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@Usagi edited more from that month

Simpleng "Kamusta Ka?" *"Kamusta ka?"* is a Filipino word that means "How are you?" in the English language. When you see or meet someone you know, you always utter this phrase. "I'm fine" or "I'm good" are some appropriate responses. Actually, this is one of the characteristics of Filipinos that I admire. Even if you simply encounter an individual on the road, a seller, a mutual friend, or even a stranger, I know many of us still prefer asking this kind of question. "Kamusta ka?" -short and straightforward but valuable question; how did I say that? It's simple: just ask someone like that, and you'll learn a lot from him; you never know how much a single question has an impact on someone. How did I say that it has an impact? Let me tell you a short story. *I used to rebel against my parents while I was in high school. I lost several pals because everyone at school knew what I was up to at that time. Because I was considered to be a bad influence, even my best friend's mother prevented her from being near me. I went to school everyday without speaking to someone. They think I'm a terrible student who breaks every rule in the classroom. By the way, I attended a private Catholic school. There was counseling at school when we were about to graduate. Assistance took students who needed it, and I was one of them. And, because I was a complete liar at the time, I like to make different stories so that they will not ask any more questions.* *Then there was a time that my adviser excused me from our next subject because she said that someone wanted to talk to me. I immediately went to the confession room. I stood there for several minutes, trying to maintain a polished look despite my nervousness. A woman entered a few moments later. She simply smiled at me and asked about my subject and whether or not I ate during my break. I just gave the correct answer. She sat down, and the atmosphere there was eerily similar to that of a guidance office. I don't recall much, but she recounted details about my classmates to me. Actually, it's not that confidential. It was a little strange at the moment since she took the papers in front of me and cleaned them before placing her two hands on the table.* *"Hello, Haidee," she said, smiling at me. I'm just staring at her at that moment. I'm unable to speak. I thought I was having a panic attack at the time.* *She smiled at me as she tapped my shoulder. Actually, It looked like she was about to turn into a monster, which I find creepy.* *"How are you, Anak?" she queried.* *My chest instantly felt lighter. My tears are falling, but I'm trying to hold them back because I don't want anyone to see me cry.* *"Haidee, anak, usap tayo. Lahat ng sasabihin mo sakin e sa atin lang, hindi makakalabas ng room na ito."- she said.* *I was about to cry. That time, I know that my eyes no longer can stop those tears.* *Once again, she patted me on my shoulders and asked, "Kamusta ka na anak?"* *That's when I began crying uncontrollably in front of her. I recall being a cry baby at the time. I told her everything that was happening in my life at that time. I had no idea who she was, but the moment she spoke to me, the thorns in my chest vanished. Everything was uplifting to me. She spoke to me with a lot of comfort and motivation. I'm not sure why I felt like a gentle sheep at that time.* *Before I left the room, she gave me a note. She asked me to open it when came back to my classroom. I did everything she said.* *I read the note as soon as I returned to our classroom.* *"Always live your life to the fullest Haidee, someday all your problems will vanish and you will live a happy life; always have faith in God and He will guide you every second of your life," -it says.* . . I can't say I changed all of a sudden after that. However, I can attest to the fact that the talk had a huge impact on me. I didn't even ask her name or even ask my adviser because we weren't that close. She isn't a teacher, either, and all I know is that they were sent in by the school to evaluate us graduating students. However, I will never forget what she said to me. As I grew older, my viewpoint began to shift. I remember not caring and sympathizing with others in the past. Some even considered me nasty and snobbish. But, as I changed, I carried what that woman said with me, and I learned to empathize with others as well. Final thoughts Since I'm studying HR, one of our obligations is to be able to educate everyone we meet about mental health. I learned to be kind and to chat with people who are going through difficult times in their lives. A simple "Kumusta ka?" is quite essential to all. I want you to realize that a question like this has the power to transform people's lives. It's simple to say, but asking it also entails expressing empathy for the person. Let's make it normal to ask this question and to listen carefully to the person's story. That means a lot for them.

`Published: January 27, 2022` `Time: 5:10PM PST`

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