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by PAM
Yesterday, my morning was spent working with friends at the USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) in the newest posh establishment in Makati City, the Makati Diamond Residences, which is only on its 'soft opening'... therefore, still 'priced for academics'. :) The USAID STRIDE is the cousin of Fulbright and Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program - my 'home' when it comes to educational support. Therefore, my morning was spent well - productively, and with much nostalgia. There were plenty of moments where unrestrained laughter and goofiness were in order... and I seized and savored all of them with gusto. Talk about feeling 'at home'! :)
The afternoon was spent in my University (of course, my beloved USTe)... connecting with colleagues who are working hard - even when they are supposed to be on a holiday already. What can I say? Ever heard of "commitment"? It's a 'good stuff', and there's plenty of that in USTe's Faculty of Engineering. With my colleagues, this afternoon was definitely smothered with
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| It gets tough... but it gets more fun, too. So, we carry on. |
But, going back to nostalgia... I just joined the "Cornell University State of the Food Science Department" webinar, 12 midnight to 1:00 a.m. The Chair of the Department, Dr. Olga Padilla-Zakour, walked us through the way that the Department is paving - to yet another destination of excellence in education. It was an hour spent very well! Gave me many very good ideas. There was that familiar feeling of warmth to hear Dr. Olga's voice and distinct accent. She was the very first person from Cornell I've spoken with albeit via e-mail. Her positive response to my queries and her naturally inspired way of relating to people made me decide to try my luck in Cornell... the rest is history. The photographs from Dr. Olga's presentation of the new Stocking Hall, the state-of-the-art new home of Cornell Food Science, were awesome! But, most of all I am just very proud of how the Department is progressing... so many incredible accomplishments - from research (99 publications in just one year is close to insane!) to teaching, from extension services to relationship with the industry, from cutting edge research and teaching facilities to virtual facilities, and from excellent professors to high-achieving students. Just the one-year accomplishments leave one gasping, and speechless with awe. And when I think about all the farmers and entrepreneurs they have helped out through their Extension Programs and research works, making a positive impact on the sustained growth of New York State, and contributing to global food security... I am humbled by the mere thought of it all. I am just very proud to be an alumna!
Of course, that segment of this journey that brought me to one of the most unforgettable 'stops' would not have been possible if not for the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, and the Philippine Department of Agriculture. This is why, whenever an opportunity to assist 'the family' presents itself, I always do my best to make time for it. I had such a good experience, I wish for more people to have the same, if not better, experience.
Just last Saturday, I was looking for inspiration to keep going... because the demands of my work is getting too much for me to even think about. Over the last 24 hours, I found many nuggets of inspiration... nostalgic feelings that serve as moral compass, reminding me of the worthy reasons why I am where I am in the first place albeit extremely stressed out. I felt like 'someone' threw me some 'sweet treats'... and they taste 'heavenly'. Indeed, God is good!
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Photo credit: Thanks to Engr. Eisson Marcelo for the loan of the photo.
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