My three-day formation seminar hosted by OSA with those who comprise COA or the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo was yet again another very high point of my most eventful summer yet. I honestly don’t know how to begin, seeing as the attempt to look back at what has transpired during those three days is all too overwhelming. And the fact that I’m leaving for Camiguin in around 4 hours is also not helping. I mean I’m quite exhausted from the very eventful formsem, as well as the 2am sleeping time for the previous 2 nights. But anyway, I really just want to blog about my experience. Just because it was so powerful and inspiring for me personally that it just needs to be shared out in the open. I’ll just try to put it down in list form to make it easier for me to share a few thoughts about the wonderful experience I had with COA.

• Everything about the formsem was just inspiring. I didn’t think it was possible to feel so much inspiration building up, one activity after another. But it happened. And it was so wonderful. There were so many points wherein I found myself caught up with the words, stories, the overflowing passion of the speakers that I tried so hard to hold back tears. Simply put, I was completely overwhelmed. The things I was learning, discovering and sharing were all so powerful, especially when I am reminded of my role as part of COA.
• Knowing that I am surrounded by an outstanding group of leaders comprising of the COA Central Board, Sanggu President and the Presidents of the 47 accredited organizations of the Ateneo fills me with so much honor and awe. More importantly, I was given the chance to get to know all of them in different ways. We all underwent several activities, sessions and workshops. And I have to say that everyone just blew me away with their ideas, thoughts, plans and passions.
• More than all that, I think I’ve formed new bonds of friendship with these people, and perhaps even the organizations they represent. It was amazing to see that despite the diversity of the nature and interest of all these organizations, everyone just seemed to get along – bringing out the best in each other, continuing to inspire one idea to the next. Shoutout to my cluster: BlueREP, Ateneo College Glee Club, Company of Ateneo Dancers and Tanghalang Ateneo and their wonderful presidents, who are all going to be my sources of strength come next year. I am very, very excited to work with them as we all continue to strengthen our love for the arts. Seriously, there’s just so much love in that COA formsem.
• Once again, I was reminded of how humbling, fulfilling and empowering it is to be part of a council that can exert so much influence and transformation not just in the Ateneo, but extending on to various communities that require such change. I can make a bigger difference this time. And I can do it with the help of such brilliant people. With that said, I am looking forward to a great and promising year.
• I’d have to thank my ex-blockmate, Joy for pushing me to run for this position back then. Being part of COA is like finding another family in the Ateneo. I’m so happy that even if I’ve somehow expanded my networks, I still feel so much at home. I lovelovelove COA.

All in all the experience is just what I need to start off my eventful summer. Tomorrow, I’ll be leaving for Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch some R&Rs and just embrace the peacefulness and serenity of the provincial life and away from the hustle and bustle of ateneo, school, responsibilities, etc. Time for another form of escapism to take hold of me until I get back by Monday.

Pictures from the event will follow.