Looking back

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Back then, there were only ten of us. Ten people who faced the computer talking endlessly and being goofy sometimes. We laugh, we symphatized, we giggle and we smile. In front of us is a monitor that shows the lesson material and in the smaller screen, there would either be a smart and active kid or a crying/ snob kid. Whatever kind of kid we get to teach, still we accept the challenge of tutoring them the best way we can.

Time passed by, the ten is multiplied by five. Some come and go, but there are fifty who made to the center's anniversary.

I work as an independent service provider in an EFL company. I don't have a stable connection like these people in the picture so we partnered with a businesswoman who offers her equipments and more in exchange of 30% of our salary. It doesn't hurt me back then because all I wanted was to get a job.

Despite the pandemic, the number of employees at the center boomed. The business went well that the center owner decided to find a larger area for her to cater a greater number of employees.

The journey was made with sugar and spice and not everything was nice. There were conflict between the employees and the center owner. There were misunderstanding regarding rules and policies but one thing is for sure, the center made it to it's first anniversary.

Our boss was kind and generous enough to sponsor the food and the venue for the anniversary. It was held in a beach resort. It was a nice place. The view is instagrammable and the sand is white and fine. It was just less than an hour ride from the city.

The moment we arrived at the venue, everyone started to prepare everything, from the stage set-up, to the lunch, to the things we needed for the games. Our boss personally arranged everything for lunch with little help from us.

Everyone of us enjoyed the heavy lunch, then after that, some of us went swimming and got drunk. Portions of the group also played volleyball and the rest simply chilled and relaxed in their respective tents.

After that, we played random games that I cannot remember the name but we all had fun. I remember we laughed non-stop and everyone had their fair share of embrassing moments. We also had an impromptu pageant which the teachers that were participative enough.

At night, we gathered around the bonfire to talk about the things we love and we thank about our job. We also had an open forum to discuss things that needs addressing. We tackled everything, issues by issues. We cried. We laughed. We apologized.

We ended the night with a photo op. The four girls in the middle were the contestants of the impromptu search for the first Ms. Uno pageant. Some enjoyed the night swimming, drinking beer and singing because why not? We had the beach by ourselves. We were thankful to finally had a break.

The next morning we went kayaking before heading home. I still remember almost all of us had our rest days after this trip because we were all tired. That was a break that needed another break.

This is the success story of our boss. She has five internet cafes that were all affected by the pandemic. She was hopeless that time knowing that the five wouldn't be able to give her the same amount of income. But as they say, "When life throws you lemon, make a lemonade." She converted her internet cafes to centers that will serve as a partner of EFL companies. She never thought that her plan would made it this far. At first, she only thought of trying possible things but the odds are on her favor. God blessed her with more than she could ask for.

A reminder to all of us not to give in to despair. Instead, find ways that would help you rise from where you are. Find solution to the things you have been dreading to change. Work hard and smart for the betterment of yourself.

How are you friends? It is a cold a rainy night here. I hope you are all doing fine wherever you are. The weather makes me emotional I observed. How about you? How does the weather affects you?