Reflection of Cecille, Jill, & Irmina

Jill Sevilla

When I learned that our goal was to explain how the drugs destroy our systems, I felt that one meeting was not enough. For us to be able to understand our lesson, it took us almost two months, and I don’t know how we can teach all these in just a day. Although I was feeling nervous about teaching, I felt that it was a good choice that we chose adolescents as our participants, so the age gap would not be so wide.

During the first meeting, where we were supposed to do our FGD, I was happy to find out that these youth were against usage of illegal drugs. At the same time, I felt pressured to teach them something they do not know yet. One of them shared that they themselves hold workshops for drug dependent users, and I wanted them to share to others what we will teach them.

When we were given feedback that we were too stiff and serious, I felt that perhaps we over analyzed what we planned to do. Maybe we should change our approach and treat this workshop more of a bonding than a classroom lecture. I felt that we had an obligation to these adolescents.

For our actual implementation, we used an activity we had in class. We felt that by doing the role playing activity, we can explain the concept using everyday situations. We also lightened the mood by choosing an ice breaker which had nothing to do with the topic.

Cecille De Belen

My initial thought before we went to our designated area is that, participants will not be active as expected given the fact that the visit was on a Sunday rainy afternoon. Also, I expected that the area is disorganized and dirty since it is a marginalized community. I was also nervous because we will be facing new set of people for the first time.

I felt welcomed during the service-learning meeting. I’ve proven myself wrong when I thought that the participants will not take part in our activity. The participants were very jolly and energetic. I felt that they will be cooperative enough to make our activity successful. Also, I noticed that the venue was not dirty and disoriented. Chairs and tables were actually tidy and organized.

After the service-learning meeting, I felt that we did our part as educators of drugs. Even if we only discussed some important facts about drugs, I felt that we contributed a large dose of knowledge to them. Also, basing from the participants’ feedback, I think that we should have make more activities that could help them understand the physiological effects of drugs in a more insightful manner since there are a lot of terminologies that are hard to explain in simple words.

I think that we should still share ideas and knowledge regarding the physiological effects of drugs to people even if the activity is already finished. I think people, especially the youth, should have a background about drugs to help them understand its effects and also to help them choose not to engage in the usage of illegal drugs. The youth needs guidance especially when it comes to this issue. I feel that we can make a difference if we share facts about illegal drugs.

Irmina Vital

At first, I had hesitations in going to the area because I am not familiar with the place. I was also nervous because it was my first time to have a service learning with teenage participants. But then, I was also hoping that we would be able to do what we have planned and that they would be very cooperative in our activities.

During the service-learning meeting, I had fun talking with the SIKAP members. They were very friendly, approachable and cooperative. It was glad to know that they have learned new knowledge about drugs and that they were able to understand our explanation of how a drug affects one's brain.

I felt relieved because our service learning was successful. I'm also thankful because we had this kind of opportunity to share our knowledge with others. In addition, we have gained friendship in the short period of time.

I just went with the flow. I didn't want an awkward feeling between me and the SIKAP adolescents so I tried to talk to them in the usual way. I just enjoyed spending time with new people and sharing thoughts/knowledge with them.