October experience

"Step Back. Think about things well. Choose. Act."
-Guido Sarreal (Thanks, Kuya Guido!)

I can definitely say that I have had a fruitful October this year. A lot has happened and I was able to endure them all...

The month of October every first sem is the deadliest, (haha) because this is the month for finals exams, final papers, orals and mock proposal thesis defense for us. Even though it seemed like a lot, there were certain lessons that I have pondered and gain through these experiences before taking a sem break.

First, in everything that I do, I should be honest, whether or not somebody is looking. Like in our Epidemiology finals, due to some problems, our final exam were conducted online at a certain time. That experience gave the evil side a lot of advantage for temptation, to all of us who took it, to just look at the notes while answering an online exam, nobody would see it anyway... well, nobody?? How about the Lord? If you did that won't you feel guilty, even if you received high grades after? Well, I stood by what I believe in, I answered the test without cheating. Afterwards, everything felt so light, considering the fact that that was my last exam for the sem... :)

Second, in my oral exams, I have learned about the importance of real life application. These subjects like Philo are not only studied to learn, but also to use it or integrate it in every experience that we'll have. Applying the lessons taught here, (also in LS, and Theo), would make us think broader, and deeper.

Third, you just cannot accomplish everything on your own. The more task you do, the more you will need others to help you. Indeed, being dependent is good, however, do not ignore the fact that other people are there to help you. I have received a lot of help for this month: from my friends, blockmates, thesis group mates, my family, my church friends, my org mates, and my God. They were all there, beside me, to help me through it all. I will be forever grateful for their love and service.

The last two weeks of October was sem break...
I spent the first week at home. It has been months since I stayed there for a long time. I felt secured, protected, and happy in my home, with my mom (Papa is working overseas, Kuya is a missionary in CDO, Philippines). I told her a lot of stories and experiences that I have had this sem, it was all wonderful, and I'm glad to let her know everything, down from acads to personal life. :> she is my best friend, I just can't keep any secret from her. :')

the second week was spent with the ASLA community. October 22-26: the memorable dates of my life. no time wasted, everything's fired up with passion and love, as I discovered myself once again, along with my batch mates who share the same vision and dreams with me. We were all able to grow and develop our self-awareness, see the importance of others, immerse ourselves with the people in Antipolo, so that we will know their daily experience and be inspired to take action because of that, and to take steps in fulfilling our dreams for our own communities through day 6.
It was such a powerful experience. The ASLAns were able to move me and were even helping me ignite the burning desires of my heart. I am in Day 6, and I will always be here because I will never stop giving myself for my organization. Yes, I have many dreams in life; but then, as of now, where I am needed the most is where I will devote my time to. And I know in my heart that I am needed at my church organization. Now that I have learned so much, what I will do is to share it to others. I will help in any means possible. I have become more dedicated and motivated with the work that I am doing.. I found "my because" through my journey in ASLA, and I will always continue shaping that "because" in a way that the Lord wanted me to.