“Where are you?!”
That’s the nth time I’ve been asked that question from the nth person who wondered why the streets of Davao is suddenly less than a hundred decibels noisy and then to find out that I’m actually missing in the picture. Yes, I’m probably somewhere scattering chaos and plotting world domination, but really, WHERE AM I NOW?
Well, the last time I checked, I woke up this morning to a place about ten thousand miles away from home, beneath yellow clouds and murders of crow perched up on electric wires, before a country torn by turmoil, tribal diversity, and religious disparity.
Sure, four months has been a long time and I do terribly miss the blue-tinted glass walls of Ateneo. I even feel like waking up late only to hang around the school grounds. But sadly, I don’t have the luxury to lag around and goof all day. That’s because I have something to do – wake up early, go to work, and at least try to create a difference in the lives of the people I meet here in Myanmar.
It’s funny, really, how I ended up here. See, I was never this straight-A student back in college. In fact, I don’t remember being a responsible student at all. I always find ways to make the most of the allowable absences quota in every subject. I never lifted a finger to study and the midnight oil still remains full to the brim. Nevertheless, if there is one thing I made up for my laxity in academics, it’s my involvement in school. I was part of club this and club that. Though my membership purpose is not for grade matters and extra-curricular what-have-yous, I joined these clubs because I don’t want a lone SAMAHAN stamped under my affiliations list on the school yearbook. Shallow as it may seem, I joined clubs for the purpose of having a club. But karma strikes faster than you thought it could be. Before I knew it, the clubs that were supposed to be “under my mercy” got hold of the steering wheel and had the upper hand. I soon found myself loving the clubs and defending it to all its detractors. I’ve spent money, time, and tons and tons of effort for them – things I never considered doing for my academics. I’ve traveled hundreds of miles from Davao to attend a debate tournament, I’ve stayed up late in school to finish a backdrop for Division Day, I’ve been rooted to one booth during fiesta to do Henna Tattoos, I’ve been an official “yaya” for the hosts of Awitenista, I’ve interviewed one of the university’s big-shot men for the school publication, and I’ve sacrificed one day off my weekends to watch over sophomore kids as they venture out in their NSTP adventures.
The NSTP Volunteer Pool – as I contemplate about it now, my NSTP experience is one of the major push factors that brought me to where I currently am. Like all my other clubs, I joined the volunteer group program for NSTP so that I could have a long list of organizations in my yearbook profile. It also helped that NSTP gives away free shirts. I never expected that we’re given allowances so imagine my shock (and sublime happiness) when I learned about it. As volunteer in the program, I’ve learned a lot of things, been to many places, established friendships with great people, and unknowingly embraced the values the Ateneo has long been teaching its protégés. Had I known that being a volunteer includes virtuous side-effects, I would’ve never joined. Haha, I kid.
Seriously, joining the NSTP volunteer group is easy; doing the job effectively is another matter. For one, there’s a huge difference between an NSTP volunteer and a real NSTP volunteer.
It’s easy to be a mere volunteer; all you need is a boring Saturday schedule, an application form, and an interview. On the other hand, the real NSTP volunteer gives a new meaning to the word “assisting”. She does not just go around loitering in the area and hovering above second year students. She knows that her job is not limited to listing the attendance and claiming allowance. She is not defined by her colored NSTP shirt with a VOLUNTEER print stenciled in the bottom left part, nor is she marked such just because she’s older and has “graduated” from the program. The real NSTP volunteer is not just another jaded student who has got nothing to do with her free time; she is a friend, a sister, a mentor, and a learner.
Here, she enters a stage of metamorphosis where she is coerced to understand and accept that there’s a bigger, and often more cruel, world than bad hair days, broken friendships, taken crushes, and lost cellular phones. She is forced to look into the less colorful segments of a kaleidoscopic world with both eyes open. She has in her shoulders the responsibility not only of taking care forty-five young people and making sure they would not get hurt or would not hurt anyone or anything on the way. She has to make sure that they would, if not learn; acknowledge the idea of looking at the ugly face of reality without turning their back or turning a blind eye. Here, she is compelled to grow up.
Too much drama, eh? Hehe. But honestly, it is difficult to be a real NSTP volunteer. SICO didn’t orient us about all these values for it is already assumed that in joining the NSTP volunteer pool, you are already aware of such. But you do know that assumptions usually turn up contrary to what we expect, right?
Take me for example; my sole purpose for joining the pool is the yearbook. I know nothing about such values. But having all those Saturdays with my great NSTP partner, brilliant students, and wonderful townsfolk, I’d be the biggest liar if I say that this noble-doing didn’t grow on me. I haven’t been a mere volunteer; but I’m not a real NSTP volunteer either. I never got there. I cannot say that I’ve instigated strong values of compassion to all my students to last them a lifetime. But that’s the beauty of learning things through experience: knowing that even with the length and amount of efforts you’ve sacrificed, your job is not yet done. :D
So, where am I again?
I’m on the road to changing the world.
For those who sorta missed my noise, cheer up! I’ll bring you a betel leaf when I return. =))
---
Yesh my dears, I'm back in blogspot. A heartfelt thanks to the great wonder that is vtunnel. >:]
