an entry from a mba student

I am again facing a blank paper, not knowing what to write in my third journal for one of my courses this term. Searching for an inspiration, I went back to my first journal. I decided to post it here for my siblings and mom to read...hope you'll be proud to know that I got a 4.0, plus an "exemplary" comment from my prof.

This is not to brag, but the prof's grade and comment lifted my spirits and self-esteem....and I hope, others who 'accidentally' drop by and read this entry would have the inspiration to reach out to the less-fortunate members of our society.

Quite a long read...

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In this modern age and time, where online journals are an everyday fare, we see a lot of bloggers writing their thoughts and feelings for anybody in the world to read and know. Some write with a Shakespearean flair while some do not even bother to do a spell or grammar-check.

I for one, together with my siblings who are on the other side of the world, have our own blog where we share our journeys with each other and the world [chances are, our mom might be our only reader :)]. When we started the blog a year ago, we introduced ourselves by posting an entry and quoting my sister’s first entry, “I'm neither the writer nor the speaker. I may not have the hands to create stuff or program things, but I have the hands that try to reach out and care.” My brother is into computer programming and consultancy, while my sister just started her first work as a registered nurse, fresh from passing her board exams last December. And yes, I am whom she pointed out as the writer and speaker.

But given this assignment of journal writing about my service learning experience, I found myself looking at a blank page for quite a while. Not knowing how to start and complete my first journal, I tried to remember why am I in this class, why am I in the MBA program and what have I been learning from both in and out of school and the workplace. Reminiscing has brought in a lot of memories. I am quite overwhelmed with what and how far I have looked back at and I can say that it has been quite a journey.

As a child growing up, I had fond memories of family vacations, birthday parties, games, toys, storybooks and picnics. I had a beautiful picture of an ideal family with a dad, mom and two siblings. But a year before I became a teenager, the ideal family set-up became dysfunctional as my parents separated. We were left to the care of relatives as they tried to sort out their individual lives. The roller coaster ride started and I found myself instantly and instinctively playing the role of a parent to my two younger siblings. It was not easy. Our family had financial and emotional problems; it was the hardest and darkest times in our lives. Although given such situation, we never held a grudge against our parents because they continued to show us, though not physically, their love and care. In fact, that experience brought my siblings and me closer and cemented the bond among us. The trials made us stronger and appreciate what we have and do not have in our lives. Eventually, we surpassed the obstacles. My parents have long past ago settled their differences and became civil and amicable. Right now, everything continues to be a happy and healthy life for all of us. We are thankful for the blessings that have been coming our way. The past has been our teacher.

Amidst the troubled past, I can say that we still turned out to be optimistic people. I credit this to the happy memories that I kept to cover up for the sad ones that peppered our lives. Thus, I want to share and pass on that optimism.

Every time I had the chance to reach out to people in need, I tend to be inclined to children. Back in high school, as a member of the Girl Scouts, I chose to be a big sister to Twinklers (kindergarten pupils). In college, I volunteered in DLSU COSCA-LUNSAD’s “For The Kids,” a fun day with physically and mentally handicapped children. When I became the president of one of DLSU’s Cultural Arts Office’s organization, I proposed and implemented an annual outreach program where each member adopted a kid for a day (to the extent of fetching these kids from their homes under a bridge). My community service prior to graduation was an immersion with the children of Nayon ng Kabataan. In the corporate world, I always proposed to include children from shelters to be part of the office Christmas parties, including gift giving. When I left the corporate world last year, our events group held a fundraising event for the children with cancer of UP-PGH Pedia Onco Support Group and brought another group to SM Storyland for them to experience a fun day, of just to be a happy kid. And every time we have the chance, our family, especially when my siblings come home for Christmas here in the Philippines, we go to Associacion Damas de Manila to be with the kids for a simple get together. For family, friends, and me it has always been for the kids.

I do not know if I can call it a belief (and there are no scientific studies that can back me up), but I have a strong feeling that a child who experienced even one birthday party for his or her honor will most likely be a better and happier person than those who did not have the chance. That’s why when I learn of close friends who have not had a birthday party, I usually spring a surprise for them. I believe that it is an emotional investment that could encourage a person to lead a happy and positive life. A happy childhood is due to a child. Children should be allowed to play, study and be cared for and loved. Every child should be given the chance or the opportunity to enjoy being a child.

Last term, when I was deciding which elective to take, I inquired about the service-learning component of this course. After it was explained to me, I was decided to enroll even if it requires me to travel all the way to Ortigas just to attend the class [Makati has always been my comfort zone :)]. I just felt that I am doing something that would make me remember something heartfelt in my MBA journey. Aside from the fact that I would be learning the theories and an in-depth look at corporate citizenship.

When we were asked to decide on what service learning we want to do, I know that I would be choosing something that will have something to do with children. Now that we are in the process, I have already contacted Ate Hazel of the Concordia Children Services (CCS) in Old Sta. Mesa, Manila. When I called her the other day, I told her that I chose CCS because I know that they care for abandoned babies and toddlers, aside from the urban poor children that they take in daily to teach and feed. I also shared with her that some years ago, I was part of the group who spent the day taking care and playing with the kids (that at the end of the day, my brother almost wanted to bring home the toddler who does not want to leave his side).

I chose CCS and to care for abandoned babies and toddlers because I think and feel that they need all the hugs that people can share to them. Simple as it may seem, but I am a strong believer that a hug can bring a lot of good emotions to a little child. In my own, little way and taking the opportunity, I know that this is not just nine hours of service learning, but a sharing of something that can be remembered by a child for a lifetime.

Going back to what my sister said, I think that we, three, have learned to be writers and speakers [we write in our blog and we can hold an audience even if it is among family and friends :)], and programmers [or crafters as my sister and I are both into arts and crafts and baking]. Above all, I can proudly say that we have learned and continue to reach out and care.