Monday, July 28, 2008
It's been a while since I've posted again.I was away from the computer for four days because we went to our first community exposure in Mangkayan, Benguet. I only didn't learn more about my profession but more of what reality means.
(with the students; after our physical assessment)Mangkayan, Benguet is not considered as a remote area. The land we stayed on was formerly known as Lower Sapid but now as Marivic. Upper Sapid is now known as Poblacion. We only handled Marivic because other groups were assigned to Poblacion and Gravel Pit.
We reached Marivic after one hour (I guess) from Abatan which was really a long way because there isn't an actual road there. Well there was, but it isn't solid cement but a rocky road. The total traveling time from Baguio is 4 hours.
Upon reaching Marivic, it was a simple community where bank houses could be seen. Shanties are considered the squatter's area because the bank houses are supplemented by the mining company there.
One of our objectives was to finish the physical assessment of the Grade 4 students which the previous group haven't finished. To make the work fast, we divided the systems to be assessed with ourselves and I was assigned to the heart and breast.
It was awkward for me and the student upon assessing the breast. Although they are still young, there were those who were having their menstruation cycle already so I taught them SBE (self-breast examination). With the heart, there wasn't much problem with the assessment. It was my first time to hear an S3 in a 10-year old boy. We endorsed him to the next group as to monitor and if they could visit his home.
The main problem we observed in the community is their hygiene. Most of the children have dental caries, lesions and wounds. They became our target clients and we plan to do health teachings in the school when we go back.
Reality? It was around us. We felt it and we were one with them.
***
(July 26, 2008; at Dawn's birthday celebration)
This was the first time me and my Louisian friend's met after many months. I observed a lot of changes but what can I do if I was the one who was separated. Sigh. There are a lot of factors why I didn't want to leave St. Louis University. Not only the name of the school but also the people I got separated from. Anyway, this was one happy night. (Kagagaling ko sa community nito. Instead of going home immediately, I still went here hahah!)
(July 26, 2008; at Dawn's birthday celebration)***
(July 27, 2008; Franz and I at KFC, SM Baguio)
This was also the first time Franz and I met. I went to her school and she introduced her friends. I'm happy for her that she has already moved on. Although it's hard for a lot of us, it really takes time to heal the wounds of separation.
We really pigged out this time. It's quite embarrassing to elaborate what we ate haha. So there, I told her what happened the night Ice cream and I went out. We even went to those places. Namiss ko tuloy siya, hay.
We really pigged out this time. It's quite embarrassing to elaborate what we ate haha. So there, I told her what happened the night Ice cream and I went out. We even went to those places. Namiss ko tuloy siya, hay.
