Wandering in empty places

I'm getting more and more familiar with this university, it's where I am both studying and working. It's different when you step outside the gates because there's not much trees, it's all filled with mid to high rise buildings and countless cars. Since last week, we went back to square one of closing the university grounds to the public because of the increase in numbers of infected individuals in the metro (a pandemic thing 😔). Again, the open spaces in the campus were empty. I set a goal to have an active lifestyle at the start of the year. Even though I was consistent with this at the end of last year, I'm having a hard time picking up where I left off before the holidays. Nonetheless, I'm working on it, progress was never linear right? From my usual distance and pace, I'm settling with just finishing a 5km run without stops. Yesterday, as I walk back to our laboratory, I took my time and appreciate the empty ovals.

For me, university campuses are beautiful. I didn't finish my undergraduate degree here but I am always reminded of those times when I was a college student. Relationships thrive in those seasons. A classmate you meet in one of your classes becomes a dear friend. The countless meals shared with your friends seem ordinary at the time, but looking back, I'm glad we enjoyed those meals with each other.

Even though this wasn't the same place I was wandering in my mind, I know, this place witnessed those kind of moments too. The benches under these trees, which are decades old, heard awkward greetings with strangers that soon turned to warm conversations with friends. I know a lot of people who left a part of their hearts in places like this, the university where they strived to get their degrees. We all grow into tired adults, paying bills and worrying about the future; but we're all once, students with bold dreams.

Aside from the relationships, my time in the university ingrained to me values that molded me to become a better person in the society. I have always admired those three values: Honor, Excellence, and Volunteerism. Some students often leave out the last one, I was a third year student when I knew that the university upholds volunteerism too. In our language, volunteerism can translate to "Para sa Bayan", we pursue honor and excellence for our nation, the people of our nation.

Those values are simple but somehow competes with each other. I have found myself in situations that I can excel in something but know in my heart and conscience that it asks the questions "At what cost?". This isn't good. I'm amazed that keeping those values close to my heart and alive in my thoughts keep me grounded. The world out there is a real jungle compared to the number of trees that grace the university campus, we need those values to remind us what kind of person we want to be. That is our responsibility to the society we are in. Hope you have a great day ahead! :) Keep thriving!

Wandering in empty places | Ecency