What was the best thing you learned when you were in school?

That was a crazy question we toyed around with when we were doing our On-the-job training (OJT) to complete our final terms in our academic lives.

I, a school mate, a friendly tech guy employed in the company we were doing or OJT in, and another tech lady friend were seated in one row of the hall. It must have been a week already since we first landed in the space where I call "god - central". We made fast friends with these two employees - well I made fast friends considering that the schoolmate was not someone I am friends with in school.

We all had answers, and I forgot mine. But we all liked the quick-witted answer of the lady friend.

She said, pakikisama.

The easy english translation of this word would be "trying to get along with everyone". Other translations, as Google would put it:

• Companionship

• Comradeship

No english word will really hit the spot, though, when we use it.

Spoken or said in a different manner pakikisama can easily be understood as going along with everybody specially when they are doing bad things.

We laughed and then when the truth of that word hit us we were smiling quietly and agreeing. At some point, that thing really got us through enjoying and surviving college. It does not mean you are friends with everyone it just means you can go through school life and be socially fine and some leverage that "connections" whether for simple company or a brief exchange of thoughts. Specially when thesis term came up and you are no longer with your regular block. Oh memories come flooding in. Look at that? I think I just stared off into space with silly smile on my face. Good thing it is just me here.

Shout out to my spons....!! 

Keep putting up your writeups you never know who ends up reading them and needing those words.

Getting along with everyone does not mean also that you cannot assert your boundaries. Sometimes, with the way you say it, you can get away with getting respected for sticking up to your principles. If they do not then show then you are fine without them either but you are ok to show up for them when needs be (of course antenna up for people if they start taking advantage of that).

What I Have Been Learning Since I started Working?

Though that word still lingers, you learn more "hacks", words of wisdom, words to ponder on, wise things to take with you, etcetera even as you start working.

Heck, if you do not position yourself to "learning" everyday I say you will lose or miss out some things. Things will easily be boring or useless. May be applicable to some or maybe not.

But here is one thing that got me saying, "Oh yes, that!" While I was watching Quantum Leap.

The character goes,

"You have trained for every possibility except for the one you are about to encounter. When you're up here for real, it is not about following flow charts and checklists it's about trusting your guts."

I love that element of surprise, mystery and suspense in those lines.

She goes on with,

"Stay fluid, stay open, stay safe."

Quote taken from a character in Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 2

A lot of times, at work, you would be encountering scenarios you have not encountered before. People with eccentricities beyond yours even. A lot of unexpected things. No book or previous trainings could even cover for.

It does pay to trust your gut sometimes.

But if I may add to this awesome line, I'd add, stay focused on God. I think that line will keep your gut in line and in check somehow.

I am currently from time to time staring at my paused series on my wall. The dude was about to do a walk on the space. He needs to manually close a stuck up door in space. Yes. He is supposed to be an astronaut.

I know they have trained to walk and keep their balance in a vacuumed space to simulate zero gravity.

But a controlled space with controlled variables is still different from actual.

"Stay fluid, stay open, stay safe."

...above all, stay focused on God.

What have you been learning so far now that you've reached where you are now?

Are you a new mom/dad? did you move to a new place?

I have been loving my donkeys in space suit images! Thank you again, Midjourney.

What is your story?

© Pichi28 | #ClubBrokeBCH

All Original Content

Unless specified otherwise...