Warning: really long narrative ahead. To synthesize each activity would be great, though synthesizing all three together would be better. As a dual app for both LM & ISDA (well technically Im now a backlog for LM) I had the opportunity to bond and accomplish my outbound activities with different people from both orgs. People who cared about the environment as much as I did, and had a fantastic time in doing something about it. If theres one thing Ive learned during the whole process; that despite our efforts, the reality is our contribution isnt enough to make a huge impact in the world. I remember a fellow LM app (Jeff Chua) telling me that yeah its great and all to care for the environment, the world needs people who do., and unfortunately, the world contains more people who dont. I remember when I was collecting bottles for Human Nature around the Ateneo campus, people would give weird and pitying looks. Some people asked me if I was short for cash and needed a quick fix, others laughed at my face for the sheer ridiculousness of me carrying a box around and picking up lonely bottles from various places, including the trash bins. At beginning what mattered was for me to collect enough to meet the quota needed to get this outbound point; casually picking up bottles, asking friends for their bottles, passing by the common areas to hunt bottles, eventually I had gathered more than what was needed and it gave me sense of satisfaction that these bottles will be going to a good place thatll help people. My bottle hunting skills prepared me for the UP recycling drive. After knowing that there was a place that could recycle bottles, I figured therell probably be a place thatll recycle paper, and old clothes, and the like. I started sorting out all the paper I accumulated over the years, and was researching on places I could bring it to. It felt good to be cleaning up after so long, and that the things I would have initially just thrown a way, would be repurposed with careful research. It was incredibly fortuitous that a recycling drive was about to happen. It was amusing to see that every app had their own pile of paper and whatnot. An effortless outbound point, for a good cause most definitely. EnviRUNment on the other hand was physically demanding, but was an absolute blast. It was maybe the last possible outbound point possible for the LM applicants before the deadline. There were about 14 (possibly more) of us, and we were ready to run for the environment. What we didnt know was that this was an obstacle run, with a cactus for a prize for the runner who could present the most paper leaves to the judges. We all decided to have a manok who would carry all our leaves and won; 246 leaves. I got to keep the cactus. After ignoring this for so long I forgotten all the specific details of each activity, but I wont forget the lessons and lifestyle practices that each one (including the talks) act that has shaped how I perceive and act in this life time. A lifetime of new possibilities and interests that would probably explain the excessive amount of time I spend searching things on google and tumblr. To meet people who want to change and appreciate the world in their own little way (intentionally, and perhaps maybe indadvertedly due to the envi requirements). When Jeff told me the sad reality that many people dont care, I replied that we must start somewhere. We do our little part, and later on all these little would eventually add up and make a big impact. Who knows what may happen in five years time. But what I do know, is that Ill be continuing these small seemingly insignificant lifestyle changes, and try to live by example. Hopefully, someone will take notice and (join ISDA/LM) do the same. Id like to sincerely thank ISDA (& LM) for everything that they have done in shaping my ignorant and eager self into someone who could maybe make a difference in the world. #ILOVEISDA #ISDA
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 16:37:25 +0000