Saturday photo

Or, perhaps, 'photos'?

Seeing others realize their dreams...
...as you did a while back.

I know, I complain about busy schedule and all that... and yet, when 'connections' on the other side of the Pacific howler for assistance on something, I (almost) automatically move things around in my calendar to do my best to accommodate.  Sometimes, admittedly, I try to ignore... but, at the end of the day, I feel absolutely rotten for not trying.  So, I try... I always do.  And, I know why, too.  

These guys helped me fulfill a dream I didn't even fully realized I can be so passionate about... until very recently.  I just wanted to be of service to my country.  I did 'this and that' to try to do that... but I've never gone close to feeling like I've done something remotely related to 'service'.  And then, they gave me this opportunity to study in an Ivy League Institution on that lovely, lovely hill somewhere full of beautiful lakes... I was actually opting for something else before that, just because I didn't know better.  I thought I just wanted to get away from all the overwhelming boredom I was feeling then... to find a 're-start' of sorts, 'sprint' from there... and then slow down to run a 'marathon'... all the hopes of "service" all gone. 

The 're-start' at the hill was splendid!  So awesomely splendid!  And, the 'sprint' was the most exhilarating thing I've ever known.  All the wonderful experience even made me think that, perhaps, I didn't need to run a boring marathon and actually go on a real 'journey'.  I found much encouragement from my 'connections' that that is actually doable.

And then, as I slowed down for the final inhale-exhale to run that 'marathon'... something shone in the horizon, and it says "service".  Through it all, my 'connections' have been there for me... in a way, making sure that I see how that thing in the horizon shone as beautifully as I've always imagined it would.  And it really is breathtaking, too!

Now, whenever I get an invitation, I try to make time... 'cause, ya know, it's nice to have people around you who also see the beauty of that 'thing' shining in the horizon.  Those moments are priceless... and they get you focused on the journey.

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Photo credit: I took most of the photos; two were taken by other guests at the USAID STRIDE reception for scholars and grantees at the Makati Diamond Residences on 18 June 2015.

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1st of April nostalgia...

...and it's amazin', ain't foolin'!
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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 

It gets tough... but it gets more fun, too.
So, we carry on.

Engineering's flavor of commitment, and humor-under-pressure.  From the frenzied worries that propel them to work hard like there was no tomorrow to the reassuring feeling of togetherness - the "we're all in this together" sort of feeling - to short but thoughtful conversations peppered with wisdom... I got a pocketful of all that from this afternoon's interaction with my colleagues - my friends... my team!  

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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