At least I tried

Roxette Joan Flores

Truth be told, I consider myself privileged. That word would best describe my #CODESummer experience. Miss Tin De Villa made it clearer than crystal when she jokingly said this line many times during the workshop: “Mapalad tayo.” (We are privileged.)  

Jokes are truly half meant. Because even when we laughed every time she said that, we all knew there was a whole lot of truth to what she said.

I learned (many thanks to this summer writing workshop) that a writer writes for an audience other than himself. And in writing something, a greater call is hoped to be answered; a greater need addressed.

I write this reflection because I want to do at least one of four things: inform, inspire, educate, empower.

Of the countless things I’ve come to realize after my experience with CODE-NGO, three things are dearest to me.

First, never be afraid to learn new things and be open enough to unlearn the things that need to be unlearned.

Most people think that when one already knows so much, no room for new learning is left for him. I learned the exact opposite in my experience with CODE-NGO. There is so much I need to know so I should never think I already know enough. In the words of Inquirer’s Miss Tina Dumlao, “Preparation is key. Research is as important as the actual writing.” Facts and figures become more credible and necessary when they are put in proper context. This can only be achieved through extensive research. But more than that, learning comes easy when one has an open mind.

Second, stay out of your comfort zone. Discover the world outside yours.

Prof. Jay Yacat’s words stuck like glue while I was on my way to Libmanan, Camarines Sur: “Pagsikapan mong maging hindi ibang tao ka sa kanila.” (Strive to be one with them.) That was the challenge. I had a lot of apprehensions and questions whether I could take that on. Language barrier was one. I had difficulty speaking in straight Tagalog, what more understanding another dialect alien to me. The place was next. It was my first time to be in Libmanan. It was unfamiliar territory and clearly out of my comfort zone. But what worried me a lot were the locals, the people I will be with for a week. They were the most crucial and essential part of my whole experience. They could make or break everything.

Amid these apprehensions, there were also comforts that kept my head above waters. Having a partner eased my worries. Angel was the best deployment partner one could ever have. And believe me, having an awesome host and volunteer coordinator in Fr. Dawe made the experience even more fruitful. We also felt comfortable and at ease at the Caritas Diocese of Libmanan Staff House. Organic food was also a delight.

But more than all these good things were the people we met and interviewed. Their stories inspired me. Theirs are the kind of stories worthy to be seen in print. Their stories are worthy to be read. Had I not taken on the challenge of being deployed away from home, I would have not met the amazing and inspiring people of Libmanan. Everyone I met in that beautiful place will always have a special place in my heart.  It’s safe to say I was successful at being one with them after all. Going out of your comfort zone, I learned, will make you grow and mature as a person.

Third and last, cherish the people who have been with you all throughout the journey.

I have to admit that this takes a lot of getting used to. I am not the type who easily opens up to people and allow them to enter my world. I’m the one who usually builds a wall. I guess that is the downside of a typical uno. too much independence makes you less trusting. I don’t know what happened along the way but the strange level of closeness I have developed with the rest of Team Oragon (Angel, Kat, and Mark) felt comfortable more than scary. I just met them but I instantly developed a deep connection with each of them. Making friends is more rewarding than coming up with good articles, I suppose.

Bottom line is people are the most important aspect of an experience. I’ve learned that here. And this will be one of the few exceptions to the things that will not need unlearning in the future.

I will forever be grateful to CODE-NGO, CDL, and my fellow volunteer writers for this privilege.

Much has been said already. And if this whole reflection felt like it served me more than its intended purpose and audience, then I guess I failed.

But at least I tried.

Rok is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication major in Development Journalism from Xavier University—Ateneo de Cagayan. She’s interested in writing articles, organizing activities, leadership, reading novels and volunteer work.