Loving Summer More

Ayana Jamnia Maranda

Summer is a season of the year where everyone wants to take a dip in the pool, showcase their summer bodies prepared all year long, wear trendy sunnies, have the most creative selfie and groupie in Instagram, and do ‘YOLO-ing’ all-day because school is out.

Well, I had a share of those stories too. But there is something that I have always looked forward to as summer comes around. I am all giddy to be up for a new adventure that makes me going out from my comfort zone. That being said, is to become way more independent such as living in another place and providing my own needs. This time, I have decided to at the Metro.

The first month was more like spending time with myself and on hyped of getting myself fit. But I know after that, I needed something more to do, something bigger and interesting. Until such a time where my sister tagged me on an extended deadline of CODE-NGO’s Young Writers Summer Camp.

I tried my luck and grabbed the opportunity. To be honest, I know that my skills are not that good enough in writing than my ability to speak and converse with other people which are really my forte. Then, the good news came. I am now a volunteer writer.

Days came that I have received the schedule for the workshop and I was overwhelmed of who the speakers and their respective topics. Fast forward to the 3-day workshop, I have met a variety of unique individuals with heart-warming advocacies and backgrounds. I never expected much of a bond to form at first since everyone as of my first impression is concerned, were on head up high of who and where they come from.

Later on, I have shared smiles with people across my seat, exchanged meaningful conversations during break time, and even had ice cream with a couple and more laughters with my roommates on midnight.

As the workshop commenced, there comes deployment. Funny enough to think that I was assigned still to Mindanao, the land that I proudly came from. But to say the least, my first time to be in Zamboanga del Norte. It was even more interesting to know that I will be going to the poorest municipality in the country, Siayan, and I thought to myself, “challenge accepted”.

Having stayed for a week not just in one city but four, I was so blessed to meet wonderful people that have impact to their community, big or small. Out of the four places I have been, Siayan brought the most important impact to me. How could I forget and not be thankful to Ate (older sister) Ging-Ging for offering us a place to stay for the night? She even had the trust of disclosing her life experiences disregarding the fact that we just met, fed and had us drink warm milk on that rainy night and sunny morning, and treated us just like her sisters. Everyone had their smiles and eagerness to be interviewed just to share their stories with no hesitations. And to cap everything, hearing them say, “Ugma na lang mu-uli, duol ra man ang Dipolog para sad maka bonding pa ta ba.” (Just go home tomorrow, Dipolog is just near, so we could still bond with each other.), moved my heart.

Riding the plane back to the Metro, I have to say that I had the most important reflection and realization in my life. I have understood the essence of simplicity, appreciated the value of humility, and treasured belongingness. There is more to life than to fully appreciate and venture to the unknown and take the road less traveled by.

As the summer ends, I will be forever be grateful of this opportunity. I would not miss to share this experience to everyone and let other people know who have the willingness and good intention to volunteer, that something like this exists.

And yes, summer. You have yet again made me love you more.

Ayana studies BS Psychology at the Mindanao State University- Iligan Insititute of Technology. She’s into reading books, blogging and writing.