I never realized that I would have accomplished and experienced so much even after only 2 days of OJT in the House of Representatives. I’ve managed to help finalize a draft for a specific bill, review past bills and the Tax Reform Act of 1997, write a few paragraphs as part of the explanatory note of that bill, learn how to file it, learn how to search archives, and attend my first session. Of course that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The best part about representing a congressman is attending the workshop conference on Political Parties earlier. I’d love to talk about that more thoroughly at another post just because it was such an overwhelming experience. It was amazing to experience the intensity of PolSci in action. hahaha. It’s like everything I learned from my past POS classes were put into good use, while we analyze a bill on political parties. It was such a wonderful exposure and I really learned so much. Two days and I already feel like I’m not just a mere OJT student. I does get quite exhausting since after my OJT, I usually have a COA meeting from 6-9PM at the Ateneo. I will have another one tomorrow. But more on my first week at my next post.

The point of this post is to share some pictures during the previous reunion I had with my high school family. Just before I start work, I had to find time for a little bit of celebration.

We usually allot at least once a month for a class reunion. And during the summer, we try to have at least one overnight affair. This one felt so rushed actually, but I’m happy that there were still quite a number of us who got to go. And that included our Madame President, Cheeze, who was also our amazing 2-time class president. We stayed at a private place with a private pool somewhere in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. The title of this entry is actually the name of the place. The traffic was brutal going there. But definitely worth it, when we arrived. The place was really nice.

We were able to break free from our responsibilities and just indulge. And after being so incredibly busy, it was really great to catch up on each other’s lives and enjoy each other’s company.

I’m still amazed at how fast time flies. I know I have been mentioning that since forever in my blog entries, but I can’t help but be fascinated with that very reality. Every time we all meet up, we never get tired of reminiscing about our high school days. There’s just that sense of nostalgia brought about by the wonderful memories of friendship from my CBCD class that has somehow become a security blanket after all these years. My apologies for sounding cheesy, but it feels like home.

Not that our conversations have been limited to that, because all those have evolved to law/med/grad school, upcoming 21st birthdays, career options, finding work, graduation, life after graduation, etc. I am not the least bit sad, honestly. In contrary, I feel excited because there is assurance that we’re all doing this together – growing up and experiencing life together, despite the various paths we’re all about to take after college. Perhaps that very notion is one of the things in my life I shall hold on to, every step of the way.

I shall try resting now. Long day ahead.

CREDITS: Pictures were taken by Charz Mendoza, Jam Noblezada and Cheeze Laconico.