It's been years since I've typed in a blog! Reading my sister and my friends' entries really encouraged me to get my thoughts out on paper. Well--I guess--internet paper?
As you all know, December 31st (aka New Years Eve) is just around the corner. New Years has always been such a kick in the butt. It really convicts me to put my year into perspective. I mean, I would love to say that I've grown, learned and become a better person, but those are really difficult things to weigh out. If anything, I think I've become a lot more comfortable with certain parts of me that make me John Philip Abano Bongco. I guess another way of summing up the year is listing some highlights:
-Completing my first year at UCLA
-Getting accepted to the Nursing Program at UCLA
-Being a part of Samahang
-Falling in love with dance
-Getting into NSU Modern
-Losing the weight of a small child (60 lbs.)
-Meeting Rhommel Lacanare and Alma Riego
-Meeting UBD
-Watching my sister perform with Audiology and spending brother and sister time with her.
I'm sure there is more,
but these really stood out to me. Attending UCLA has certainly been a huge growing experience for me. It's been great having the space to grow away from my parents and my hometown. I've learned a lot about who I am. I'm still the same motivated, ambitious, affectionate, dorky, nerdy, mistake-making kid you know from New Bedford Drive, but I think I've gained a lot more confidence living in a sort of pseudo-independent environment.
I'm still getting over the fact that I got into the Nursing Program at UCLA. It is a dream come true. The Nursing School faculty is so generous. They invest so much time into making sure we do well. Professor Heilemann taught my first class on Nursing Ethics and she was brilliant. I am happy that my major IS my job. I know that I'll be happy helping others improve in terms of their health.
Dance...I've really come to fall in love with. For me, dance isn't just movement. It helps reflect who I am. It teaches me to never settle for less.
NSU Modern is another dream come true. I never thought that I would be a part of such a great team. I can't wait to perform at VIBE XIV (2009).
Haha, "he lost the weight of a small child" -Jeff Gless. Yeah, I did this for myself.
UBD, you guys are like my little brothers and sisters. I will always have your backs! Keep pushing for what we talked about. We will all get there!
Watching my sister pursue her passion in music is great. Audiology added a brass section into some of their songs this year. It made their band extrally great. Good job sister.
I don't think she knows how much she blows me away. I really love spending brother and sister time with her. I can just be me.
Hmm, not much closure with this note, but I will be back later. This year was definitely a unique one.
On a side note, I watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" with my parents the other day. I was surprised to find that I was not the only person who felt like the movie made me want to examine where I am in my life. This quote by the main character was really simple, but it meant a lot to me: "Life is all about opportunities, even the ones you miss." In the same way, history, our lives, my life is often written on the back of hard work. We acknowledge times of achievement and success, but we are very quick to move on from the hardships and heartache we experience rather than learning from them and acknowledging how they build who we are. Wow, I guess what I am REALLY trying to say is that I missed a few opportunities this year, but 2009 definitely gives me something to look forward to. Ultimately, missing opportunities are learning experiences. Maybe we'll be more lucky this year. Be back soon :].
As you all know, December 31st (aka New Years Eve) is just around the corner. New Years has always been such a kick in the butt. It really convicts me to put my year into perspective. I mean, I would love to say that I've grown, learned and become a better person, but those are really difficult things to weigh out. If anything, I think I've become a lot more comfortable with certain parts of me that make me John Philip Abano Bongco. I guess another way of summing up the year is listing some highlights:
-Completing my first year at UCLA
-Getting accepted to the Nursing Program at UCLA
-Being a part of Samahang
-Falling in love with dance
-Getting into NSU Modern
-Losing the weight of a small child (60 lbs.)
-Meeting Rhommel Lacanare and Alma Riego
-Meeting UBD
-Watching my sister perform with Audiology and spending brother and sister time with her.
I'm sure there is more,
but these really stood out to me. Attending UCLA has certainly been a huge growing experience for me. It's been great having the space to grow away from my parents and my hometown. I've learned a lot about who I am. I'm still the same motivated, ambitious, affectionate, dorky, nerdy, mistake-making kid you know from New Bedford Drive, but I think I've gained a lot more confidence living in a sort of pseudo-independent environment.I'm still getting over the fact that I got into the Nursing Program at UCLA. It is a dream come true. The Nursing School faculty is so generous. They invest so much time into making sure we do well. Professor Heilemann taught my first class on Nursing Ethics and she was brilliant. I am happy that my major IS my job. I know that I'll be happy helping others improve in terms of their health.
I've met some of the most down to earth people in Samahang. Ashley Yu and G-Baby! Thanks for being by my side Freshman year. Without you guys I wouldn't have met my future roomie John Duong--haha, who I am equally thankful for. Jessica Ramos, I'll always know you as my partner in crime. Mark Sy thanks for being my SPEAR counselor. Amazumies (first years), I love you guys and girls. Thanks for the uncontrollable laugher you've brought me through things like lip syncing randomness, fobbish accents and being the fans of 
Jenina Sanmiguel (sp?).
Jenina Sanmiguel (sp?).Dance...I've really come to fall in love with. For me, dance isn't just movement. It helps reflect who I am. It teaches me to never settle for less.
NSU Modern is another dream come true. I never thought that I would be a part of such a great team. I can't wait to perform at VIBE XIV (2009).
Haha, "he lost the weight of a small child" -Jeff Gless. Yeah, I did this for myself.
Rhommel and Alma, I know I don't get to talk to you two much anymore, but you will always mean a lot to me. I'll keep it at that for now.
UBD, you guys are like my little brothers and sisters. I will always have your backs! Keep pushing for what we talked about. We will all get there!
Watching my sister pursue her passion in music is great. Audiology added a brass section into some of their songs this year. It made their band extrally great. Good job sister.
I don't think she knows how much she blows me away. I really love spending brother and sister time with her. I can just be me.
Hmm, not much closure with this note, but I will be back later. This year was definitely a unique one.
On a side note, I watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" with my parents the other day. I was surprised to find that I was not the only person who felt like the movie made me want to examine where I am in my life. This quote by the main character was really simple, but it meant a lot to me: "Life is all about opportunities, even the ones you miss." In the same way, history, our lives, my life is often written on the back of hard work. We acknowledge times of achievement and success, but we are very quick to move on from the hardships and heartache we experience rather than learning from them and acknowledging how they build who we are. Wow, I guess what I am REALLY trying to say is that I missed a few opportunities this year, but 2009 definitely gives me something to look forward to. Ultimately, missing opportunities are learning experiences. Maybe we'll be more lucky this year. Be back soon :].
