Kristine Shari Bautista
November 19, 2011
7:29 pm
Dearest Mom,
It’s been almost 4 years since I wrote you a letter, and so much has changed. I would like you to know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You have truly made a significant difference in my life. You have given me the best gift of all- Education. As I’am writing this, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
Mom, I remembered when I was in 4th year high school; I called you downstairs to show you the UPCAT Results online. I passed and we were absolutely delighted about it, but then you were truly surprised when you read the Course Qualified said: B FINE ARTS (it's my choice). You thought I wrote down Applied Physics, Nursing or Public Health. "You could've been a doctor," first thing you said to me. "What kind of job can you get with an Art Degree?" and "Walang pera sa Fine Arts paggraduate mo." I understand that you wanted me to find an excellent career choice with good employers providing high wages as well as good advantages. Sadly, you expect me to change to FIT into your own standards. USTET Results came out and I passed, you were disappointed because I wrote down Communication Arts and Sociology in my application form instead of Medical Technology, Pharmacy or Microbiology. I can really figure out why the disagreement we were having resulted in a mother-daughter arguments. I never wanted to become a Doctor. Sorry mom, I completely changed your life plan for me. I simply pursued Sociology, a college course I haven't had any idea at all. You accompanied me on my enrollment day, still ranting and rambling, "Eh, ba't yan kasi kinuha mong course?". It disturbed me when you cling to the notion of taking Pre-Medicine. Even though it’s difficult, I tried to embrace the fact that I'm majoring in Sociology. It isn’t a pretty feeling aside from the fact that the environment in this university was so different from what I got used to in high school: living away from home for the first time, structure my own time, the workload is immense and piling up non-stop. Exams are intensive. There are tons and tons of papers to write for each prerequisite subject that we had. Also, I have always wondered whether if I studied the better college course and if the path I have taken is the right one. I really had no clue. But despite my hard-headedness, your invaluable love, guidance, prayer and support was always there, always felt.
In midway through sophomore year I realized that I made the right choice. I love the program. I found all of my classes interesting. I have learned so many things from all my professors, friends and classmates. I enjoyed everything and learned a lot. I should admit happily that all of this had been a good experience. It had, of course, presented many challenges. I was given more social freedom, I learned to depart from the conventional thinking, my professors were incredibly strong and influential on this, to view the social world from various sociological perspectives and to develop the ability to pose critical questions about the social world, research writing, critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and the ability to work with others. One of the most memorable integral part of our curriculum is immersion. Immersion offered me a unique and profound experience through home stays, educational excursions, village visits, adventure trekkings, and more. Integrated into efficient, fun, and full-time learning experience. More importantly, it taught me how to conform when approaching a group of people. I am naive with a head undoubtedly full of fantasies and delusions. Like many young people, I am selfish, and I have never really had to care about another person/s. But studying Sociology greatly increased my understanding of people's roles among society and gave me a sense of self. I developed my sociological imagination. According to C. Wright Mills, the sociological imagination allows us to see how society affects us. In order for us to see behind the façade of our socially constructed realities, we need to achieve critical distance. Using the tools of sociology allows us to step outside of our social world and view society from an outsider’s point of view. Studying sociology is no ordinary voyage. The truth is I am embarking on a journey that took me into the depth and heart of the world.
I feel the values they have instilled in me and everything I have learned in Sociology will help me in all aspects of my life. I don’t know if there is any sufficient English counterpart for this expression, in Filipino I would like to say: hindi po nasayang ang pinangaral nyo sa akin. I received the best education and opportunities possible.
Karl Marx said to his letter: "At some point of transition, we feel compelled to contemplate the past and the present with the eagle eye of thought to become aware of our actual position." In a lot of ways, I am a different person now. As I've said before, so much has happened.
I’m almost finished with college. A few months from now, I'll be graduating. I can't believe three years have flown by right before my eyes. I never would have made it here without you. This triumph is yours as much as it is mine. I plunged into the deep reflection, love and thoughts. This letter is my passion written out in a love letter to the world's greatest parent.
After I finished writing this letter, I will continue my quest to see the world, and see everything in a single moment. To push our name to new heights, and make the sacrifices necessary to make the brightest future for our family. I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next.
Your loving daughter,
Shari
