SERENDIPITY

HI I'M KAT

[katrincuello-blog]

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH UNEMPLOYMENT

DO’S:

Research about the company you’re trying to apply for.

Research about the job that you want.

Bring all required documents: resume, application forms, etc.

Maintain good eye contact during the interview.

Listen carefully to each question so that you will be able to answer with confidence.

Make sure to always start with a good impression.

Have a positive vibe and believe in yourself.

Send a thank you note or message to the interview which expresses your gratitude for the opportunity to have an interview.

DON’TS:

Don’t come in late and stressed.

Avoid using filler words; ex: (uhm, aah, hmm)

Avoid answering the interviewee’s questions with “Yes” or “No” only, explain your answers with complete thoughts.

Avoid calling the company over and over again after your interview is done. It can lessen the chance of you getting the job.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS!

WHAT TO WEAR:

[katrincuello-blog]

A Change of Perspective

One of the books that probably made a big impact in my life is the novel Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. All of my brothers were required to read this novel when they were in high school. When it became my turn, my school changed the curriculum and we weren’t required to read Tuesdays with Morrie anymore. I think it was our semestral break and I got bored and I thought why not give Tuesdays with Morrie a try?

So I read it and it was one of the best things I’ve done in my life. This book is about a relationship of a dying professor and how he was able to give his last few lessons to his student about life. Here are some of the memorable quotes from the book for me.

“The tension of opposites:

Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn't. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted.

A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. And most of us live somewhere in the middle.”

I have personally experienced being torn between two things. It’s not that easy but sometimes all we have to do is compromise. Sometimes, things are just really simple it’s just that we make it complicated.There are things that we really have to sacrifice in order to find the greater happiness in life.

“We put our values in the wrong things. And it leads to very disillusioned lives.”

One quote that I associate with this is a quote from The Little Prince, “what is essential is invisible to the eye.” I think that the most common mistake of man is that they choose to value the wrong things in life. Most often than not, we put value in material things and this is one of the reasons why we don’t really find true happiness in our lives.

Overall, this book made me feel a roller coaster of emotions but also gave me the best realizations in my life. I was also able to rethink about a few stuff regarding what really matters in life and how I would be able to be truly happy in life.

[katrincuello-blog]

The Little Prince

Even though I have already read the book, I can say that the movie was really really really nice. Since I already know the story and the representation of each planet and character, I paid attention to the graphics and how the story was projected.

I like how they added the characters of the mom and the little girl because it was able to build a story line. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was the right movie or if the file was wrong, but as the movie played I have realized that they added new characters

I like the way they built the relationship between the pilot and the little girl. The way that at the start of the movie it was like impossible for them to get along. I got excited when the little girl started to be curious about the story of the pilot. 

This scene above where in the pilot was rushed to the hospital and the little girl biked all the way despite the rain almost made me cry. I was also touched when the little girl went to find the prince and was also able to convince the little prince to go back to his rose.

Overall, this film made me go a rollercoaster of emotions. This movie got me excited, happy, sad, frustrated, and a different set of emotions. I remember reading from the book, “what is essential is invisible to the eye,” and I can say that this is truly one of the greatest lessons in the book. I remember it being mentioned in the film although I forgot which part of the film it was. The Little Prince is a very inspiring movie because it made me realize that sometimes the things that are the most important to us can’t be physically seen but rather just truly felt in our hearts.

[katrincuello-blog]

Creating Myself

I have heard or read somewhere, “You are strong when you are weak.” Showing your vulnerable sign doesn’t mean you’re being weak rather it just shows how brave and strong you are for you are able to show your soft side. I have a few life changing events that greatly contributed to who I am today. Although I had my ups and downs in my life, I can say that either way, these events helped me become who I am. These 3 life changing events were my grandfather’s death, my-almost-kidnapped-incident, and my college experience so far.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MY GRANDMOTHER, MY 2 BROTHERS, ME, MY GRANDFATHER, AND MY BROTHER)

My first life changing event was when my grandfather died. This loss was unexpected because I’ve always seen my grandfather as a strong person. He passed away 5 days just before my birthday in the year 2007. I wasn’t sad because I celebrated my birthday in the cemetery rather because I’ve realized that in a blink of an eye you could really lose someone. It was life changing for me because this event made me realize that we never know when it would be someone’s last breath so we should never ever take anyone for granted. I felt bad because I wish I was able to spend more time with my grandfather. This tragic loss resulted in me being careful with how I interact with others and as much as possible I try my best not to get angry with people.

Another life changing event was my almost-kidnapped-incident. This happened when I was in grade 6. I was at home because classes got suspended when the phone rang. I immediately answered it and received a news that my mom got into an accident and as I heard the news, tears couldn’t stop falling from my eyes. The girl on the phone also said that my mom is requesting for me to go to the hospital where she was rushed and bring all her jewelries and her cash box. I immediately followed what the girl on the phone said because I didn’t know what else to do. I took the cab going to the hospital where my mom was “rushed” and I was on the road for about 2 hours. To cut the story short, when I arrived at the hospital, I immediately asked the nurse where my mom is. The nurse was confused because my mom wasn’t listed in the people who were rushed in the emergency room that morning. The guards realized that I was victimized by the “budul- budol gang” so they brought me to the main office in the hospital. I called up my mom and after 9 hours of waiting, both my parents along with my auntie and uncle, rushed into the office. It was actually the first time that I saw both my parents cry. This experience of mine resulted in my parents being more strict towards me. Even at just the age of 12 during this incident, I started to become more responsible.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 1ST ROW: ANTON CAMACHO, VIA LIM, MARIZ SUBAGAN;

2ND ROW: KATE REYES, PIA UGOT, LUIGI MIGUEL, IMARI BALBEDINA, REGINA PILANTE, JOVELLE LAGGUI;

3RD ROW: KAYE UY, ME (KATRIN CUELLO), CAMILLE LEUTERIO)

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARIZ SUBAGAN, JOVELLE, LAGGUI, CAMILLE LEUTERIO, ANTON CAMACHO, IMARI BALBEDINA, ME (KATRIN CUELLO), KAYE UY, LUIGI MIGUEL)

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 1ST ROW: CJ CHUA, KURT ALILING, MARIZ SUBAGAN, IMARI BALBEDINA;

2ND ROW: JOSEPH MALIMATA, JILLIAN SISON, ME (KATRIN CUELLO);

3RD ROW: MATTHEW OCAMPO, CAMILLE LEUTERIO)

(MY MAIN SQUAD: JOVELLE LAGGUI, CAMILLE LEUTERIO, ME (KATRIN CUELLO), KAYE UY, IMARI BALBEDINA, MARIZ SUBAGAN)

(ME (KATRIN CUELLO) AND DOMINIC CASIPIT)

My last life changing event is probably my college experience so far. This may be vague but in college, I’ve learned that yes, I have my freedom but I still shouldn’t forget my responsibilities and know my limits. I definitely have had my ups and downs in college. I have experienced all nighters and having absolutely 0 hours of sleep just to study or finish a requirement. But I have also met people who accept me for who I am and  those type of friends that I actually consider as family. These are the people who have helped me get through the first 2 terms of college and I am forever grateful for them. 

Losing someone, having a traumatizing experience, and living my college life have helped me in creating who I am. My life has been a roller-coaster ride but the lows are just as important as the highs because they have shaped me into who I am today. Without these experiences, I was able to create myself- who I am today.

[katrincuello-blog]

Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa

June 03, 2016

Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa— ang ibig sabihin ng maikling parirala na ito ay parang kung ano man yung gagawin natin yun rin naman ay para sa ating ikabubuti. Kung tayo ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na tumulong sa iba, ito rin ay para sa ating sarili. Ako kasi ay isang klase ng tao na kapag nakakatulong sa iba ay gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko. Kapag alam ko na ako ay nakakatulong sa iba, parang napakalaking accomplishment na ito. 

Kaya naman ngayon, ako ay mas lalong excited na sa mga susunod na NSTP session kasi naman marami kaming naplano last term. At nakakatuwang isipin na kung last term ay puro plano lang ang aming nagawa, this term ay maisasagawa na talaga namin ang aming mga plano para sa komunidad.

[katrincuello-blog]

Last.

April 02, 2016

This session was our last session for this term. When I got to the classroom, the chairs were already arranged and the groups have already started discussing the project output. We were each just assigned tasks that we have to accomplish.

Sir Gian also asked us to wear a statement shirt and I wore a shirt with a smiley face that looks tired. I chose this shirt because NSTP is really tiring, especially those long trips during immersions, but I think it is the good kind of tired. In the end, it will be all worth it especially when we see the smiling faces of those people whom we have helped. 

I am looking forward in doing all our projects and plans for the community :)

[katrincuello-blog]

Immersed Part 2.

March 12, 2016

For this day, we went back again to the community for the last time before our tutoring sessions begin. We were given enough time to spend with our families.

After eating lunch, we talked with Ate Nympha for a little while then we watched the kids play outside. Watching the kids enjoy their youth took me back to the times when I, myself, was playing with my brothers and cousins. It also made me realize that these kids, who were playing right in front of me, deserve a better education than they are receiving now and it made me smile thinking that we are going to help them real soon.

[katrincuello-blog]

Planning.

March 05, 2016

For this session of NSTP, the class was divided into two groups— those who only wanted to do tutoring and those who wanted tutoring plus oyher developmental projects. At first, I wanted to choose the latter because I also wanted to do more for the community. I chose to join the first group because I thought that there’s a lot of children in the community.

So we proceeded with our groups and discussed our future plans for the community. My group decided to teach 2 subjects which are math and english. We also decided to make the tutoring home based so that it would be easier for the students.

This session made me more excited for NSTP. I hope that our plans will be successful so that we couls really help the community.

[katrincuello-blog]

Blessed.

February 27, 2016

For this session, we discussed each family’s lifestyle, needs, problems, etc. I find it amazing that despite the problems and obstacles they are still happy. They still choose to stay in their community. I think that’s one thing that I admire from them, that they try to look at the brighter side of things. I admire them because of their dreams and ambitions in life. 

When we were tallying the the results, it made me realize how blessed I am. That sometimes, their money for their needs is just my money for my wants. Because not everyone is given the chance to a comfortable living. 

[katrincuello-blog]

Immersed.

February 06, 2016 Last Saturday, we had our first immersion in San Jose Del Monte Bulacan. I woke up around 4 am and I had only 3 hours of sleep. We were all waiting in Harrison and we finally left Manila around 7:30 am.The ride going there wasn't much since most of us just slept. When we arrived, we were each assigned a partner and a host family. I was happy because my partner was my blockmate, Erica. They were so welcoming and they even offered us food. Ate Nympha just gave birth 2 weeks ago and the baby is so cute and so fragile- her name is Janella. The first thing me and my partner did was accomplish the paper given by Sir Gian. After that we talked about Ate Nympha's love life and how she met Kuya Joel. I also got to know Ate Nympha's daughters, Jenelyn and Janda. Ate Nympha's sons were playing with their cousins outside since their cousins are here for vacation. I remember when Ate Nympha proudly said how hard working her husband is and that she is contented and happy as long as their family is together. On the way home, most of us needed to pee but we just slept it off since we can't stop over. I woke up when our jeepney stopped in España and I was asking the people who were awake why we stopped. They said that we were waiting for one jeepney because they stopped over to pee and I found it really unfair because most of us needed to pee but we weren't allowed to stop over. After the immersion, I realized how blessed I am. That I shouldn't take advantage of the things I am blessed with because others don't even have it. I have also realized that there are much more important things in life that people often neglect because they are often blinded by society.

[katrincuello-blog]

Third.

January 30, 2016

Sir Gian assigned us a seat so that we would get to socialize with other people. I was still seated with my blockmates though. Then we had an activity where in there were statements presented and we would choose if we agree with it or not. I was shocked to know that I actually disagree with some statements of the church.

We had a game where in you would write one question in order to get to know someone. We passed the questions around and asked different people. It was fun because I got to know small things about other people.

The last part of the session, the representatives of our partner community talked and they explained to us about their community which made me excited for the immersion.

[katrincuello-blog]

Beloved.

January 23, 2016

We discussed the Lasallian Reflection Framework and I’ve realized that I always have to be sensitive in dealing with other people. I always have to be considerate and think, “what if I was in there position?” What would I feel? Because only then can you do the right action.

In the next part of the session, we were told to describe ourselves using a positive or a negative adjective with the letters of our names. We were then given a piece of paper with a “Hello, my name is _____” and we were asked to write down a negative adjective we used. I chose the word “negative” because I don’t know why but it’s hard for me to always look on the bright side.

The last part of the session, Sir Gian asked us to come in front and he changed the negative adjective written on our papers and wrote beloved. I’ve realized that I should try and to be optimistic as much as I can. I remembered the quote, “don’t worry, be happy.” Life may be  hard but that doesn’t mean hat I should give up.

[katrincuello-blog]

Sacrifice.

January 16, 2016

I think that this word will sum up my experience for the few coming weeks. I have to sacrifice for the people that I care about. I have to learn to consider the happiness of others before mine. I have to learn that nothing in life comes easy and that sometimes I really have to sacrifice even something I love in order to truly find happiness in life.

At first, I was worried because when the others started sharing their dreams, it all involved helping other people. But my only dream by 2030 is to be truly happy and I was thinking to myself of how selfish that was. But then I thought what is one thing that I really want to change in this world? And then I remembered all those people sleeping in the streets, those children that I pass by everyday going to school. So when I went up in front I decided to say that I hope that in 2030, those street children would have a place to live in. It always disheartens me every time I see people sleeping on the streets and it makes me realize how blessed I am, that I should never ever take things for granted. 

This was the day that I realized that there is still actually hope. Listening to other people’s dreams in life made me feel happy- because I realized that there are still a lot of people willing to sacrifice for others, that there are still people with good intentions, and that there are people who are willing to serve others. I realized that there are still a lot of people with the hopes of changing the world for the better. And this realization inspired me to push myself harder in order to achieve my goals in life.

I can now say that after that day, I now look forward in spending my Saturday by losing myself in service of others.I hope this experience will be life changing not only for me but for everyone as well.