Lasts, Lessons, and Gratitude in Jagna: My Final Month

Honestly, this blog has been a bit difficult for me to write. I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact that this is my last month as a Science Corps Fellow and my final blog. Wow. Someone really needs to build a time machine already. It seems like only yesterday that I left Texas and traveled thousands of miles away, only to fall in love with Jagna at first sight. 

My last month at CVIF was very bittersweet. During my final week of teaching, I had more opportunities to bond with some of my students in the research class. I loved their enthusiasm and curiosity whenever I answered their questions. I still remember my first day in class–I was so nervous, and I’m sure the students were too. Seeing how comfortable they had become gathering around my desk to ask questions meant so much to me. One student even tried teaching me how to play Mobile Legends, haha. 

I also had the pleasure of giving a workshop to the students where I spoke about maximizing their time in college to prepare for higher education. Some of the topics included information on the structure of college, tips for studying, and how to ask for a letter of recommendation from professors. I hope the students were able to take away some valuable insights from the workshop.

Not only do I pride myself on being an educator, but I’ve also been a researcher for over 12 years. Naturally, I’ve gravitated towards the CVIF JAZC Marine Sciences Laboratory. Bonding with the researchers (Hi Ron, Prince, Abby, Richedel, and Anya!) over the last few months holds a special place in my heart. I organized the first bi-annual JAZC Marine Science Laboratory Academic Writing Workshop where I discussed the major components of a research manuscript. We discussed the lab’s current project, organized the data, and presented an outline of the manuscript to Sir Chris Bernido. Overall, the workshop was a success, and I hope to see the lab continue to grow and achieve even more successes in the future.

I’ve also been getting into the Christmas spirit this month thanks to the many celebrations hosted by CVIF. First, I attended the CVIF SHS Christmas Party where the students were full of energy. Each grade and section had beautifully decorated Christmas tables along with gifts and food. It was especially touching to hear one of my students sing a Christmas song and to see all of the students exchange gifts. I even danced with the SHS teachers during our portion of the celebration which brought me so much joy. And of course, one of the best parts was the lechon and the variety of food at every section. I’ll just say that I finally tried the ribs of the lechon and they are definitely the best part!

I also attended the CVIF Family Christmas Celebration at Lenny’s Function Hall where the junior high and SHS teachers celebrated together. Aside from once again being excited about the lechon, I had such a great time dancing with the teachers and exchanging gifts. Fittingly, the person I picked to give a gift to was Prince Nayga, and he absolutely loved it! The following day, I went to the CVIF General Christmas Program at the Jagna Cultural Center where students sang Christmas carols and danced their hearts out. It was only then that it truly hit me–this would be my last CVIF program to witness as a Science Corps Fellow. 

Speaking of “lasts”, I hosted a farewell party at Can-uba Beach with the SHS teachers. I had so much fun singing with them and I received gifts that I will always cherish. Looking back, this makes me a little emotional because I’ll miss the SHS teachers dearly. I’ll miss going to the faculty room and saying hello to everyone. I’ll miss hearing Jay Cris sing beautifully to himself or out loud at his desk. I’ll miss stopping by Ma’am Ruby’s desk to chat with her for a bit and saying hello to Ma’am Queenie. I’m very grateful for my time at CVIF and while I experienced many “lasts” this month as a Science Corps Fellow, I know that the connections I’ve made here will always remain. 

Of course, I can’t end this blog without talking about traveling this month. I managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Palawan where I visited El Nido and it was utterly beautiful. I spent most of my time strolling along the beaches (El Nido beach and Lio Beach), hiking to Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls (which was definitely a workout!), and admiring the beautiful rock formations that reminded me so much of Isles de Gigantes. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to go island hopping as tropical depression Wilma was looming at the time. However, this just means that I will be back in El Nido someday–hopefully next year with one of my best friends. Can you believe that Palawan marks the 19^th island I’ve been to since the start of my fellowship? Again–I need that time machine to be built already!

So, I bet you’re wondering what’s next for me. Am I returning to the USA? Am I staying in the Philippines? Where am I going next? What are my plans? All I’ll say for now is that my academic journey has taken yet another exciting twist. Just know that I won’t be saying an official “goodbye” to Jagna–just “see you later!” After all, Jagna will always be my home away from home. Who knows? I may be back for the next fiesta ;). 

Acknowledgements: 

To Science Corps: Thank you, Ben, Sarah, and Eddy for selecting me for this fellowship and supporting me during this time. To say that I have had an amazing experience here would be an understatement.  

To Prince Nayga: Priiiiiince! Thank you for everything from answering my many questions, to guiding me on the DLP and classes, and for just being a good friend.

To Ella Reroma: Ella, Ella, eh, eh, eh! Thank you for your kindness, friendship, and the gentle reminders to finish these blogs, haha. 

To Sir Chris Bernido: Thank you so much for your warmth and hospitality. I’ll always cherish my stay in Jagna.  

To my CVIF STEM students: I will miss all of you dearly! Thank y’all for your kindness and enthusiasm during classes. Keep working towards your goals–I know you can do it! 

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my monthly blogs and following my journey as a Science Corps Fellow. I hope y’all have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and may the Lord God continue to bless you!

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