Studying from afar is quite challenging, yet it teaches us how to stand on our own and be independent. At this age, we need to learn how to survive without relying on our parents' assistance. We must take responsibility for ourselves, especially in taking care of our health.
As we begin our new journey, everything has changed. It’s different from what we were used to. Back in high school, our parents woke us up, and everything was already prepared the breakfast, lunch, allowance, clothes everything. We ate whenever we wanted to, and it felt like food was unlimited. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, especially my mother’s recipes. But now, as college students, it feels like our food is limited because we need to budget.
Every day, we eat canned goods and noodles. I was prepared for this since we’re renting, but it’s still exhausting, and it doesn’t feel healthy at all. I miss the vegetables and fish dishes vegetable soup, pinakbet, poached fish, and more.
I miss all of them. I haven’t had a chance to cook vegetables since there are none available in our boarding house, and the ones we planted haven’t grown enough to harvest. Also, we’re so busy with our studies that we sometimes skip meals or eat late.
However, I made a promise to myself that I would cook vegetable soup not today, but soon. Just a few days ago, my mother harvested some vegetables from her garden and gave me some. When I arrived back at my boarding house, I cooked them, and my friends helped as well.
This was it. After almost three months, it was the first time I had vegetable soup again. It was so delicious and satisfying, especially with corn rice.
I am very happy and satisfied that I achieved and fulfilled my promise: "Cook a vegetable soup."