Cherished Connections: Navigating Internship and Building Lasting Bonds

For students, the school is not just a place to learn, but also a second home where we can find friendship and support. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we have been unable to connect with our classmates as much as we would like. Last year, during our third year, we finally got to meet face-to-face for the first time. It was the second semester, and the school decided to blend both face-to-face and online classes to ensure everyone's safety. Despite this, we still couldn't see each other as often as we would have liked.

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However, we were thrilled to be together, and that's where we began creating meaningful memories. We would chat during breaks, share snacks and stories, and help each other out with assignments. Even though we had to maintain social distancing and wear masks, we still felt a sense of togetherness that had been missing for so long. We also discovered many things about each other that we never knew before, such as our hobbies, interests, and aspirations. While the pandemic has made things challenging, we are grateful for the opportunity to attend school and see our classmates, even if it's not as often as we would like. We hope that someday soon, we can all return to normalcy and enjoy the school experience fully.

THURSDAY

On Thursday morning, our On-the-Job Training (OJT) coordinator called for a meeting to discuss our performance in the first semester, as well as concerns about our work as OJTs. The meeting was scheduled to start at 10 in the morning, but I arrived at school at 9 because I am always punctual and do not want to be late. While waiting for the time with my classmates, we chatted and caught up with one another since the second person also arrived early. We continued our conversation until all our classmates arrived, and we started the meeting by discussing ethical workplace behavior and attitude towards work.

During the meeting, we also had the opportunity to ask our OJT coordinator if there were any issues in our workplace. The meeting concluded at noon, and my classmates and I decided to have lunch together at our usual spot outside. We missed the times when we used to stroll on the street due to chatting with each other. We also remembered when we used to rush our lunch because of the short 30-minute break and the canteen being far away. Despite the rush, we always made sure to be friendly with the canteen vendors.

After having lunch, my friends and I decided to head back to school to collect our journals and get them signed by the dean to request grades for our thesis. We were in luck as the dean quickly signed our journals, leaving us with some free time to relax. We thought of unwinding by the sea, so we headed to the nearest jeep terminal. It was around two o'clock in the afternoon, and as we were about to leave, we saw a people's jeep waiting. The driver was still having his lunch, but we decided to board the jeep anyway and wait for him to finish his meal.

While waiting, we took some pictures inside the jeep. We had a great time, and it felt like we were the owners of the jeep. Being with my gay friends made the trip even more fun as they acted like clowns. It was a great way to lighten the mood and make the most of our day. Eventually, the driver finished his lunch, and we set off to the beach. We enjoyed the rest of our day, soaking up the sun and just enjoying each other's company.

As we embarked on our journey, we were filled with excitement, and our spirits were high. We were all in good company, and the non-stop laughter, jokes, and gossiping made the hours fly by. Despite the long journey, we never felt bored or tired because of the beautiful scenery that surrounded us.

LILOAN

After a few hours of travel, we finally arrived at our destination - Lilo-an Beach Resort. The entrance fee was incredibly affordable, at just 5 pesos, and we were thrilled to see the stunning beach that awaited us. The fine sand and clear blue waters were a sight to behold, and we were awestruck by the beauty of the place.

Since we intended to stay for a while, we decided to rent a table. The rental fee was also very affordable, at only 100 pesos, and it included the table and chairs. We were more than satisfied with the quality of the table and chairs, which were sturdy and comfortable, allowing us to relax and enjoy the view.

As soon as we arrived, we decided to buy some snacks to munch on. We purchased a bag of peanuts, some green mangoes, and shrimp paste to go with them. A few of my classmates also grabbed two bottles of GSM to drink. Despite the limited options, we had a fantastic time. This was the first time I had the opportunity to hang out with my classmates in this way, and I was thrilled to finally have the experience, even if it was just once before graduation.

Only the guys among us were able to go swimming because they had brought their shorts. The rest of us were not prepared for a swim, as this impromptu decision had caught us off guard. We all sat and chatted while we watched them swim, sharing stories of our OJT experiences. Since we were all assigned to different companies during our internships, we seldom had time to catch up. This was a rare opportunity to get together and learn about each other's lives.

I have a passion for photography, especially when I'm putting together an outfit of the day. I simply can't resist taking photos, especially when I'm out and about exploring new places. It's truly my favorite pastime, but sometimes my companions get a little frustrated with my constant need to take pictures of myself and everything around me. I like to capture every moment, every detail, and every location I visit, so I always make sure to have my camera with me.

Before on our way back home, my friends and I decided to stop by a videoke booth where we could sing our hearts out for just 5 pesos per song. It was a fun experience, with one of my classmates singing and another one dancing along to the beat. We ended our day out at six in the evening, feeling happy and fulfilled from all the activities we've done.

We had an amazing time at Lilo-an Beach Resort, and we were impressed by how much we could enjoy ourselves without breaking the bank. It was an experience we would never forget, and we couldn't wait to come back and explore more of the beautiful island.

The experience that I had was truly one of a kind. It was something that I had always wanted to do before I graduated and having the opportunity to tick it off my bucket list brought me immense joy and fulfillment. Despite the setbacks we faced, such as two of our classmates being unable to join us due to their strict internship schedule. Throughout the journey, my classmates had become like a second family to me. I found comfort in knowing that I could always confide in them, and they would be there to listen to me. As we embarked on our internship, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness knowing that we each have our own priorities and our paths would soon diverge.

Planning our trip took a considerable amount of time and effort, but it was all worth it in the end. Our experience was truly unforgettable, and it felt like it lasted a lifetime. However, I knew that graduating would signal a new chapter in our lives, one where our priorities would shift and change. We would be faced with new challenges and responsibilities that come with adulthood. But, I am grateful for the memories we created together, and I know that they will always hold a special place in my heart.