SJ's Resident Alien

patricia sy's blog

[asteroidsj]

La Vie En Rose

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

I viewed the session with Dr. Jowi Cruz, Dustin Carbonera, and Nicole Golloso. I initially chose this because the short description mentioned that Dr. Cruz had taken his bachelors of science in physics at DLSU, and I was intrigued by how he came to choose medicine after his undergraduate degree. As a physics student myself, I find it fascinating when an intersection happens that utilizes both biology and physics. 

Anyway, I found the life story of all three speakers profoundly interesting and inspiring. First is how they professed to the Lasallian mission and how each had their own interpretation and application of St. La Salle’s original vision. From Dr. Jowi Cruz, I appreciated how he internalized la Salle’s educational mission and how he integrated that in his medical practice by incorporating lifestyle medicine. He mentions that in this way, he is able to heal and treat more patients and prevent the occurrence of sickness through education. Mr. Carbonera also shared his story on how he found his passion after a series of events, and how it was (and is) important to have zeal tempered with wisdom. It reminded me of my own journey to my current program. Sometimes, it is important to remember that life really is full of unexpected happenings and that all our plans are subject to God’s will. I want to also reflect on Ms. Golloso‘s story. I really appreciated how she frankly shared her struggle with her mental health, and how she showed that we may hit some down times, but when we look ahead and seek out help, people will help us. That is the importance of community and relationship-building, which we also cannot forgo when we share the Lasallian Mission.

In life there will definitely be some hardships, but it is important to persevere in our passion. As the speakers said, “Find a passion, and a specific thing to keep you going. The moment you lose sight of that, no matter how good you are or how comfortable your life is, you will have a sad life.” Which is a very timely reminder to all of us who are contemplating life after college. It;s alright to make plans and to be optimistic (as they say in France, seeing life through rose colored glasses), but we must also be wise and submit to God’s plans because like it or not, He knows what is best for us. And if it is His will to send a few caterpillars to eat at our roses, we can only trust and lean on Him for support. In the end, these hardships like caterpillars that we feed effort, love, and passion into, will eventually reward us with the beauty of a whole picture full of butterflies.

[asteroidsj]

The Path Curved

“Straight ahead you can't go very far.”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

When I envisioned my life, the path was quite well thought out. I visualized a mountain going straight up: finish high school, graduate from UST Nursing, pass the NMAT, study Medicine, get an internship, go for residency, go for surgery. It was a very clear cut path. I was not innocent or ignorant: I anticipated difficulties, hence the mountainous path. But (and this is where I believe God was wise), I chose a relatively straight path. What the Little Prince says is correct according to the laws of physics- straight paths optimize the distance between two points and sometimes the potential energy, but there is nothing else significant in it. What I did not expect, was God dragging me kicking and screaming to an underwater adventure I will call physics. 

Well, I’m not complaining. I believe it was good of Him to close all these doors to medicine definitely, because now, in my second year, I began experiencing chronic pain in my hands and fingers (inherited). Imagine a surgeon or a nurse who cannot even hold a pen, and with cramped up hands! If I had been in nursing, I would be crushed, and the outcome would have been much worse than when I simply failed the nursing intake interview. It’s funny in retrospect, the Divine plan He had for my life. He brought me down safely before I could crash and burn. I discovered I have almost no bedside manner, and that my “skill” with memorization was actually limited. I discovered I enjoyed numbers and equations more. I relate more with my peers now, and I’ve met many friends from the specific circle I was put in. In the end, God chose the path He knew was best for me and my growth. 

I do not deny that I went willingly into this path- but I am grateful God was there to be with me and to listen to my frustrations and my anger at not being able to pursue my ideal career. I cannot say He brought me to an unwelcome path and then abandoned me, because He was always there. He knew I would not like it, but that I would eventually grow in this place. So, like any responsible Gardener, He cared for me, this stubborn little plant. 

I don’t really know where God is bringing me, and from my previous experiences, I have learned not to plan so extremely. I am at least sure that He wants me in science, and with DLSU’s guidance, I believe I may work in the future as an educator as well. I’m happy with where I am, this curved path where I don’t know wat’s around the corner. This is the path He put me on, and I am assured that since He put me here, He will not abandon me, but guide me as my Almighty Father. 

[asteroidsj]

“Dance to the silent song it sings”

“I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams...” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

This line struck me the most because of how...enigmatic it sounds. First you have a voice from within, and one can easily infer from the rest of the song that that voice is in fact God guiding us from within our hearts. But what is interesting is how this voice sings a silent song. That sounds contradictory, after all, how can one sing without a sound being emitted? What rhythm can a silent song even make that makes it enough to dance to?

I thought about this conundrum for the entire day before reaching a mind-blowing conclusion. Songs that are silent, that emit no sound demand you to listen and dance to the tune of silence. And how does one listen to silence? By being silent themselves. I find this line so profound. It is good to be quiet sometimes, to reflect and be calm. Above all, it is good to sometimes not know anything, to just follow the silent reassurance and the dance it gives us to perform. Sometimes we are forced to listen to a “silent” song, i.e. be quiet and calm for a moment. It is only by listening and dancing to the tune of this silent song can we follow the path meant for us, and, as the song says, find our place in the grand scheme of things. 

[asteroidsj]

(unfinished title)

“Let everything happen to you Beauty and terror Just keep going No feeling is final” ― Rainer Maria Rilke

The insights lent by Ms. Leah Sy and Ms. Macy Eusebio were enlightening and relevant. I particularly related to Ms. Eusebio’s journey to discovering her Lasallian Vocation.

Ms. Eusebio mentioned how she failed an exam during her time as an ECE student, and that this was one of the few catalysts in pushing her to eventually take the program meant for her, Behavioral Science. I relate to this experience quite a lot because I too, also had an academic failure as a catalyst to my taking up my current program, Physics. I was never good at math, never good at physics (in fact I had failed math tests by the dozen in Junior High), so when I had my first (and only) physics class in Senior High, I was worried. 

The class turned out to be fun; I learned more about the foundational math concepts required to understand physics. I got a full perfect on the first exam (trigonometry and 1D Kinematics) and i was on a high. However, the second topic rolled around, 2D Kinematics, and I got into a little trouble. When the grades came out, I remember feeling the dread as our teacher called our names, one by one. Most papers were being handed out to not show the scores. Some were able to laugh it off (this is something I’m still working on), but when I got up to take my paper with the very red score not showing, I remember our teacher asking me: “Ms. Sy, anong nangyari?” 

That experience pushed me to start taking physics seriously, even though it was what we called a “minor” subject. I did not think I would end up in physics, only that I had to give equal importance to it. I tried to get into the Nursing program, but ultimately didn’t fit the cut for the interview. I got into Biology in DLSU, but I used the Venn diagram to evaluate how I would like it (the Venn diagram that Ms. Leah Sy recommend really works wonders), and I eventually concluded that, although Biology was my passion, I would not enjoy working in the field. Somehow I ended up in Physics, and I have not regretted it since. 

With DLSU’s guidance, I found passion to continue in my chosen program and to think about what it really means to be a Lasallian physicist. With that, I am confident that in the future, my Lasallian vocation is to be a scientist, and campaign for the end of ignorance for the upliftment of the oppressed. I’d like to thank Ms. Leah Sy and Ms. Macy Eusebio for their thoughts, because I was once again reminded of the journey I went through before reaching this point. 

My journey is not yet done, and who knows? One thing I have learned form the stories I’ve heard is that nothing is ever final. For now, I am happy to recognize myself in my chosen vocation in the context of Lasallian values, and I am happy to just be here, getting ready for the next step in my journey. 

[asteroidsj]

(You)th

“I have lived a great deal among grown-ups. I have seen them intimately, close at hand. And that hasn’t much improved my opinion of them.”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Let's be honest with ourselves: St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle wasn't exactly advocating for riches, fame, or wealth. He advocated for the poor, the dregs of society, and for the betterment of their future. In today's materialistic culture, his mission is too idealistic, too abstract. And to the rich opportunists his mission is one of nonsense; one might even whine "Marxism! It's the end of capitalism as we know it!". Love not your neighbor, lest you become like them: poor, disabled, destitute. The Lasallian mission runs contrary to the very things we re told we should hold dear.

And yet it thrives. It lives on in so many countries, in so many different languages, and in so many people. I like to think that this is because of de La Salle’s extending influence and his approach to his mission. Anyone can say “Let’s educate the poor.” but not everyone can develop a framework to uphold the dignity of the people they teach. For example, the Lasallian Mission in Côte d'Ivoire and Mexico. The people involved in the mission to these countries struck me because they not only provided education and material provisions- they built deep relationships. In Côte d'Ivoire the people involved knew the children would have a difficult time building relationships so they became not the esteemed and distinguished professors and adults but humble friends, walking hand in hand with the children. In Mexico, where societal and cultural problems mirror our own, the Lasallian Mission reaches out to keep youth and removes them from the influence of those seeking to do them harm. In turn the youth are able to reach those like them. It is a butterfly effect of goodness.

I think that is what it means to be associated with the Lasallian Mission. To not only take care of their material needs like housing, education, food, and clothes, but also to dive deeper, to develop relationships with the people we are reaching out to and to uphold their dignity at all costs. This reminds me of the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 9:22 “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” I think this verse summarizes the Lasallian Mission very well, to become all things: friend, brother, child, teenager, teacher, in order to reach out to these people. 

It also shows me how one can be involved with the Lasallian Mission. I’m not that good with relating to children, but I am a teenager, and with that comes the opportunity reach out to those of my age group. I can mentor those younger than me, and even those of my same age who have not had the same opportunities. In the end, this youth engagement is what has helped the Lasallian Mission so quickly and nurtured it further. Additionally, I believe that youth engagement in the Lasallian Mission benefits the youth themselves, like what happened in Mexico. The movement of the mission eventually comes back to (you)th ;). 

[asteroidsj]

Reflection on 300 Years

In The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, the Foyer de La Salle Akwaba gives a second chance to children who, for one reason or another, are without a home. This may be because of abuse, poverty, or estrangement. These children are unable to find institutions that will keep them safe from the dangers of the street and their homes. 

In the Foyer, the Brothers and their associates provide food, clothes, lodging, and other basic needs to children, with the addition of a free, quality, Christian education. Most organizations would not do this since providing the basic needs should have already been enough to keep the children of the streets and out of danger, but the Lasallian Mission goes even further. They give the children education to elevate their status and help them realize their dignity as humans, and I think that’s beautiful. 

The impact of being homeless on children is quite damaging. As mentioned by the director, Brother Kike, most of these children have problems with adults and forming healthy relationships with them. Trusting the adults of Foyer doesn’t happen over night-- it takes a whole lot of effort and building mutual trust and respect. On the child’s part, all they have to do is continue growing, but the harder part is on the adults’ part. So the Foyer, it’s brothers, and teachers realized that a problem would arise if they came across with the full authority they are granted as adults, teachers, and as spiritual leaders. In the interview, the teachers, and even the director, purposely lower themselves to the level of the child and treat them as equals. In this way, they break the barrier and help the children regain their trust in (good) authorities. What the Foyer does is more than just taking care of their physical needs but even their social, spiritual, and mental needs. And to do so, those involved with the Foyer humble themselves down in order to serve the children in what I can only describe as exceptionally Lasallian. 

In the Philippines, two situations are brought to mind- that of childhood delinquency borne out of poverty, and the out of school youth. It is no surprise that poverty forces children and youth to resort to crime for a chance to survive. To remedy this problem, the Lasallians in the Philippines have created the Bahay Pag-asa program. This program not only keeps children off the streets, they also provide legal assistance and live-in rehabilitation for these children. 

For out of school youth, there is the Balik Aral program that teaches those wishing to attain an educational background through DepEd’s ALS program. It is led by volunteer students and teachers after regular class hours. This gives opportunities for out of school youth to develop themselves and improve their situation. 

Together, the people from the Foyer de La Salle, along with Lasallians all over the world, continue in the mission of their founder- that of bringing quality Christian education to everyone- regardless of their status in life. What better legacy to reach 300 years than that? 

[asteroidsj]

The Rock Pile Cathedral

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

Yesterday was the first meeting for our LCLSTRI (Lasallian Studies 3) class. I’m happy to have met my instructor, Mrs. Canlas, and my classmates, of whom some I have known since frosh year and most others new to me. 

It is always a strange feeling to be in a new class in college. I am not good with people, and if we’re being honest, the pandemic hasn’t really helped me develop my people skills either. There is a feeling of being in a new class and somehow not seeing faces, people, bags, chairs. It is akin to the rush in the blood before taking a new route home, or when you wake up on your commute and find out how far you are from your destination. It is a mix of numbness and disorientation.

But I like to think there is much potential brimming in the air when I attend a new class. The instructor is new, the topics are new, the friends I might make are new, the learning I can do is new. It is exciting then, how feelings of numbness like a pile of rocks setting in my stomach, can be contemplated upon and become a cathedral of strength and unity. 

In the same way, little pebbles of insight struck me, and I contemplate them now. 

The first insight dictates the blog theme of this month- that of the quintessential significance of The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Our instructor is a passionate fan of this book, and she shared the significance of the book in her life. 

I was introduced to the Little Prince in sixth grade. At the time I was a very carefree child, prone to flights of fancy. I created my own asteroid for the Little Prince to visit in. I did not understand much of the story, but it was a good book, and all good books are good escapes. In a way I was the Pilot, not understanding anything but somehow keeping in step with the world.

Come 9th grade, I had obtained a copy containing the original French, English, and Chinese. My aunts would send me journals with the Little Prince on the cover. By this time, I was still a dreamer, but not in the childish sense. I dreamt as an adult did, of escaping the monotony of life and the responsibilities that came with it. I was the Little Prince, in a way, escaping the pain of life by flying to other planets.

In my second year of college, I now reflect again. I think I have finally become the Reader. I am not the Pilot, or the Little Prince. I learn both of their lessons- to be wise as a child while an adult, and to love with commitment. After class, I gave my copy to my brother, who has begun reading it. Perhaps he will also follow my journey with the book- or maybe make his own.

The second insight I had was from the breakout rooms and the discussion we had with our classmates. The numerous problems that we shared was somehow both expected and shocking. The fact that the pandemic has dragged as long as a year and that people have this common struggle with their education, health, families, etc., shows how much we miss when we take everyone at face value. We are all different but the same, and I think this realization forms a sort of solidarity between all of us affected. 

The discussed coping mechanisms were also interesting. It was fascinating to learn of what other people did to deal with their stress. Personally, it was funny hearing myself saying “I’m learning German to cope”. It is surprising, yes, but I think the small achievements I get when I accomplish a five minute module in German has helped my brain remain a bit happier. From this, I saw a commonality between all of us: we are all doing little things that make us a bit happier while the war against the virus continues. Whether that activity is learning German, eating favorite snacks, cooking, baking, or playing video games, we are all doing our best to cope. 

Now that I have contemplated on these little stones of insight, the implications of simple things seem to have made a great cathedral of thoughts and feelings of empathy and sympathy towards my classmates and instructor. I’ll leave my insights at that for now. I am excited to be in this class and learn more in the coming weeks along with my classmates and friends. 

[asteroidsj]

What Makes the Desert Beautiful

“What makes the desert beautiful,' said the little prince, 'is that somewhere it hides a well...” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

I think we can all agree that the past year has not been easy. Besides facing an actual worldwide pandemic, people living through 2020, and subsequently, 2021, are fighting fear, worry, unreliable internet connections, less than ideal education set-ups, and a myriad of other problems. 

The CoVID-19 pandemic has certainly given me some new experiences- some I’d rather not repeat, and some that sweeten these bitter times. 

Just before this term began, both of my parents were infected with the dreaded virus. My father had contracted it from a doctor’s clinic, of all places, and my mother was duly infected as well. As the eldest child in the family and all our guardians living far away from us, I had no choice but to rally the three of us siblings and adapt to the situation. 

Here I was, barely coping with my final exams, swamped with laboratory reports, having to cook, clean, and wash up after a whole household. I was tempted to cry many times during the whole ordeal, but I kept reminding myself to remain strong, if not for myself, for my parents and brothers. The three of us siblings began having nightly “jam” sessions, taking turns to play music and sing along or dance while working. This served to keep our spirits up and moved our thoughts from unnecessary negativity. We also continued our family’s weekly prayer meetings, praying for the many, many people affected by this sickness. I started reaching out for help from the church, from friends, even from classmates. I thought too, of the recently concluded LCLSTWO class and how St. La Salle dealt with the hardships wrought by his times. In the dark of night I’d review our modules from the class and be just a little comforted by the shared experiences we had. 

Thankfully, my parents recovered, and the symptoms, though severe, have been mitigated by the caring touch of the hospital’s workers. We are together again as a family. 

What makes a desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well. I have shown you my desert, and now I lead you to the well.

The water that springs out from the well first is Faith. Here I find the strength to keep trusting in God, keep encouraging my brothers, and to love and care for my parents from afar. Faith is what kept me living through the few weeks fraught with despair; it is what kept me praying and believing in God’s good will towards those He loves. This is the water that helps me press the enroll button for this term, despite my body, mind, and soul being exhausted. The water of Faith is freezing, but it is refreshing. It wakes me up to the goodness of life.

The well gives way to a bittersweet water- that of Service. It is this water that compels me to be kind and serve my brothers in my capacity as their guardian. It is this that binds the three of us to persevere in cleaning the house, taking care of ourselves, and sending food to the hospital. It is bittersweet water, but it is the sweet taste that remains on our tongues as we joke around, sing, cook, argue, and love.

Then comes trickles of the clearest and cleanest water- that of Communion. It is this water that keeps our home harmonious, even with our parents so far from us. It is Communion that makes those jam sessions and cleaning the house memorable. Sure, it is what kept the three of us siblings awake until midnight, chatting about happy memories and funny anecdotes, but it is also what kept the three of us waking early and staying on a family videocall at 6 in the morning. It is also the water that flows from our friends, our church family, and our extended family, all banding together to create a harmonious community. It is the last ingredient to the nurturing water in the middle of the desert.  

I have left the desert for now, but I will always remember the well.

[asteroidsj]

About This Blog

Hello to the stranger stumbling on my blog! Leave your travels at the door and come in! 

I started this blog in June of 2021. As of now, it has been over a year since the CoVID-19 virus pandemic began, affecting the entire world and its citizens along with it. The title of this blog, SJ’s Resident Alien, is sort of an homage to the strangeness that will no doubt occur when we return to campus, and I to my beloved building with cats and laboratories. 

This blog is in part, to partially fulfill requirements set in the course LCLSTRI. But I’d like it to be more than that. This blog will contain my reflections, thoughts, ideas about everything my mind has set itself upon. 

I’ll leave it at that for now. This is Patricia Sy, signing out!