than that, we become pillars for ourselves. We stand for peace and justice in the world. We work for the goodness of all people, that regardless of the colors we bear (race, region and religion), we can all represent the best interests of humanity.

 

The Pinning Ceremony transcends from a rite to a right (both aspects). It is a right for us IRFS students to be given this rite and at the same time it becomes a right thing for us to undergo because it teaches us to be model citizens not merely of the Southeast Asian community but of the international community we all share. It is the sending off part of our journey, where our mandate from the community is given to us, to preach the news that changes are coming and it is done through effective communication, for that is the essence of community.

 

In one moment in our college lives, we experience a radical transformation. Gone were the days we studied politics and international relations for the sake of passing. We have now matured into adults, into people ready to commit to true service. We offer not the solutions the politicians of today would use to make people feel at ease. We make the solution by opening up to people. IRFS is more than just a program or a study. It is a way of life. It is a journey. It all starts here, when that little golden pin with the symbol of the CCYD emblazoned upon it is placed next to your heart.