How Did NSTPCWS Immersion Made Me Change (My Final Reflection Statement)

I never expected the National Service Training Program-Civil Welfare Service (NSTPCWS) immersion to be too significant for me as a person. Why is this so? It so happened that I really have to prepare for this, because for I believe that this immersion will be a significant part of my preparation for my dream as a successful professor. Honestly, I feel very anxious for every unsatisfied need of the kids, especially those whom I am handling/teaching. They thought that I was very timid enough to fulfill these responsibilities to them. But luckily, I was able to cope up with them, knowing there is somehow, uniqueness instilled in their personalities.

The events that became very significant to me were, the times I have to inform my groupmates of what to do. As a team, we really are expected to a big success in this immersion. But, as we all know, it takes a lot of time, money, big effort, sacrifice, industry and team work. I really tried not to establish favoritism among my team and the kids in Asilo de San Vicente De Paul (ASVP), still, I find myself being fond of the few that I have met in the immersion (especially, on the part of the ASVP kids). Reyna (whom I fondly call “Reyn”), has a lot of questions to ask. I really love her curiosity, especially if the questions she usually ask are about De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Jennalyn (or also “Jen”), on the other hand, has a lot of stories to tell. From her favorite subjects to the places they have traveled to te things they love to do and their experiences in high school life … whew! That was totally cool! All I could say is, I think I have established personal attachments to them.

Anyway, there are somehow problems arising in the immersion. First, even though I have already informed my groupmates about the schedule, our main problem is the attendance. Why, because some of us, if not late, have incurred an absence since the third meeting came. While I am writing the draft of this final reflection paper, the maximum hours we have attended so far was only 21 hours (there were 3-4 hours left for us to consume). Secondly, another problem arising was the submission of all requirements. Aside from the fact that only three of my groupmates were my classmates in other subjects (JM in RECONSE under Sir Maynard Tamayo; Ash in PETRIID under Miss Nitz Perez-Papa; and Simon, in FILIP13 under Miss Leticia Sebrio). Well, I could hardly find time informing them personally, because of my busy schedule. Despite of these problems that have something to do with time (well in that case, we really have to improve our time management, huh!), I am trying my best to involve myself in this significant experience that I am undergoing by keeping them to date, making them one of my priorities, and keeping my notebook-and-pen with me all the time.

All of the Benildean Core Values (BCVs) were present in the immersion. Deeply rooted in faith is emphasized when my students made me act the way I should, not only being a Lasallian-Benildean student, but also, most importantly, as a member of the true Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ. Creativity was distinctive in activities such as drawing, problem solving, spelling bee, pinoy henyo, so on and so forth. Professional competence was always present every time our team incurs a complete attendance and does a good job every meeting. Being appreciative in individual worth applies to a team who respects the uniqueness of every students and being socially responsible refers to a group who wholly addresses the needs of every individual child. Sense of nationhood or being a Filipino in ideals refers to people who do not only acknowledge people who are noted for valiance, skills and competence, but also respect their personalities, value them as they are and most especially, recognize their authority. I have learned to be more aware of time, more prepared, and more creative in setting my own personal long-term goals. Also, I am learned to establish healthy relationships with my kids and my groupmates as well.

As I have seen and met them for weeks, I observed that poverty has a lot to do with the kids. In what ways I could prove it? Well, first, they cannot afford to study in a private primary or secondary school they desired. Second, maybe poverty made the parents decide to leave the children after Asilo’s supervision, because they believed the children’s lives will be a lot much better if they were taken good care of the people they thought, who would have a lot more knowledge, and would have provided them a good education. It made me inspire to study even better. It made me realize that I will be forever grateful to my family and relatives, for giving me a chance to continue and pursue my tertiary education. They also inspire me of their faith, as well as the things they always provide me every day.

So far, I have undergone these trainings, not only because, as I have mentioned, it has a lot of to do with my preparation for my prospective career as a professor in De La Salle University-Manila, but also, my communication skills when I enter a prestigious company or put up my own business.

So now, you are asking me how did this whole experience change me? Simply put, it improved my self-esteem, I learned to adapt on a new environment, to communicate with others, and to be more sensitive in others’ needs. It also enhanced my leadership skills. Most importantly, I have experienced to share my faith with others.

I am also thankful that De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has given me a chance to be his scholar-grantee, learning that this experience will make me grow up even a lot much better as a person, who is a Lasallian at heart, Benildean in Values, and CHRISTIAN in SPIRIT. And last, but not the least, I am forever grateful to GOD, for giving me a whole lot more experiences for them to be shared with others, and for giving me everything I have right now!