Tuesday, December 06, 2005
IDAFPS.
Almost six months ago, I was just another freshman looking for an org. Any org would have done, as long as it had a tambayan (where I could stay during breaks, hehe) and the members treated me nicely. I wasn't pretty much after the goals of the org or the length of the app process. I really just wanted an org. You know, to belong.
On one fateful day, I signed up as an applicant for my block handler, the UP Psychology Society. I wasn't aware of the tedious app process, though. I never expected to go through a lot before becoming a member. I was beguilled by the free lollipop I got after passing my application form.
Then came the App Orientation wherein I learned how the whole process would go. The thought of having all the members sign my sigsheet in exchange for my having to memorize their basic info, attending every activity, going through PEP Week (the whole costume thing), having to make tambay for 20 hours in just a month, simply scared me. I felt sooner or later I would defer as soon as most of my blockmates did.
Acquaintance Party, Gawad Kalinga, PEP Week & Tambay Night, Sportsfest, Rummage Sale, Buddy Week, Medical-Dental Mission, ACLE, Acadtalk, interviews, Culmi... There were so many activities to attend and so many requirements to accomplish. PEP Week was my favorite since I was one of the few who dared to walk around AS in our things-you-can-find-in-the-wet-market costumes just for sigs.
Those times were hard, even if they were happy. I expected to defer as soon as most of my blockmates did, right? They did. Towards every step of the app process, we were narrowed down to seven, six, until there were only four of us to reach the culminating activity. I used to believe in deferring together with my blockmates as pakikisama. But as time went by and as I learned and grew more, I realized I was just scared of being alone before. I was afraid of not being able to relate to my more senior co-applicants.
But I was wrong. I was also something unexpected, but as time passed, I eventually warmed up to my batchmates (apps). In them I have found not just activity partners or co-applicants but good friends. I used to forget their names when the app process started but now, I have at least something good to share about each and every one of them. Our batch seldomly got along but we always ended up with a decision that did benefit every one of us. My batchmates kept me strong throughout the app process. They shared with me the will to survive and finally make it as one of the members of Psychsoc. They accepted me as part of the group despite my shortcomings and my tendency to become aloof. I could say with great conviction that if not for them, I really would not have made it.
The application process made me grow a lot. It taught me a lot of new things. First of all, I learned the value of teamwork. Truly, no app can make it through the Psychsoc app on his or her own. That's what batchmates are for, right? Also, I learned how to verrrry patient and strong. Anybody has the option to quit. But the hardest decision an app could ever make is to simply stay. I learned how to get along with different kinds of people, of course, but nothing beats loving these people and accepting them for who they are. Most importantly, I learned that you will only learn to love something wholeheartedly when you work HARD for it. I invested so much in my decision to stay. I gave everything I had. I stayed up as late as I could for the reviewer, I tried my best to memorize all the information I needed to even if it is a fact that I really have a hard time memorizing, I openly accepted criticism, and I did everything I had to just for Psychsoc.
When I joined Psychsoc, I didn't really have a good reason. I just joined for the heck of it. But as I went through the whole app process, I was finally able to give myself one good reason. I wanted to join Psychsoc because I wanted to do things I can be proud of in the future. If I wanted an org I would devote my time to, why not one definitely worth spending every second on? If I wanted an org I would devote my efforts to, why not one definitely worth every teardrop and every drop of sweat? And if I wanted an org that would be like family, why not one that would love and accept me and at the same time, would make me grow as an individual? Would teach me a lot of lessons I would need in every game of survival?
After one whole semester (plus sembreak!), the app process finally ended. We were inducted last Saturday. Now, we're no longer BOPS (Babies of Psychsoc), applicants, IOPS (Inductees) even. The term POPS (People of Psychsoc) sounds more appealing, doesn't it? I can't believe it's finally over. My batchmates and I were finally able to make the last step. We are now official members of the UP Psychology Society. No more memorizing of basic info for sigs, no more funny costumes, no more preparing for the interviews and nailbiting while waiting for deliberation results, no more BOPS '05.
To my batchmates, especially my blockmates Rhea, Ein, and JE, thank you very much for keeping me strong. You guys don't know how much your support meant to me. The app process couldn't have been easier without you. Even if we don't agree most of the time, I'm glad we were still able to stick together and forgive each other's shortcomings. There may no longer be BOPS '05, but I do hope we maintain the bond we had and still have as Batch '05.
To the POPS, thanks also for all the lessons you've taught me and my batchmates. Because of you, Psychsoc became more lovable. I hope we get the chance to bond soon, too! Thank you also for accepting me despite my faults and shortcomings. Thanks to the Sophie POPS for always being nice and patient, Ate Acee for always being there to save me, Ate Liz for being the best committee head, for taking care of your Publicom babies, and for breaking the tension by making us laugh, and Buddy Kai for all the tips and the sigs you helped me get. ;)
To the VOPS, especially Kuya Glenn, a very big Thank You also for being so nice (and for signing my sigsheet, hehe)! I always get intimidated whenever you guys are around, but thank you so much for being game to make chika with us once in a while. Your contributions to Psychsoc will never be forgotten.
And lastly, to Psychsoc, I give you one big Thanks for making my first year in UP a very exciting one. I have learned to love you and I assure you that this love will never change. In fact, it will grow even deeper through the years we'll be spending together.
Nothing will ever change. Still...
