(no subject)
So after three (?) months I finally decide to blog again. I just can't let go of this LJ, it has a convenient username. :-)
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I guess the gloom signals the end of summer for me.
This summer opened so many doors for me.
I joined CISV-JASPARC in Thailand, and got to live with different people from the Asia-Pacific region, specifically from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and a couple of others. As a child, I never joined any of the CISV activities, despite incessant invitations to do so. I'm really glad I decided to finally join, because, well, I needed an excuse to get out of the country this summer. It has been such a profound experience to be living (if only for a while) with people of entirely different backgrounds. Funny enough, it spurred awareness of that common humanity that exists among us. That despite differing cultural backgrounds and physical characteristics, we're still alike in many aspects.
I also got a job outside my Dad's office. I didn't like it at first: amid the EDSA traffic, the completely different environment, and new (and, as I would learn eventually, awesome) people, I was kicked out of my comfort zone.
This job made me realize why I chose Political Economy as a major in the first place. Working in the senate exposed me to a myriad of things I never knew existed. I don't think I was ever a completely apathetic citizen. I knew things, albeit little, and from that I was already entrenched with disgust for the Philippine government. I'd be the first one to admit I've badmouthed every existing politician out there, purely on the basis of the popular perception of permeating corruption. Working in the senate made me realize that being in the government is no easy task. I was exposed to the intricacies of putting an advocacy into action, and other media-related things. Aside from all this, I learned how to interact with people from different kinds of backgrounds.
And really, if some of our local governments, and our strong civil society groups are legitimate indications, then there is still hope for the Philippines. I may be young and impossibly idealistic, but hey, we've got to start somewhere. Though I must admit that it's disheartening to hear people express utter hopelessness towards our country.
I loved being in the middle of everything. Working in the senate, the session hall being only a few paces away from the office, and being able to help create change, despite public criticism.
At the tail-end of what's probably the best summer of my life, I went to Boracay with two good friends Cara and Reggie and relaxed and ate good food. We partied a little, but then realized we were too old for it. Definitely an excellent way to unwind before I continue on with the rest of my life.
I can't wait.
---
I guess the gloom signals the end of summer for me.
This summer opened so many doors for me.
I joined CISV-JASPARC in Thailand, and got to live with different people from the Asia-Pacific region, specifically from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and a couple of others. As a child, I never joined any of the CISV activities, despite incessant invitations to do so. I'm really glad I decided to finally join, because, well, I needed an excuse to get out of the country this summer. It has been such a profound experience to be living (if only for a while) with people of entirely different backgrounds. Funny enough, it spurred awareness of that common humanity that exists among us. That despite differing cultural backgrounds and physical characteristics, we're still alike in many aspects.
I also got a job outside my Dad's office. I didn't like it at first: amid the EDSA traffic, the completely different environment, and new (and, as I would learn eventually, awesome) people, I was kicked out of my comfort zone.
This job made me realize why I chose Political Economy as a major in the first place. Working in the senate exposed me to a myriad of things I never knew existed. I don't think I was ever a completely apathetic citizen. I knew things, albeit little, and from that I was already entrenched with disgust for the Philippine government. I'd be the first one to admit I've badmouthed every existing politician out there, purely on the basis of the popular perception of permeating corruption. Working in the senate made me realize that being in the government is no easy task. I was exposed to the intricacies of putting an advocacy into action, and other media-related things. Aside from all this, I learned how to interact with people from different kinds of backgrounds.
And really, if some of our local governments, and our strong civil society groups are legitimate indications, then there is still hope for the Philippines. I may be young and impossibly idealistic, but hey, we've got to start somewhere. Though I must admit that it's disheartening to hear people express utter hopelessness towards our country.
I loved being in the middle of everything. Working in the senate, the session hall being only a few paces away from the office, and being able to help create change, despite public criticism.
At the tail-end of what's probably the best summer of my life, I went to Boracay with two good friends Cara and Reggie and relaxed and ate good food. We partied a little, but then realized we were too old for it. Definitely an excellent way to unwind before I continue on with the rest of my life.
I can't wait.