A silent persona hiding a big and loud personality. Despite the paradox, it perhaps proves true for a person who does give off a very introverted vibe. However, once one gets through dig through this shell, one finds out that there is in fact more to the meek and quiet facade.
John Laurence Guzman, to quote his own words, "is a big brother pretending to be our moderator." Sir Laurence, as we fondly call him, is a person who ensures that each and every person under him maximizes their potential, while at the same time having fun. The rule is clear, finish your work and we won't have any problem.
However, much more than that, he has also been a pivot to the current success of the Candle Pen. He has proven that much more than a plain and boring text-filled organization, the reportage can be a melting pot of stories never heard before. "Angle your stories," as he says it. This gives writers like us the glistening hope that mere mental cognitions can be a way to move people and somehow enrich lives.
A patient soul waiting for the seeds to grow. That is something that, both batches of Candle Pen he has handled can attest to. Starting out, no one really knew what had to be done. A fresh notion that a publication will just be as boring as it can be. Albeit, a person passionate in the craft can lead people to think otherwise. He believed in it strongly and firmly, hence, Candle Pen has slowly been able to make a platform for more stories to be shared. For the unheard to be heard.
There is that thin line that separates the effects of decisions. Giving up on something seemingly failing will just end the torment, however, trying at least one more time may open up doors to endless possibilities. The meek and humble soul in him ignited that within the campus journalists of the school, a craft slowly gaining its roots to bear fruits. A mark of a true and exemplary mentor.
Another year holds another revelation of destinies. Where would life lead him to be? That, we don't know. What we can hold on to, is the legacy that he has left so far.
From the Candle Pen '18-'19 and '19-'20, happy happy birthday!
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