Genesis

Prefatory Phase



Life is ever-changing.
It could give test that's back-breaking.
It could give change worth-enjoying.



               Before I enter into the gates of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), I planned to be part of any of its organization.  One of the teams I desired to join is Pylon.  I wanted to be part of it to make better my writing skills and, perhaps, be metamorphosed to a better person.

               Prior to enrolling in NORSU, I was a call center employee who worked for 8 hours, 5 days a week for 2 years and 8 months, with shifting schedule.  No question, the job was tiring, but we must be flexible to any schedule we were assigned to.  We used to make nights as days, and days as nights. Indeed, we subconsciously adapted to it.  Before we totally knew it, we already have done it.  We loved our job, so we persevered.

               It seemed far-fetched to go back in track in school after 3 years of nonchalance on pursuing a Nursing degree. In my mind I couldn't afford to let go of the job God has given me. It was a blessing worth sacrificing for.  It was tough decision.  People who have experienced the same way might feel the same.  To be a breadwinner is no joke.  I view it as privilege.  A privilege to prove one's worth.

               I haven't made a solid decision for future undertakings at first. When my younger sister Clarice told us she will have her true ambition fulfilled in another college, I decided to repursue mine.

               I was too excited, and to the extent euphoric that I bought school equipment a month before school opening.  I love schooling ever since I started it.  No words could truly grasp how I felt when I came back to where I should be.  In the first place, never in my wildest dreams and nightmares did I see myself not receiving a proof of a degree obtained.  I never have expected to stop pursuing what I have chosen as career.  I graduated as first in rank in high school, but all of it is null when the university I invested my knowledge with wasn't so faithful with its sweet words.  Never should it happen that I chose it as place where I could see my dreams converting to reality.  Had I but known its true purpose of existence, I shouldn't have flitted in and out its deceptive gates.  But all of it is past.  What matters now is the present and future, and my learnings from where I emerge from.  Besides, I believe I can be a better student in this institution where I am.  There is no other option than to put each time a best forward in everything that needs to be done.            


Introspection


              
               To be an affiliate of Pylon is a privilege and way of being productive as a student.  A way to let those that we owed a lot know and feel that we do care.  That we could do better than what we ever did before.  That we could inspire others as others inspired us..  The beginning may be tough, the journey may be rough.  But the end point?  Don't know.  What matters to me is the joy it gives, and spice it adds to life.



The Examination Day


          "This was all what I've waited for!", I told myself. This was one way to exhibit my potential of a creative writer. A way to collect my thoughts and put them to words. A way to hope to be with peers I could call friends someday.

               The time I received a message of Pylon's schedule of application, I was bowled over. I thought after a few weeks of waiting I couldn't be counted worthy to be given such an opportunity. A privilege to be better. To be accountable on some important things. A training ground for the future.

               I was too euphoric that I missed to have myself warmed-up and composed. I often remember a Qualfon trainer who once shared a movie line and I quote, "Don't forget the warning label of the mayonnaise.." Then we felt like huh?.. What label did he mean? Tear here? Expiry date? Allergies? What?.. Then he continued, "Chill, but don't freeze.." Oh, I used to forget that when I'm nervous!

               I then continued to join the prefatory phase of the application. The applicants were clustered to one area of NORSU Amphitheater last June 22, 2013. We were informed of Pylon as school's interesting organization. We made known its staffers. Subsequently, we were divided into what particular department we chose to be involved with.

               Next to that, we took set of examinations. We have had I.Q. test, brain teaser, word connection, and essay composition. It was fun and interesting!


The Interview Portion



               The same day at 11:59 AM, I was informed to go back to Pylon Office.  I couldn't help but felt my chest burst with gladness.  Indeed, I was excited to the hilt.

               When I arrived at the venue, I could project wide-mile smiles to everybody.  I was a bit astonished of the panel interview.  I thought it was the usual one-to-one conversation.  It was really out of the blue!  The questions then were intriguing.  The staffers were serious and willing to test.  The atmosphere was of no exact word to match.

               Beautiful faces, serious ones, competent aura, amiable spirit, fun-loving colors, and complacent demeanor.  All was mixed-up in one corner versus an excited me.

               I gave responses the best way I could.  I was quite complacent on pouring out apt words weaved in my mind.  After which, I still have had regnant of that excitement left in me.  It was as if I took an overdose of it. Surprisingly, I still could show wide-mile smiles to everybody outside the venue.  Yes, exactly the same.  I know, it's embarrassing.  But lo! I did it!

               

The General Meeting



               The staffers and new affiliates were convened at Balay Sa Alumni place last June 25, 2013 5:00 PM.  Ms. Janisha Nocete and Ms. Nikka Musketer headed the conference.  We did introduce ourselves to one another.

               Like first days of any organization, we were informed of the team's dominant rules and regulations. Not to vaunt but I'm used to it.  I have had lots of it in our home and previous workplace.  Etcetera.  What I was not used to in a usual orientation was the talent show of the new affiliates and "love notes" per se. I was on the fence on what song to sing.  I planned to do some birit which I knew was a big "HAHA!" that time, but I just couldn't. I could feel my toes tingling and knees shaking.  Such sensation emanated strange feelings on my lungs and vocal cords..  Indeed,dramatically embarrassing, but fun.


Acknowledgment



               I wouldn't have been called an affiliate member of Pylon if not because of an answered prayer.  I couldn't have done it by my own bootstraps.  I thank Him who's above us for a beautiful gift He gave.






"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; We are perplexed but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; Cast down but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10