Finale

Determination and strength: My luck, my charm not to stay out of the game!

It was lunch time, I didn’t pray for the food. Instead, for claps and appreciation. And to rank first in class. Three o’clock prayer came. I didn’t rhyme with the group. But wished to become the valedictorian, then cum laude after high school.

Dinner time. Bed time. All I prayed. Aside from kired ken pigsa (fortitude and might). Were honor, distinction, commendation, fame, name, merit, greatness and prestige.

Glad I really have true friends Christine, Essen, Sulamita and Joanne. Who helped me a lot. Again, to pray. Win things. The presidency of the student council. Mathematics challenges/quiz bees. And writing contests. From division, to regional, and national Schools Press Conferences (SPC).

March arrived and revealed a salutatorian title. I was frustrated. I accepted it. I stayed calm. I know my capability. But there's no such thing as forgiveness to my overlooked, biased position in the editorial staff of our school organ. Bullshit.

Summer sunshine rose. What should I do? Choose to be happy. Pray for the same things. And think of a course to take for college. Nursing. That was the trend before. And I bit it. Although, Journalism. And Mass Communication are my love.

As I entered college, I didn’t join to any organization. I stayed passive. Just in a corner. I didn’t want to move and dance, and just tumble after. I was scared. An after shock after high school. No politics. No intermissions. No confidence.

I tried to excel in my subjects. I topped an examination in Statistics. Got all the questions right. Some quizzes too. 100 percent. I became a scholar once. These, I experienced. But sad. It wasn’t in the whole course of my four years of studying. It was just hard to do well in things you know you don’t love. Well, I made an effort.

I didn’t compete. I just enjoyed. I didn’t want to make my life to suffer. To agonize. And to be bounded in the corners of a college life. I didn’t save my allowance. I spent it. I bought my luxuries. My wants. Cakes. Grilled chicken. Jo’bee. Chow’. And all.

I was so lax in my studies. I mean, I let it go the way it should be. I always came to class late. That was in the morning. But mind you, I balanced it in the clinical by being on time. I even experienced not to attend a class. At least, a minor subject. I slept in class – Jurisprudence in particular. Sorry, I’m bored.

But I found Community Health Nursing enjoyable. I love nature and I love the community. The environment. Every walk, I treasure. The folks. Their smiles. So perfect to capture. The eagerness among them. Their hospitality. All of these – so heartwarming!

Lastly, I gained friends. Something to be proud of. First year, Joan, my seatmates, my high school classmates and the rest. Second year was Dan and Dan (Lol). Third year was Missy, and the group. Fourth year were Mae, Cleo and the gang. I loved them much. I have them in crimes. Laughs. Downs. First, we were afraid, we were petrified. But then, we survived.

And now, here comes graduation! There's no countdown anymore. It's final. And indeed, fulfilling.

But what is more satisfying now is not having any award knowing you only gave a good play than having a secondary award knowing you gave a better play for it.

The photos were taken at Dariwdiw, Batac, Ilocos Norte during a community immersion. The place  would not cause admiration at first... but wait! After trekking it... after meeting the people... after the three days of community exposure... you will appreciate it more... more... and more... giving inspiration in our lives.

The Place. It was serene. Glowing effects around after the rain. Vast greens - the enormous swaying bamboos and their various crops. Myriad of different colored butterflies twirling in the atmosphere. Princes in their palaces and some died as captives. I mean frogs around, dead or alive. Plus, battalion of dogs.

The People. Warm welcome was catered to us. Smiles. Health-conscious. A Ms. Congeniality Housewife interviewed us. Some were busy. Doing household choirs. And visiting their farms.

Their Life. Deep well. Pump. Decomposed trees. Scraps were piled and very organized. There was this folk who walks... everyday I guess... to reach neighbors, and friends. The canteen. Offering affordable snacks, lunches. Banana cue for Php 3. Student meals for Php 25 comparing it with the usual Php 35 to Php 40. One serving of spaghetti for Php 15. Pancit/Arroz Caldo/Macaroni Soup for Php 10.

And what really amazed me was their road. Partially cemented (Refer to the photos). Enough to have a good friction and acceleration for transportation. And not to have a muddy trail when the rain comes.

Awesome place. Practical people. Simple life.