NAE: JAY MARK LOPEZ

PROFESSOR: ANDOLYN GARDE

EXPERIENCE DURING TWO DAYS OF SWIMMING ACTIVITY

At first, I cannot decide if I can join the activity because I need money to spend because the
transportation vehicle is not available and we need to have a tricycle. And I know that I only
have 300 pesos left in my pocket, and the group wanted to have a contribution for snacks and an
entrance fee.

When the time comes for the activity, I am happy, and at the same time, I enjoy the activity. It
seems like before I was praying that I could band my brothers once again, and at that moment I
see everyone enjoying themselves, and I can feel the spirit of camaraderie. I am challenged
during the floating activity because I don’t know how to float my body, and I also spend the
longest time under water. I still remember that I only got 48 seconds. And during snack time or
meal time, I enjoy the food. I am full, and the food is delicious. That was my first time eating a
donut that had a coconut inside.

Also, because of that activity, I feel renewed about having family banding—not so much as
direct family, but I treat my brothers as my family also here in seminary—because since the
pandemic, I have not been able to participate in family reunions because I was in isolation area,
because the time I went home was the time when COVID-19 was emerging.

I am thankful enough to have that activity to refresh and to have fresh air outside to take a rest in
academics, even for a short period of time, just to have enjoyment in swimming activities. After
swimming, I feel tired and sleepy. In the afternoon, I think my energy was being absorbed.

Finally, the activity is successfully done, another joyful experience and a treasured moment.
Thanks a lot to teacher Andolyn Garde for having that kind of activity. For me, it’s not just all
about the activity but more about banding, and it reminds me how families live in harmony and
full of love if there is a mother who guides her sons and daughters in the right way. I am hoping
that more activities come and that I also learn that it’s not about the money spent but rather the
moment I enjoy, the bonding, and the memories I own.