are on a basketball team, and there’s one player who never passes the ball, takes every shot, and refuses to listen to the coach. No matter how talented they are, the team will struggle. Now, imagine another player who works hard, listens, encourages others, and plays for the team. That’s humility – not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
Humility is often misunderstood. Some people think it means being weak or letting others walk over you. But true humility is a strength – it allows you to learn, grow, and connect deeply with others. In a world that often encourages us to brag about our achievements or put ourselves first, humility invites us to step back, be respectful and acknowledge the value in everyone around us. Many people think humility means putting yourself down, but that’s not true. Humility is about knowing who you really are. It means recognizing your strengths without boasting and acknowledging your weaknesses without shame.
Being humble doesn’t mean that one is quiet or overly shy, it just means that we acknowledge that everyone has something special about them to offer and as such we should not make it our life’s mission to ensure that everyone knows that we are particularly good at a certain subject, sport or task.
According to Mike Tyson, the youngest ever boxing heavyweight champion, “If you are not humble, life will visit humbleness upon you”. This was a man who had a punching force comparable to that of a large sledgehammer striking an object at full force and had 58 professional career fights and 50 victories of which he won 44 by knockouts. These are very good and impressive statistics that show that he was a force to be reckoned with but even at that, he still recognized the value of humility, so why shouldn’t you? Pride says, “I already know everything.” Humility says, “I have so much more to learn.” The best students, leaders, and friends are those who are willing to listen and grow. In history, great leaders like Nelson Mandela and St. Ignatius of Loyola embraced humility by learning from their mistakes and seeking wisdom from others.
In Jesuit Memorial College community, there are many situations in which we can demonstrate humility. One of them is not boasting about how a particular subject is so easy for you when everyone else in your class is struggling with passing it. We can also be seen when we avoid telling a hostel parent or staff member that “they can’t do anything” or that they should “do their worst.” It is humility that will make a senior student listen to an usher who is a junior student and is urging you to be quiet without counting all the years you have spent in the school for them. As we are preparing for our second Continuous Assessment Test this week, humility demands that we try to correct our mistakes from the first regime in order not to repeat the abysmal results. Humility is me going to meet that teacher or student who understands a concept better to explain it to me. I might be the most beautiful girl in class or the freshest boy in my house, but humility means when I need help, I ask others who have a better idea, whether they are juniors or my set mates or seniors. Humility makes your life easier and draws people closer to you.
Humility is not about seeking attention and wanting everyone to notice you when you do a good deed. A humble person doesn’t need to be the center of attention. They let their actions speak louder than their words. Do I seek recognition for every good thing I do? Can I do something kind without expecting praise, or a reward, or SWEETS from Fr. Uche? Some of the greatest acts of kindness go unnoticed – like the person who picks up trash, helps a struggling classmate, or stands up for someone being bullied.
Humility is service to others. The greatest people in history – Jesus, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., to name a few, – were not focused on fame or power. They were focused on helping others. I ask myself today, do I serve others, or do I expect to be served? How can I be more generous with my time and talents? Example: Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, even though He was their leader. If God Himself can serve, so can we! Scripture: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) It is up to us as a Christian community to be humble as Jesus Christ was, though being the Son of God did not count himself as such and came down to earth for the redemption of our sins. He endured many trials and tribulations despite being just like God. For this reason, we ought to be humble.
In conclusion, humility can be seen in almost everything that we do and is about appreciating the value of others regardless of one’s achievements or status. Humble people show gratitude, help others without expecting anything in return, and accept their mistakes with grace. They listen more than they speak and uplift those around them. True humility is not loud or boastful, but gentle and sincere. It’s a quality that attracts respect and trust and, thus, allows us to grow as individuals and as a community. The humble are the strong ones around us! Humility is not weakness – it is strength. It helps us become better students, better friends, and better people for others. It makes us become truly women and men of compassion. When we are humble, we learn, we grow, and we love others well.
Final Challenge: This week, find one way to practice humility – maybe by listening more, serving someone, studying carefully for that subject we failed during first regime, or accepting correction without argument. So, remember to always stay humble.
Bunieafachukwuenu Chukwuenyegomnmeli
Class of 2025