HIVE HORIZONS 06: me on the ‘new’ tomorrow

Truthfully, the “when” question is bothering us all. And because I want to spend the time for productive things besides having to comply for my unfinished research and university stuff, I wrote poems and other literary yarns that talk about the things that I felt are expressive to my quarantined self (which by the way, I posted one poem on my HIVE HORIZONS 03 post). While some might have enjoyed the very long break and isolation to the rest of the world, it will definitely just tire us all out sooner into wishing that the streets, the university lobby, the mall, or anywhere beyond our own house is the best place where we can be free and live the most. Right?

Now that the fast-forward changes of developing solutions to this health crisis are almost at the culmination, the important question now is on the “what”; our plans that will bring us forth to moving forward and heal without the fear of risking ourselves.

Before I hop in sharing my Post Pandemic List, which is my entry on the challenge of HIVE PH’s Contest, I believe it is best to define the nature of this list first. Since it is already post-pandemic, the things that we can do outside even during this quarantine period may count, but on a different magnitude of freedom. Therefore, I would like to assume these two things that would describe the post-pandemic scenario:

A proven and tested COVID-19 vaccine is already out for medical use, although the virus is yet to be eliminated.

The country is not anymore in quarantine guidelines – which means everybody can go out freely.

Of course, these two assumptions are apparent to whatever becomes the concept of the ‘new normal’; still following minimum standards and protocols from authorities. Anyhow, dreaming of a perfect post-pandemic list is anybody’s prerogative. The things on my list may be possible or not to happen soon after, but here is to hoping that this will all be fulfilled!

With People ...

It can’t be denied that the days and weeks of lockdown have brought me into the realization of the importance of people and family.

A family that does not only include the ones that I am with inside the house but most especially the family that I created and belonged to outside. These are my friends in high school, in college, or even outside my academic self, which includes my close relatives and networks in all of my affiliations. The promising memories that I shared being with them are something that I would like to be done again. This time, I want to check them personally and how they are coping with being with limited people for months. I’d like to assume that my friends are mostly talkative when it comes to reunions. So, as much as I want them all to be heard and express whatever is stuck on their mind, I would rather sit and listen to their quarantine stories than me talking. Someday, somehow, I have mine to share as well should they want to hear them. Above all, I most looking forward to the deep talks and long laughs, and most importantly – the hugs and cheers I will extend.

_{photos taken from: USC Chemical Engineering Society}

Besides the people I know, I would like to be with the beneficiaries of the projects I am a part of. These people, mostly kids, played a big part in my growth as a community servant. That is why I want to spend my time with them too after this pandemic. I believe that @queenielee, @ybanezkim26, @thegaillery, and @glecerioberto can relate to this very much because like any other service, these people are the ones that spearheaded the vision and spread the inspiration. I don’t want to sound promising, but it has been quite some time seeing the kids of USCChES' Project LIBRO. I can’t wait to see how much they have grown now.

To Places ...

I am not much of a wanderer myself, but I have always felt some kind of connection and made some unforgettable memories when I travel around the city or nearby nature escapades.

Ever since high school days, the city has always been my go-to place on all sorts of occasions. Those night outs I spent with my high school ‘barkada’ in popular drinking spots and karaoke places, were the ones I miss first of all. The first time I went home drunk was the night I won’t ever forget because, after that, I remain determined not to spoil myself anymore until I’m wasted.

More than that, I would love to go out again with my college mates in coffee shops. The smell of freshly brewed coffee in some cozy and some crowded cafes is surely on top of the reason I want to visit again - besides the fact that we stayed for almost 24 hours inside, leeching to their fast Wi-Fi connection. hehe 😅.

_{photos taken from: pinoytravelfreak | KresiaJulio/wordpress}

On the other hand, my post-pandemic list on the places to visit will certainly include nature and adventure. Breathing in fresh air while rejuvenating my soul with the divine view is something to die for. I don’t intend to travel for long hours to make this possible though. The nearest towns just beyond the buzzing city are enough for my sweet escape. Besides, the satisfaction of the trip is very much dependent on the people you are with. 😍

On Myself ...

This is definitely not the least on my post-pandemic list. There is a plentiful of things I miss spending and pursuing myself. Alone or not, I would describe my healing as something rewarding. Beyond the visits and escapades, which is also healing, by the way, I would like to pursue my plans to continue growing as a student and as a leader.

_{right photo taken from: JG Summit Petrochemicals}

Priority on this list is my plan for working. Not really and necessarily on a corporate job, but more like an internship; where I can unlock the skills that I want to acquire or further improve. Currently, I am eyeing on an industrial internship at a big company outside my hometown. Seeing it as a possible space for my future, I am not yet certain that both my parents would allow me.

Considering my first plan will leave me available for some time, I would also like to push through the implementation of the community project I started. It was the year 2017 when I drafted a complete project proposal for this advocacy that I want to pursue. However, for countless reasons revolving around academics and family matters, I decided to put this project on hold. To give you a brief background, the project is centered on giving holistic training to young people who would like to contribute a small change to their communities. It is basically a youth development program anchored on the goals of sustainability. I call the project 'SCHOLARLY', as it exemplifies the approach of the youth, which is to be focused and interested in the development of a subject - the community.

All these aside, the world after this pandemic is a stage full of opportunities. I just can't wait to get myself started.

It is hard to imagine how much of the old normal will change after this pandemic – from wearing masks to distance work and learning as the new norm. Although I am still hopeful of enjoying the things I normally do just like old times, it will never be the same. On a positive note, I believe that these changes are needed to adapt our sense of maturity on matters like health security and response, which we seem to have left undermined.

My post-pandemic list, I know, is very simple. But knowing the newness of the ‘after’ from the ‘before’, I know, it would be a whole lot different memory worth anticipating. Everyone is looking forward to that special day of freedom, And although the pandemic may have altered a lot, certainly, not our drive to be resilient and move forward.

If there is one thing this contest has challenged me, it would be bringing out the hopeful spirit in me, and for that, I thank HIVE PH for coming up with this initiative.

That would all for now. Stay tuned for my #HIVEHORIZONS Journey! See you on the next!