Hindi ko na naiintindihan ang sinasabi niya. Basta ang alam ko, noong mga oras na yun, asa alapaap ang aking diwa. “Congratulations, Mr. Benedicto, you’re hired”. YOU ARE HIRED!!!Marahil, isa sa pinaka masarap na litanyang pwede mong marinig kasama ng “Oo, tayo na” at “Negative ang pregnancy test” (joke lang). Kaya naman nakatitig ako sa kawalan habang pinapaliwanag nung babae mula sa HR department ang mga terms and conditions ng kontrata. Bumalik nalang ang aking ulirat nang pinapirmahan niya ang sandamukal na papel mula sa brown envelope. Di ko alam kung para sa trabaho parin yun o last will and testament.

Pagkatapos ng ilang online tests and assessments (nakaka-urat talaga yung typing test), mga interviews na susubok sa tatag ng pinahid mong deodorant, sa wakas, isa na akong “technical support representative”. Oo, call center agent din yun, pero mas mabangis pakingan. Kung baga sa zoology, scientific name.Naks. Di na ako tambay. Isa na akong employed citizen. Maiaahon ko na sa hirap ang aking pamilya. Mapag-aaral ko na ang kapatid ko. Mabibili ko na lahat ng gusto ko. Makakakain nako sa Jollibee kahit hindi linggo, tuwing pagkatapos mag simba. Makaka contribute nako sa bayan pamamagitan ng aking buwis. Pwede nakong magreklamo ukol sa katangahan ng gobyerno. Magtatayo ako ng unyon ng mga callcenter agents (taga-PUP talaga?). Gagawa ng resolusyon upang maibsan ang climate change. Ipo-promote ang world peace. Malulunasan ko ang famine sa Africa. Tatakbo ako at mananalo bilang kauna-unahang “non-american citizen” president of America (ano daw??) at pwede ko nang ipa-assasinate sa navy seal si Justine Bieber. Spell, Naive (ay, ayan na pala).

Unang trabaho, unang sabak sa telepono. Memorable ang pinaka una kong call. Sabi nung customer, ipasa ko nalang daw sa iba dahil mukhang wala akong ideya sa ginagawa ko. Sweet naman nya.

3 taon. 4 na employee number. 4 na posing para sa ibat ibang ID ng magkakaibang kumpanya. At kung usapang stereotypes lang naman, heto sila..


1. Di mo alam ang petsa. Feeling mo ang mundo ay isang exercise wheel na tinatakbuhan ng alaga mong hamster. Paikot-ikot. Walang katapusan. Zombie, ika ng iba. Gising, pasok. Uwi, tulog. Pero babalik din ang ating kamalayan tuwing a-kinse at katapusan.

2. Hirap kang matulog sa bahay, pero di mo mapigilang mapa-pikit pag asa trabaho. Di ko alam kung dahil ba sa aircon o ang sarap lang managinip na isang malaking punching bag ang kupal mong TL, tuwing nakikita mo siya.

3. Ikaw o may kakilala ka, na energy drink na ang dumadaloy sa mga ugat. Cobra sa almusal. Sting sa tanghalian. Extra Joss ang panulak pag nabubulunan. Lipovitan naman ang nilalagok tuwing umiinom ng biogesic.

4. May kakilala ka din na laging may bitbit na baso ng starbucks kapag papasok. Siguro, importante talaga ang kape pag graveyard shift. Pero ang nakapagtataka e, buong araw na niya itong hawak, at sa paraan na makikita mo ang pangalan niya na nakasulat sa baso.

5. Alam mo ang mga term na “pitik” at “hadouken”. At madalas itong masusundan ng pagta-type sa notes ng “Customer ended the call”.

6. Kahit madalas e demonyo ang tingin mo sa kanya, gusto mong halikan sa tuwa ang TL mo pagsinabi niyang “Go on aux 4, coaching tayo”.

7. Pero malulungkot ka ulit, dahil malalaman mong bagsak lahat ng na-audit mong calls. Tipong, ang nakuha mo lang ng tama, ayon sa QA, ay opening at closing spiel. Lahat sablay na.

8. Sa lahat ng buttons ng Avaya, Auto in ang pinaka mahirap pindutin, parang may kung anong pwersa na pumipigil, parang invisible force field, samantalang Log Out naman ang bestfriend ng iyong daliri. Lagi rin itong “aksidenteng” napipindot.

9. Nakatangap kana ng perfect csat survey kahit hindi para saiyo (sabi nung customer , napaka helful daw ni Jenny. E Brando ang pangalan mo sa phone). Pero nakareceive ka na din ng Dissat kahit resolved ang issue.

10. Speaking of, kung parang generic name ng gamot ang pangalan mo, walang problema yan, dahil legal ang pag gamit ng phone name o alias. Halimbawa, sa totoong buhay, ang pangalan mo ay Godofredo, sa industriyang ito, ayos lang na mag opening spiel ka ng “Thank you for calling, my name is Summer”.

11. Naisipan mo nang mag-amok at sindihan ang smoke detector para magpaulan ng tubig ang mga sprinkler, tuwing queuing.

12. May kakilala kang bigla-bigla nalang nagwawala, hinahagis ang headset, hinahambalos ang kanyang mug, dinudurog ang avaya sa pamamagitan ng paghampas ng keyboard, dahil hindi alam ng customer kung nasaan ang “start” button.

13. Yung TL mo bigla nalang nagkakaroon ng meeting, pag nakita ka niyang papalapit, sa pag aakalang Sup Call na naman ito.

14. Kung may Teachers Pet, meron ding TL’s Annoying Monkey. Siya yung team mate mo na laging ume-epal at kadikit lagi ng team leader nyo. Madalas siyang taga-report ng mga late o overbreak. Lagi din siyang humihirit ng mga helpful tips pag team meeting. Sarap lagyan ng tattoo sa noo na “Wala akong pakialam”. Joke lang.

15. Dahil immersed tayo sa konsepto ng tamang “customer service”, madalas kang mag-amok sa mga fast food chain kapag pakiramdam mo ay “youre not getting your money’s worth”. “Ano to!! Sabi ko LEG part.. Bakit tuyong BREAST ang binigay mo sakin? Tawagin mo ang manager!!!”.

16. Meron ka o dumating sa buhay mo ang point kung saan nag-apply ka ng credit card.

17. May kakilala kang ayaw tumigil kaka-english kahit sa mga pampublikong lugar o PUVs pero parang tanga na kating-kati mag Tagalog sa mga English Only Zone ng opisina.

18. Mahirap umisip ng dahilan kapag na late ka. Dahil walang trapik at imposibleng umattend ka ng PTA meeting ng anak mo, pag alas dos ng madaling araw.

19. May team mate kang aligaga sa buhay at walang ibang nais na i-suggest kundi ang mag team building kayo. “TL: Guys, ano bang magandang action plan para bumaba ang AHT ng team? SIYA: Team building tayo!!”

20. Mas maangas pa sa CEO ng kumpanya kung umasta ang mga security guard. Nagulantang ako dati nang minsan kong tanungin si Manong Guard ng “Saan po dito yung testing area?”, sabay sagot ng “Im sorry, but you must be aware that this is an *English Only* zone”. Muntik nakong sumuka ng dugo.

21. Bukod sa crush mo, isa sa napaka konting bagay na nagpapangiti sayo tuwing shift ay mga “Ghost Calls”. Kung saan para kang tanga na uulit-ulitin ang opening line, dahil SOP ito.

22. Naranasan mo nang sapilitang tumawa dahil TL, OM o Shift manager ang nag-joke nung nakasabay mo siya sa elevator, kahit na sabaw ang kanyang sense of humor.

TL: Anong hayop ang magaling mag karate?

Ikaw: Bwahahahaha!! (halos masuka ka na sa pag-papangap) Ano boss?

TL: E di.. TILAP-YAHHH!!

Ikaw: Nyahahahaha!! (gusto mo nang ipitin ang ulo mo sa pinto ng elevator) Nice one!!

23. Pinasok mo ang industriyang ito kalakip ang pag-asa ng mabilis na promotion. Oo, nasa performance mo nakabase ito, pero umamin ka. Pagkatapos ng unang 6 na buwan, narealize mo na mailap ito parang Halley’s comet.

24. Naranasan mo na ang sumakay sa isang PUV after shift, kung saan, ikaw lang ang stressed ang aura, amoy yosi, amoy alak, samantalang lahat ng ibang pasahero ay preskong-presko, mga amoy downy at blooming dahil papasok palang sila.

25. Sa pag-aakalang napindot mo ang mute, nag-tatatalak ka ng tagalog habang may call. Huli mo nang nalaman na naririnig ka ng customer sabay tanong ng “Im sorry, what?”. Pero dahil maparaan ka, sinagot mo siya ng “oh.. that was a secret passage, written in the language of Mordor, that must be uttered to hasten your dwindling internet speed..”.

26. Naranasan mo nang mag-google ng mga sakit na pwede mong idahilan kapag tatawag ka sa sick hotline niyo. Mas “uncommon”, mas maganda. Dapat binubuo ito ng 3 o higit pang medical terms.

27. Poker face lagi ang company nurse o physician. Hindi sila madaling mapaniwala sa mga nagsasakit-sakitan. Sanay na sila dyan. Lumang tugtugin kung baga. Pauuwiin ka lang kung naisuka mo na ang iyong baga o kulay violet na ang iyong buong katawan.

28. Nakauwi na ang lahat subalit naiwan ka parin sa floor dahil sa customer mong isang oras na nagpapaturo, pero hindi parin magets, ang sayantipikong proseso ng pag “copy+paste”.

29. Kung medyo sablay ang kumpanya, naranasan mo na din ang “hot seating”. Ito yung mala-espanyang pagsakop sa work station mo ng kung sinong Lucifer, kung offline ang iyong phone status. Hindi epektibo ang pag-iiwan ng gamit, pagpapaskil ng iyong larawan sa monitor o paglalagay ng note na “Ang kumuha ng station na to, tutubuan ng pigsa sa gilagid”.

30. Di tulad ng ibang propesyon, hindi big deal dito ang AWOL.

Boy A: Asan na si Jayson?

Boy B: Nag AWOL na.

Boy A: Ah ok. Anong ulam sa pantry?

31. Ikaw o may kakilala kang buong angas kung maglakad sa recruitment area kapag merong mga bagong aplikante. Minsan doon pa mismo tatambay kapag break para ipangalandakan na empleyado na siya. Mas mabisa din kung paiikutin mo ang iyong ID sa leeg na parang hulahoop.

32. Napa-upo kana sa isang work station na puno ng kapalpakan. Kumukurap ang monitor. Mga duro-durog na chichirya ang nakasingit sa pagitan ng mga keys ng keyboard. Yung headset naman, its either mahina, di ka marinig ng customer o nababalot ng sang katutak na scotch tape. Parang embalido lang.

33. Nakakita kana ng isang kumag na pasiklab kung magtype ng password sa mga system tools niyo. Ambilis ng pindot sa keyboard, tulad ng napapanood mo sa mga sci-fi movies. Pero madalas, password incorrect. Maya-maya, mapapansin mo na isa isa nalang ang pag press niya ng mga letter. Kinain ang pride. Busog.

34. Automatic na lumalabas sa bibig mo ang mga phrases na nagpapakita ng sympathy sa customer, kahit na sa totoong buhay e wala ka namang pakialam kung dumadaan siya sa matinding pagsubok gaya ng pagbagal ng internet connection o pagkalimot ng email password.

CX: Bear with me, im such an idiot when it comes to tech stuff.

You: Its ok maam. And im sorry that you’re an idiot.

35. Halos araw-araw kang makakarinig ng mga istorya tungkol sa isang bagong kumpanya na mas malaki ang sahod, mas magandang management at mas magandang facilities. “Balita ko nga eh, may swimming pool sa ops area nila, at may libre na isang kilong ubas tuwing pasko”.

36. Aminin mo man o hindi, namangha ka din sa pintuan ng opisina na kelangan pang i-swipe ang ID mo para bumukas. “Ay pota.. Magic!!!”.

37. Dahil graveyard shift, hindi rin mawawala ang mga kwentong kababalaghan sa callcenter industry. Kesyo dati daw sementeryo ang site na yun o may namatay nang agent sa opisina niyo dahil aksidente daw nyang nakain ang Avaya at nabulunan.

Ikaw: TL, Biglang na-drop yung call!! May multo!!!”.

TL: Ulol.

38. Meron kang souvenir mula sa kumpanyang balak ata i-declare na “critical working day” ang bawat petsa sa kalendaryo. Maaaring mug na may logo ng company. Ballpen na may logo ng company. Payong na may logo ng company. Burial plan with complimentary lapida na may logo ng company.

39. Hindi rin mawawala ang love team. Naks. Tamis sa gitna ng masalimuot na mundo ng queuing. Sabagay, mahirap din naman kasi ang magkaroon ng matinong relasyon kung hindi callcenter agent ang jowawers mo. Tipong tinext mo, pero tulog siya. Mga 8 oras na ang nakalipas bago pa siya makareply. Tapos, ikaw naman ang tulog. Vicious cycle.

40. Langit ang training phase. Petiks mode. Buddy up lang lagi. Kaso simula na ng impyerno mo paglampas ng nesting.Taliwas sa pinagsasabi ng mga ignoranteng taong tabon, na hindi kailangan ng utak para makapag trabaho sa isang callcenter, tagisan dito ng talino (kung paano mare-resolve ang issue), abilidad (na magtransfer), creativity (pagiimbento ng dahilan kung bakit dapat niyang sisihin ang kanyang anti virus software) at lakas ng loob (sikmurain ang mga ingles na mura na kadalasan mo lang maririnig sa mga hollywood movies o kanta ni Kanye West).Karamihan sa kakilala kong matatalino, puno ng sense at mababait (kung team mate kita dati, nabasa mo naman siguro ang mga papuring ito, kailangan ko ng dalawang daang piso, baka meron ka diyan) ay nakasalamuha ko sa nasabing industriya. At kahit kelan, di ko malilimutan ang pagkakaibigan at mga karanasan ko mula dito.

Thank you for calling, to which department would you like to be transferred?

If Restaurants Functioned Like Any Technical Support Group

Patron: Waiter!

Waiter: Hi, my name is Bill, and I'll be your Support Waiter. What seems to be the problem?

Patron: There's a fly in my soup!

Waiter: Try again, maybe the fly won't be there this time.

Patron: No, it's still there.

Waiter: Maybe it's the way you're using the soup; try eating it with a fork instead.

Patron: Even when I use the fork, the fly is still there.

Waiter: Maybe the soup is incompatible with the bowl; what kind of bowl are you using?

Patron: A SOUP bowl!

Waiter: Hmmm, that should work. Maybe it's a configuration problem; how was the bowl set up?

Patron: You brought it to me on a saucer; what has that to do with the fly in my soup?!

Waiter: Can you remember everything you did before you noticed the fly in your soup?

Patron: I sat down and ordered the Soup of the Day!

Waiter: Have you considered upgrading to the latest Soup of the Day?

Patron: You have more than one Soup of the Day each day??

Waiter: Yes, the Soup of the Day is changed every hour.

Patron: Well, what is the Soup of the Day now?

Waiter: The current Soup of the Day is tomato.

Patron: Fine. Bring me the tomato soup, and the check. I'm running late now.

[waiter leaves and returns with another bowl of soup and the check]

Waiter: Here you are, Sir. The soup and your check.

Patron: This is potato soup.

Waiter: Yes, the tomato soup wasn't ready yet.

Patron: Well, I'm so hungry now, I'll eat anything.

The check:
Soup of the Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00
Upgrade to newer Soup of the Day. . . . . . . . $2.50
Access to support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00

[waiter leaves and go to another customer]

Patron: Waiter! There's a gnat in my soup!

Waiter: Hi, my name is Bill, and I'll be your Support Waiter. What seems to be the problem?



sooo cool

callcenter bloopers

Call Center Bloopers

Telesales agent getting the customer's credit card info:
Agent: Can I have your expiration date, sir?
Customer: My what?!!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
Telesales agent giving promo spiels:
Agent: You called at the right time, ma'am. We have a lot of freebies to give away, such as free installation, free equipment, and free DVD player. That's a great offer, di ba?
Customer: huh?!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -
Agent verifying info from the customer:
Agent: Is that a P for Ping-Pong?
Customer: No, it's B.
Agent: Oh, B, like Bing-Bong...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Customer trying to return a defective product:
Customer: I need to return this defective sauna belt that you delivered yesterday.
Agent: For that concern, you can call our customer service at www.picustomerservi ce.com.
Customer: Call where??!!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------
Agent answering a call:
Agent: Thank you for calling Dish Network Department, my name is Vince..... (sees that the number called by customer is for a different client-- a DirecTV dealer).
Customer: So, I called the wrong number then?
Agent: Let me transfer you to DirecTV please dont go.... (puts the customer on hold, and then)... Thank you for calling DirecTV Department, my name is Vince...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
Agent wrapping up the sale:
Agent: Our INSTALLATORS will contact you within the next 24 hours to verify your installation schedules...
Customer: Uhm.... say what, now. Who's gonna call me?
Agent: The INSTALLATORS, sir.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --
Agent getting coupon code from customer:
Agent: Can I ask for the coupon code? It's a bunch of letters.
Customers: Like ABCs?
Agent: Yes.
Customer: Ok. ABCDEFG....
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Agent giving the customer service web address:
Agent: It's P- as in Papa, I- as in India, C- as in costume, U- as in you, S- as in Sam, T- as in Tango, O.... Oscar...V- for Voy...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Agent wrapping up the sale, trying to give the account info to customer:
Agent: I will now be giving you your account number and order confirmation number, do you have a PEN and BALLPEN with you?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Agent trying to create urgency over the available promotion:
Agent: Are you sure you don't want to take advantage of me?
Customer: Say, what?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Agent trying to upsell a warranty:
Agent: Here's an example: In California, a plane crashed into a customer's house, their dish was replaced, no questions asked!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
Agent trying to upsell a TiVo to customer:
Agent: With a TiVo, you can do this and that, and you know, pretty much anything under the sun. Isn't that a great offer?
Customer: What?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --
Agent was asking the customer about the cost of his cable service:
Agent: How much are you paying with your current provider?
Customer: Well, I'm only paying $25.00 (--which is way cheaper than what the agent was offering)
Agent: (Surprised) Shet, magkano??!!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---
Agent getting customer's address:
Agent: Can I have your address, please?
Customer: It's twenyfurfif- ysavan newyaorkgh road (2457 New York Road)
Agent: Can you repeat that ulit?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Agent asking the customer to be put on hold:
Tech Agent: Sir, Can I hold you for just a minute?
Customer: Sure, baby, go ahead!

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
Agent verifying correct spelling:
Agent: Is that a B as in boy, or a B as in Bravo?
Customer: ...uhmmm... how about B as in Boy?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --
Technical Agent giving customer support:
Agent: Is the ethernet cord connected?
Cust: Tha Hwhut??? (with Alabama accent)
Agent: Yung yellow cord kung nakakabit ba!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --

Agent from a local phone company entertaining a Visayan customer:
Customer: hillo! wala kasi yung bell ng pon namin??
Agent: Hindi naman po ba nabagsak yung phone?
Customer: Hende naman.
Agent: Kailan pa po ito nagsimula?
Customer: Ang alen?
Agent: Na hindi po nagri-ring yung phone?
Customer: Nagre-reng naman ah?!
Agent: Di ba sabi mo walang ring?
Customer: Hende! yong BELL! yong lestahan nong babayaran namin!!
Agent: aahhh... yung BILL?!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------

Technical Agent: To help you out with your concern, ma'am, let me just pull out my tool here, ok? (referring to a computer program used in call centers to address the customer's concerns)
Customer: Pull out your what now?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Tech Support: Okay, Bob, just type P on your keyboard?
Customer: What? Could you repeat that?
Tech Support: 'P' on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: No way. I'm not going to do that.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
Agent: Sir, that is C for Cubao, Q for Quiapo.....

Customer: What is that?! I dont understand. I don't want to talk to you.
Agent: Who do you want to talk to?
Customer: I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: My supervisor is not available as of the moment sir.
Customer: I said, I want to talk to the highest person.
Agent: Ok, you want to talk to the highest person?
Customer: Yes!
Agent: Do you want to talk to God?
Customer: what the f***! I'd rather talk to you.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---
Irate Customer: F***k you!
Tech Support: Sir, we're not allowed to say "F***k you!" here...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------

Agent: It's C as in CAT.
Customer: what?
Agent: C as in CAT. C-A-T as in meow meow...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --

Agent: Thank you for calling us, this is Candy, how may I help you?

Customer: What did you say your name was... Mandy?
Agent: No, sir, it's Candy.
Customer: Sorry, i can't hear ya... didja say Mandy?
Agent: It's Candy sir... Candy... as in Storck!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --

Agent: Alright, let me verify that... Was that a "G" as in golf?
Customer (with a different accent): NO! That was a "G" as! in GEBRA! (z as in zebra)
Oh, Gebra! like the one in the Goo?!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

Agent: Yeah, sir....hello sir... are you there?
Customer: Yes, sorry. I'm still there.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Agent: Ok, sir... do u have a PEN and a PENCIL ready?
Customer: What?!!
Agent: Oh, Im sorry, sir... i mean, do u have a PEN and a BALLPEN ready?
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --

Agent: I'd like to speak with Billy Thompson please?
Contact: He's not in. Would you like to leave a message in his voicemail?
Agent: Sure, SIGE..
------------ --------- -----

Tech support: We're going to perform a check disk to see if your hard drive has errors in it. Please type in C-H-K-D-S-K.
Customer: What is that again?
Tech Support: C-H-K-D-S-K. .. that is... C as in Charlie... H as in Harley... K as in Karly.. D as in Darley... S as in Sarley... and K as in Karly... got it?

anothersignificant experience of my life..

As a requirement in the course Psychology 117, we are asked to have an off-campus practicum in two different setting: Clinical and Industrial Setting. We are required to complete a 200-hour practicum in Clinical and 100-hour practicum in Industrial. Yet, in my “very special” case, I was only asked to complete my practicum in Clinical Setting as a kind of consideration.

It was on November 10, 2009 when I first landed my feet in a mental institution in Mandaluyong, the National Center for Mental Health. This was the day when I and my fellow student Diamitsu were still accomplishing the papers needed before the practicum proper, while our other ten fellow students were already having their orientation. We were kind of late because of the changes we encountered in the first institution we applied at. Yet, when we have accomplished all the things needed for admission, we were then sent to someone and said that we will be under her, meaning that she will likewise be our clinical instructor. We were not introduced to the person that well because it was already the end of office hours and people were busy preparing to leave. Because of that, we were asked to go back the next day. But still we were provided of one kit per student, which is included in the admission fee, which then contains several psychological tests and interpretations that will surely be useful in the clinical setting.

The next day, November 11, 2009, was the official day that we started as interns in National Center for Mental Health. We were escorted to the department we were assigned which is the Women and Child Protection Unit where Miss Jenny Ebio will be our clinical instructor. She was a woman in her early thirties having long hair and who seems to be approachable. First, she familiarized us with the place and told us some background about what the department does for the society. And as the name implies, it was something intended for the protection of women and child. According to her, the very common case of the client that was referred there is being physically or sexually abused. I became was shocked with what I heard because for me those kind of cases were very sensitive.

Miss Jen also introduced us the psychological test we are about to administer to every client. The tests include Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale and Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, Draw A Person Test and Sach’s Sentence Completion Test. She reviewed the proper ways of administering the test as well as the guidelines in asking questions for the interview proper. She even discussed the protocol that we are ought to submit before we could get our grade and evaluation.

Later that day, a client came and of course she was apt to take the psychological tests before the formal interview with the psychiatrist. We were called by our instructor and lead us in the testing room, as well as the client. She looks okay and seems finally aware of the tests she was about to take. She was also responsive that is why we haven’t had a hard time in the course of the administration of the test. She took the entire test for about four hours and through the interview we have found out that she was physically abused by someone. Yet, the client’s tests results show that she is still functioning well despite the traumatic experience she had. That one client is a good encounter for us. We felt some kind of confidence that we passed through that one case.

Day after day clients come and go. Some only for follow-up check-up which means that they don’t need the psychological tests anymore and some with the most serious cases that we were not allowed handling them. Yet there were days when the unit have no client at all and all we could do in the place is clean, sort papers, talk and take a nap.
Yet, during Christmas season, our clinical instructor required us to prepare one simple party for the selected patients. She said throwing a party was done yearly by the interns assigned there. So we did the same thing. We conducted the said party on December 11, 2009. Approximately twenty patients attended and enjoyed the program we prepared for them. We had parlor games and of course a simplified eating session.

Our instructor required us to pass three protocols before she gave us our deserving grades. That means we have to interview at least three patients and made a good psychological report about them. My second patient was a teenage girl who is very timid and rarely had eye contact while communicating. She kept her head down even when she walk or talk, which for me is a sign of her low self-esteem. In the process of the administration of the test and in-take interview, I have known that the patient is sexually abused by their neighbour who used to be a friend of her father. According to her father, they were filing a case against that man that is why they are asking for assistance in the said institution.

I was astounded of my third patient. She was six months pregnant when she came in the unit. She was almost the same as my second patient in terms of her way of communicating. She rarely had an eye contact and has a poor comprehension skill. As the interview progressed, I have known that she was raped by a neighbour who used to ask a favour to come to his house and help him wash the dishes. And unfortunately, that is where the traumatic incident happened and it even caused her pregnancy.

I also encountered several patients that I have not included in my protocol. It was enough for me to know their story and the reason behind why they are referred to the institution. They were of different cases and sadly, most of them were sexually and physically abused. Some were under aged, some were middle aged and some were adults. Each had a story to tell and surely each had a very traumatic experience that affected their whole life.

I enjoyed my stay in that institution. I have learned a lot of things that is very appropriate for my course. I believe I have encountered the right people to that showed what being disturbed or mentally retarded really meant. For me it was a good exposure to those kinds of people...and it was surely a moment to remember as long as I live.

One of the greatest books I have read...Tuesday's With Morrie...

What simply makes Tuesdays with Morrie a winner is the fact that it’s nonfiction, that it happened in real life. When I was reading about Mitch Albom’s conversations with his former professor, Morrie, I ultimately thought about how these actual situation occurred in real life. This makes the whole plot more magical, because usually, when a tearjerker comes out in the market, I always think of cheesy writing styles and melodramatic scenes that seem exaggerated and not too different from any average soap opera. And although some scenes are melodramatic, they are only rightly so, for in truth, death is a tragic affair. Albom was able to capture Morrie’s courage and strength as his body deteriorated gradually. Tuesdays with Morrie does not intend to be dramatic, it just is. Reading this book made me rethink about my priorities, and hours after closing the book for the final time, I was still pondering about its theme. Certainly, it left a deep imprint on me, as it showed how a person’s life is not measured by his age, but by the number of things he has fulfilled and done in such a transitory world. Morrie’s life, and death, showed us one thing: how a person could have a lifetime in such a short while.

The significant Characters of the Story:
Morrie Schwartz
The title character grows up in Brooklyn, the son of poor immigrants. Morrie Schwartz's mother dies when he is very young, and soon after, his younger brother develops polio. He is forced to go to work at a very young age to help support his family. His father remarries, and his stepmother fosters in him a great love of learning.
After vowing never to work in a job that exploits another or makes money off the sweat of another, Schwartz takes up research as his chosen profession. Long after, he used to be an old professor who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a brutal, unforgiving disease of the neurological system. Guided and talked to people about his life and death. Mitch would also call Morrie, coach.

Mitch Albom
A former student and close friend of Morries’. He is an open receptacle and Morrie filled his mind with new thoughts and ideas. After college Mitch’s dream to become a well know musician had failed and all was bad. Until he got a job as a sports colonist that gave him a better life. Until he again rejoin his old friend Morrie. And then met him again when he had the chance.
Albom, when in college, met with Morrie on Tuesdays. After Mitch saw his friend on Nightline, he once again started meeting with Morrie on Tuesdays. In these visits, Mitch learns a lot about life and what is really important from Morrie. He tells Mitch that in life you have to find out what is important to you, and not let society make those choices for you. Mitch realized that society puts a value on stuff that shimmers and glistens, not on the things that really matter. Mitch had been caught up in all this while trying to become a successful sports writer.

Some of MORRIE SCHWARTZ’s inspiring quotations...
“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”

 Being open to reality and to the fact that he is going to die, Morrie said this trying to uustify that it is not the relationship that death ends. Death only ends the physical self of the person but not the memories the person had bring onto someone’s life. He told this for he knew that Mitch is bothered ny the idea that he, his coach, is going to die. Because of this, Morrie then preferred to project the idea that even though he already die, still, the memories and the relationship they have shared with each other will never perish.

“Well I have to look at life uniquely now. Let’s face it. I can’t go shopping, I can’t take care of the bank accounts, I can’t take out the garbage. But I can sit here with my dwindling days and look at what I think is important in life. I have both the time----and the reason to do that.”

 Morrie used rationalization as the defense mechanism here. He tried to rationalize the fact that he is close to fully depend himself on others, especially physically. He rationalizes that he, on the other hand, should try to enjoy the process because just like what he said, he have to look uniquely at life now. It’s a reality that the disease is gradually making him stop do usual things yet he can make his remaining days fruitful by accepting the reality and spreading all the love that he has.

“When you’re in bed, you’re dead.”

 Morrie haad said this because of the fact that he doesn’t want to stay in bed while waiting for his last breathe to come. He rationalize that he won’t be spanding his dwindling days in bed for there are still certain things to be happy about his life and there are still lots of things that he can do like touch people’s lives. According to him, he’ll only stay put in bed at the moment of his final breath.

The person that inspired me once...

Having positive qualities may make you admire a person. Especially when those qualities are actually your standard of an ideal person. In most cases, these qualities may inspire you in such a way that you begin to dream of having someone like them as partner in life.

I’m talking about a man whom I will conceal in the name “Louis”. I met him in a government office where I used to work as an encoder. I was in my adolescent years that time that’s why I’m a kind of curious and observant with the people around me. Besides, that was my first time to work in such a big organization making me so amazed on how the big bosses interact with each other. In a way, I was kind of frightened with them given that they have the power to command every employee as well as to terminate them (in my mind I also thought of them as the greedy and frightening monsters in one of my nightmares). Another thing is that I have associated the term big boss as a man having a big body, large abdomen and full-grown mustache.

Going back to the man named Louis, he was actually one of the big bosses in that office. At first he was kind of snob making me think that he was also like the other big boss I have known. I was surprised to know that he’s unlike the other boss. According to the employees who have known him for long he is the best boss in that office having a long patience and a kind heart. Because of this, I began to observe the said boss.

It was one day when someone has scolded me. He was a pioneer employee of the office whom at his every word is full of boast and bragging about himself. Being a pioneer employee, he still hadn’t earned the highest item in the office, because of his boastfulness, I presume. He noticed me that day saying that I should not be in that department because I am not an engineer (because it was planning section that’s why engineers and architects are mostly found there). He told me that I should be in the kitchen washing the dishes and preparing coffee for them. I was really shocked because I know that he should not be telling me this because he is not in the position. He is not even my boss. Suddenly and to my relief, Louis came and heard what he was saying. He said that I should not listen to the dumb man and just focus on my work as an encoder for I won’t be workinginh the kitchen. I was so thankful that day that he came, because of that I became interested about his real personality and tried to get to know him better through other person and through observation.

Each day I witnessed how he industriously spends his time in his work. He was so busy being here and there for certain purposes yet you would never see him in a frown. He loves and enjoys his work, he says. He was also known as an effective adviser in that department. People come and go in his table seeking for his advice about certain things. They have trusted him with all their heart that through the experiences of this man, they may have to deal with the things that made their life difficult. He is also a good friend to his colleagues loving them, caring for them and even helping them through thick and thins. He always treats his subordinates equally just to be fair to all of them. He never took advantage of any person nor took any opportunity to leave others behind especially if he knows it’s not right. He’s also humble. You will never hear him brag or boast about his achievements. If someone strikes him something bad, he will still do something good in return… Because he believes in what the bible says: “If someone throws you a stone, throw him bread.” He’s always on the right side. He always tries his best to be right and fair.

On the other hand, outside the working place, he was a simple responsible father,a good provider to his kids and a friend and a lover to his wife. I believe they have this healthy family relationship because that’s what they used to show. He always tried to balance everything between work and family. He always makes it sure to give them the quality time they deserve.

He’s really one of a kind. He’s the ideal person a woman would always want. He has the best qualities of an extraordinary person you would surely love to meet. I was so inspired of him. Someday, I wish to have a man just like him… simple, yet extraordinary.

Reflections about life...

I believe in the simplicity of life. It’s not on the dress you wear or how much money you have in your pocket. I believe its all about how you spend your life. Spending your life well can make you feel happy and satisfied with yourself. Therefore happiness is just a matter of satisfaction and contentment of the things you have. You wont be happy unless you are satisfied what you got for the moment. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you should stop striving for something better. It is good to be simple yet it is still normal to dream and make ways to achieve those dreams. I’d say that as long as you’re happy with what you’re doing and as long as you’re doing the right thing, you need not to worry.

The question is how you would spend your life well? For me, it’s engaging on the things that you like and those that makes you happy. I mean, if you like music, go sing your heart out and explore the world of music without any hesitancy. Its your right and will forever be your right as long as you live. Besides, you will never enjoy life if you’re not happy with what you’re doing. You’ll just feel that you’re just somebody who is stocked in another person soul. Same as with the people involved in your life. Stay with those who respect you as a person and see your real value. Be with those who loved you no matter what....those who have seen the real you yet still prefer to stay. Anyway, it’s hard to pretend you’re somebody else when you’re really not. It will just bring you to a lot of trouble and criticisms.

Life, on the other hand, is definitely a gift from God. It is something that outpoured from the love of our parents to each other. And i’d say that having life is also being loved. And being loved by the people around you can also mean like you’re having a wonderful life. We got to enjoy life and let the people surrounding us enjoy it, too..and enjoying life means having someone by your side. It can be a friend or a lover or your parents or any other relatives. Any person close to your heart can be your reason of joy.

Maybe every can person can draw different meanings for something we called life, yet these are the things I have in my mind whenever I am as to reflect life in general. Life is the greatest gift from God....and nobody has the right to deprive it to anybody in this world............