Kalentong Affair

God knows how I detested the idea of going to Kalentong every Wednesday at first. I felt that the time I will devote in that immersion could have been used for my data gathering as I work on my undergraduate thesis. Half hearted, I religiously went there so as not to jeopardize my graduation---NSTP being a hindrance to getting that diploma.

To my surprise, NSTP became a diversion for me---a breath of fresh air at that. During those days, receiving genuine smiles as a sign of appreciation from Pearl (my tutee) brightened my day. It was only during those times that I find myself laughing and forgetting about my academic load. Every “thank you” uttered by Pearl inspired me to go back to Kalentong despite the heavy traffic and the unpleasant community.

Teaching in Kalentong gave me a new perspective in life. It made me realize how blessed I am for having hardworking parents and for the fact that I am studying in UP. That immersion is my small way of saying thank you to the knowledge I gained from my 4 year stay in UP. I am glad that I was able to help a fourth grader in my small way--- helping her with her Math, English and Science assignments. Someday, I hope that Pearl will become a nurse as how she imagined it to be her stepping stone in working abroad. “Ate Lea, di ba po kapag nagging nurse ako, makakapunta po ako ng Australia? Gusto ko po na yumaman kami eh”.