Back to Usual
Yes, last year, we had a full ride of meeting friends, battling the traffic, constant coffee, soar eyes (due to late-night studies), and a whole year of being back to normal. After so many years of remote learning, last year was finally a whole year of personally meeting our professors and taking random exams and quizzes.
For me, it was a transition; for so many years, I've gotten used to the mask, the occasional interaction with other people (I'm an introvert, so I sometimes would like to sit around in the house), and taking exams on my phone or laptop. But, I am beyond grateful that finally we are slowly returning to usual, and hopefully, this year, I will finally be wearing a toga for my graduation(fingers crossed) since, unfortunately, the last toga I wore was in my elementary graduation. 馃槄
Rekindled Friendship
Last year, we had our 3rd reunion with my elementary classmate, and let's say it's been a bridge that connected us once again. My elementary friends are also my childhood friends; they have been with me since I could walk (since our street was pretty small and everyone knew everyone) and my companions since I can remember. Life has been busy lately, and we have our own responsibilities to deal with, so we had no time to bond and hang out. Thankfully, last year, the drift that was created was severed, and we have now become close friends again. Misunderstanding has been clarified and we have matured for the better. Our topics will revolve around what we're going to do in the future and just being anxious about life. During our hangouts, we talk about deep things and reflect on random stuff.
Broken Heart
I am a person who has never had a magical moment with someone or the feeling of belongingness to another person aside from one's family (I have been a no-boyfriend since birth gal). Last year, I was trying to feel that moment, and let's say it failed miserably. I'm a person who always has a plan, and I thought that last year would also be my year of finding love (yiyks) 馃ぃ. Anyway, change is inevitable, and plans can be adjusted, so yeah, let's move on. Maybe love should not be sought out but rather find you in the least time you expect. Hopefully, I will have that someday (hahaha).
Volunteerism
I continued to be part of an amazing organization that aids with the needs of Filipino citizens. I am a member of Angat Kabataan-Cebu, a non-profit organization, and have been since the start of the organization. Unfortunately, lately, I have been too busy with my studies to entertain other stuff, although I can say that if our free time aligns, I will gladly volunteer again. (I have only participated in a few events this year and have become a passive member.) Since this semester is reaching its end (and I will not be dealing with my thesis anymore), I hope to be back on track to support the organization and help the country.
My Sisters Graduation
My sister hit another milestone last year; she graduated with Latin Honor, bagging a medal for MagnaCumlaude in her honorable school. We saw her walk up the stage with two of my sisters in tow to accompany her in getting her award. It was such a memorable scene; I have seen her struggles throughout college, and finally, seeing her accomplish her dream is such a memory to behold. It was raining hard on her graduation, but it did not stop the smiles creeping into the faces of the proud families, witnessing their children and loved ones turning a new page in their lives. My mom, for one, was overjoyed with the event. After my sister got her medal, she went directly to my mom to give her the award; it was a tear-jerking scene. After the ceremony, we had our little celebration.
Facing Fear
Last year was a roller coaster of emotion; I am currently a fourth-year student, so the pressure of graduating on time is taking a toll on my physical and mental health (all of us per se). I always fear the spotlight; I would rather sit silently in class than be at the attention of my professors. Last year, I conquered my fear and took on academic responsibilities that would surely challenge my introverted self. I am still constantly battling this conquest of living outside my comfort zone, but so far, although there are times I feel disheartened, most of the time, I am satisfied with the challenge.
photos are not mine
Being part of the Hive Community
I ended the year with an unexpected encounter with Hive and engaging in a platform where I can be myself without hurting anybody (Elsa yarn馃槄).
The camaraderie that is evident in the community; I fell in love with writing even before; I love composing words and making out stories. I am amazed by how people can beautifully arrange words into an intricate telling of events. To have the chance to read the tales of other people who I have never met but are as friendly as ever and to find common things we relate to. Entering Hive was never a plan but rather a chance given to me by the almighty.
My 2023 Christmas and New Year(2024)
Just like every year, we celebrated Christmas and New Year in my hometown with my family, surrounded by our relatives and loved ones. We had a color theme, which is white, on Christmas, and just a random dress for the New Year. Following traditions, we always welcome Christmas and New Year at midnight and sit around with our traditional "mango float" on the plate. We talked about how fast the year went by and all the happenings we had.
And to end this blog, 2023 is indeed a year full of surprises. A lot of memories, good and bad, have been created. We had triumphs and hardships, and now we are at the start of another wonderful year.
Thank you for reading my 2023 highlights; hope we found things in common here hahaha. Anyway, see you again in my next blog.
Adios... (Bye)