Fleeting Moments, Eternal Memories – A Summer to Remember :)

Looking back, Summer 2013 was such a surreal and amazing journey in itself. It was the best summer I ever had and definitely one of the most memorable 3 months in my life.

It a was a summer full of first times and new experiences. It was a summer full of smiles, laughter and tears. It was a summer that brought out the best in me. I truly learned so much about myself and all the high and low experiences I went through this past summer helped me see life in so many different perspectives.

These are just a few of the many experiences I had this summer but these were definitely the highlights that stood out. These are moments that I will never want to forget. These are moments if I had an opportunity, I’d like to experience once more. These are moments that changed my life in so many different ways.

My summer just wouldn’t have been as surreal and as phantasmagorical if it weren’t for these moments. Moments that I want to eternalize, and moments I’ll forever look back to when summer 2013 is mentioned. So without further ado, here are the 8 highlights of my summer.

1. Anvaya Bonding withthe Backyardigans – March 10-11

There’s nothing like going with your friends to a beautiful resort to relax, have fun, try out new things, and off-course enjoy each other’s company!

2. Europe Trip – March 24 – April 8 

Every country has its own unique culture and exploring these countries and immersing yourself in these cultures is simply a breathtaking experience. When in another country, don’t be afraid to explore, to try out new things, to take pictures, to buy souvenirs, to eat exotic food and off-course to enjoy the culture!

3. HKUST campus visit – April 10

This was honestly the first time I visited a University and really explored it and man, I was amazed and blown away. HKUST had such a beautiful campus that I actually wanted to stay right there and start studying. No joke, the atmosphere was just that fervent and inspiring. I honestly can’t wait for college!

4.  Ateneo Chem Camp – April 15 – May 3

This was arguably the most memorable experience of this summer. I learned so many new things not only about Chemistry but about life. Chem Camp made me realize that learning can be fun and that knowledge truly is power. The importance of learning, curiosity, perspective and the way we see things are things that I will forever carry with me for the rest of my life.

I also met so many amazing, vibrant and talented individuals that in a span of 3 weeks became friends that made Chem Camp such a surreal and unbelievable experience. They were friends I shared so many smiles, laughter, joy, and in the end, tears with. Chem campers whom I will never ever forget for the memories we shared will always be one of the most transcending and surreal moments of my life! Once a Chem Camper, always a Chem Camper!

5. Xavier Basketball Summer Varsity Training – April 15 – May 8

My senior year stint with the team may have been a short lived but without a doubt, Xavier Basketball will always have a special place in my heart. All the grueling practices, bonding moments, tough losses and fulfilling wins are things that I will forever remember.

I’m really thankful that I got to be part of the team one last time and it was really one hell of a journey. It was also such a honor and blessing to be part of a team of such amazing individuals who strived each day for one goal. My basketball career not have turned out the way I expected but the values I learned, the memories I gained and the bonds I formed will be things that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

6. Tearing my ACL – May 8 

One of the lowest and at the same time highest moments of my life. Tearing my ACL was really an eye opening experience that truly changed my perspective in life. At first I was really devastated, but then I realized that things could be worse and that I am still very lucky. I really learned how to appreciate the little things and be thankful for my blessings.

Everything happens for a reason and tearing my ACL may just have been and blessing in disguise from God and a chance to start a new and try out new things.

7. Hands On Manila Orientation and Kindness Revolution 

Joining Hands On Manila was definitely one of the best choices I’ve made this summer. Hands On Manila opened the door for me in so many ways and is an outlet for me to share my blessings with the less fortunate through volunteerism. I also realized that we are all gifted individuals and the best way to use these gifts and talents of ours is to pass it on by volunteering.

8. Reviewing and taking the SAT – April – June 1 

Reviewing for the SAT was a completely different journey in itself. I’ll admit it, reviewing for the SAT was a really arduous and tedious process but looking back, it was definitely a memorable experience. It truly was a test of hard work, perseverance, critical thinking and discipline. It was the hardest I ever studied for a test and I really dedicated a lot of my time and effort in preparing myself.

Towards the end, I was actually enjoying reviewing and answering practice tests and seeing my score improve each time. Reviewing for the SAT at one point became a habit of mine. You’d see me bring around my vocabulary notebook everywhere I went. Those truly were fun times and no matter what score I got in that test, the build up to the testing day and all those hardcore review sessions will always be fond memories of mine.

My summer just wouldn’t have been the same if it weren’t for these 8 highlights. As summer 2013 comes to a close, I’m glad to say that I made the most out of this summer. It truly has been a summer filled with fleeting moments turned into eternal memories, a summer to remember indeed!

-DOitChoco

When The World Falls On Your Knee…..Life Still Goes On!

Life never fails to surprise me! I will never understand the complex and abstruse nature of this world, and how one week can be the time of my life then the following week ends up being one of the worst ever.

After the last day of Chem Camp last week, I honestly felt so accomplished and happy with how things were turning out for me. Then in a blink of an eye, the world goes upside down. Obviously, to begin with, there was no more vibrantly waking up each day knowing that you’d get to see friends who just make life seems so surreal in Chem Camp.

To add to that, I’ve been really having a hard time regaining the focus, edge and passion that I used to have for basketball. I wasn’t even sure anymore if basketball was the thing for me. I hit rock bottom and really had to think and reflect as to what I should do. As I looked back, I remembered my freshman and sophomore year in high school when I was really dedicated and motivated to become the best player I could be. I’d spend countless of hours working on my game, watching game film and even going on a strict diet to build up my body.

A year of sporadic playing time during my Junior Year and a desire to explore life outside of basketball took away from my inner drive. Aside from that, SAT review and Chem Camp was also taking a toll on me.

I needed to get back the spark and a heart to heart talk with my dad and a day of reflecting and recalling everything I’ve done for basketball got me back on track. I regained my exuberance and I was ready to give it my all and leave it all on the court especially since I’m an incoming senior already.

I realized that nothing worth it in life is easy and if I wanted to be an integral part of the team in my last year in Xavier, I’d have to regain the unmatched motor, dedication and zeal I used to have.

The plan was in place and I was really going at every drill in practice with my 110%. Then as we were finishing practice with our usual scrimmage, everything fell apart. One drive to the basket, one hop step, one pop and BOOM, I felt as if the world fell on my knee. It was the first time that I felt such excruciating pain and here I am having a hard time even walking from my room to the bathroom. In a blink of an eye, everything that I had worked for in the last 8 years had disappeared as I lay on the floor shouting in pain.

Everything happened so quickly that I’m not quite sure what to feel right now, but like what my coach said, “Stay positive.” I truly believe in the fact that everything in life happens for a reason. Right now, I ask myself, “Why does this have to happen to me? and why NOW?” Hopefully, weeks or months from now, I understand why.

One things I’ve learned is that life never fails to surprise and leave a lot of us dumb-founded. I may have hit rock-bottom but things could be worse. Looking at things from a different perspective, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Maybe, I just have to find the silver lining in this.

Like my favorite quote and motto in life states, “Life is what you make it.” This may seem like a setback but it will only be that way if I choose to make it so or I could choose to see this injury as a learning experience and just make the most out of my time off the court.

The uncertainty right now kills especially because of the fact that I can barely move my right knee anymore. I’ll be heading to the doctor later to find out what exactly is the condition of my knee. No matter what happens though, I’ll just have to accept my fate for it’s not like I can change the past; I can only learn from it and move on for LIFE GOES ON!

-DOitChoco

*editors note: David found out that he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) an injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season