Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) is once again fortunate to mold young people in its sphere of development works. It received thirteen (13) students both College and Senior High of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and Angelicum Learning Center. True to its mandate, XSF as a support organization to XU Ateneo in the fulfillment of its mission as an educational community dedicated to the integral development of the person for the needs of Mindanao, the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific accepted the students as part of their internship program requirement.
The students who are mostly from the College of Agriculture under the Development Communication Department have been assigned to various projects of the Foundation. During the culmination program of their six-weeks internship, the interns shared their views and reflections of how much they learned, had fun, argued with one another, interact with the community and most especially believed in themselves to have survived as part of the pool of professionals working for development.
Here’s what they have to say about their internship experience: Gregory Pasal shared “I’m not a man of words…keeping it has been a struggle. [On his field experience] I was noting down important phrases every unfamiliar word…I found myself engaged. When I did slip, it felt fun. And bless the locals and the PHC team for putting up with that, laughing along and enthusing together with me. My summer internship gave me a character-building…of being a communicator. I am now confident enough to speak to my barber about haircut, ask about the exact fare for public transportation, make small talk with people over counters – it’s a brand new world to me.”
Mark Auditor assigned in the ECOSEED 2 project revealed that his interaction with the Indigenous Peoples in Bukidnon has erased his misconceptions about them, he believed [to IPs] that they are essential most likely uphold the Filipino culture…[on environment] they have a closer view of it…they have the leadership and are brilliant in conserving biodiversity and taking good care of one another in the community. [On his internship experience] it was full of insightful memories and fond moments especially living with and working for IP’s betterment. This is a never ending journey…there is still an urge to faithfully serve them [IPs] as my own way of giving back.”
Lucille Jalando-on epitomized her experience in XSF as a roller coaster ride. She shared “it was six weeks of relax moments and pressure moments. I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature as well as my inconsistencies and in-capabilities. I realized things like being ready, setting goals, seeing the development side in every situation and even being on time are really the keys to success.”