Although I love to visit beaches, I would opt to stay in a hut with a cold drink to watch the beach waters dancing. I am used to contemplating while listening to the beach waves, and I am upset when I hear loud voices. Hence, when the Ateneo de Davao University- School of Nursing (SON) organized team building at the beach, I was hesitant to attend. Would I enjoy watching the beach waters and listening to beach waves with the crowd?
And so, we arrived at around 8:30 AM, the cold breeze welcomed us, but honestly, I was a bit frustrated to see how far the actual venue from the entrance was. But I spoke to myself, "patience is a virtue," funny, but as I took every step, I chanted the said words. Until I reached the place, I started to hear people talking, so happy after two years that we finally came together face to face. Then I realized, oh, these lovely people are those with whom I have worked together online.
But still, I opted to watch the beach water by far and listen to the beach waves. Yet, eventually, I noticed that I enjoyed the team-building activities. I see that everyone works as a team to reach the game's objectives. Some groups were silent types, and others were happily noisy, which I thought would upset me. But it turned out that I noticed the joy encapsulating my spirit. The whole activity is like medicine to me, curing my tired thoughts due to work responsibilities.
And when I sat beside Dr. Liza Floresca, SON newly appointed Dean, I felt very comfortable. Now I can speak my mind and is not afraid that my ideas will be devalued. As the new Academic Coordinator, I think that I can do more with her openness and will not be hesitant to explore what will be better for the SON.
And I felt the same with Ms. Magnolia Jadulang, the SON-Related Learning Experience Coordinator. We might have had misunderstandings in the past for petty reasons, but I did not expect we would come this far, trusting each other. Working comfortably together, enjoying each other's company. This seems unreal for two people with different personalities and views, but it happened, and now we share the same goals.
While watching the seasonal clinical instructors, Melba Irene Gabuya, Cynthia Villanueva, Jenneth Estampa and Mary Hazel Facundo, I felt triumphant. I remember all of us, including those unable to attend the team building, working as one despite the many adversities. The "22" years of joys and tears have made us stronger and more united.
While I am mesmerized not by the beach water anymore but by the clinical instructors playing, eating, and chatting together. I see the amazing young clinical instructors who will be the future epitome of the SON. They were like "us" 22 years ago, quick, and highly spirited. Aiza Lyra Tan thinks fast, Czar Jacobe is artistic, Michael Cahandig is goal-oriented, and Francis Handugan is eloquent. While Mikee Beldua Jr. is hard-working, Henry Barriga Jr. is honest, Josephine Serra is organized, and Trisha Guioguio is a good leader. These are the few among the best. So, it seems like all the new Clinical instructors have their own talents that, when grouped together, will make the SON best among the best.
So, I guess a significant change is coming for the SON. But remember that we are the instruments for change because we are the change we pursue. So, let us welcome change by letting go of the past and learning from it, and I think this is the beginning of attaining our objectives for the SON.
All of these I realized while I was on the beach. But this time, I did not just stay in the hut with a cold drink to watch the beach waters and listen to the beach waves. But I enjoyed the activities with the seasoned and young, newly hired clinical instructors, not only with a cold drink but ironically with a hot coffee. Oh now, I am starting to embrace the change!