For clarity, my very first Philippines trip in 2014 was a precursor to the first official Filgrimage (thus, the "My Roots" video that brought many people to the first Filgrimage). I also attended the first Filgrimage in 2016. There was no Filgrimage in 2017, and I did not attend Filgrimage in 2018. However, with Filgrimage 2019, it's my third time out to the motherland and the third official Filgrimage.
It's actually been quite some time since I've even seen Kuya Tony, Savannah, Kuya Willy and Ate Shalihe or even connected with this community. I don't want to say I've fallen out of the Filipino culture or community, because I don't know if that's really possible, but I've definitely been out of the game for a little while.
A few life updates?
I graduated from SDSU in 2016 with my BA in Psychology. I was still trying to be a therapist or counselor for teenagers, but I was rejected by programs I really wanted to go for. However, I was accepted in an MA program for Education, emphasis in Counseling. I was able to complete this one year, online-hybrid program at SDSU in 2017. HOWEVER, even after I completed this degree, I still struggled to get into therapy programs or find a full time position that fit me.
The last few years have been a lot of rejection, figure things out, apply to things, rejection, repeat. I had a part time job that worked for me, I was helping high school students with preparing for college. I would give presentations, call kids out of class, work a few weekend events, make a difference in students' lives. I even held a lead position where I oversaw the people assigned to different schools. It was pretty great. However, I had to be at least a half-time student.
So I went to San Diego Mesa Community College to learn American Sign Language. I finally had time to learn it. I also took some hip-hop classes with Mel Adao! Highly recommend. The vibes are good, the people are good, and Mel is incredible to learn from. In any case, I got an AA in American Sign Language Studies.
Now we're getting up to this year. In fall 2018, I started applying for different grad school programs. I wanted to focus on the field of Student Affairs and actually focus on my major instead of having school be the side quest to my extracurricular activities main quest. By Spring, I FINALLY RECEIVED AN ACCEPTANCE. I am so happy to announce that I will be attending SDSU this fall for the MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership, Specialization in Student Affairs (PELSA) program.
So why am I back on this Filgrimage? For one, I want to reconnect with myself again, realign myself with what I value so I can bring that back into my work. Two, I miss this community. I miss these people. I miss these aspirations and inspirations that helped shape me into who I am today. I miss these bigger pictures moments. Three, I want to pay forward what someone else did for my first Philippines experiences. I want to realize my part in this.
I'm excited for what's to come. Another crazy Philippines trip.
