Quite Sober

Suddenly, I am no longer under the heading “Baby Dent”. The jostle in the train and the narrow streets of Manila are now supremely familiar sights that the novelty of going through them melted away. The maze-like building allocations of the university lost their mystique and even the frequent demonstrations in front of the cold and imposing Supreme Court could barely extract a raised eyebrow from me.  Somehow, in the vast and unfamiliar manor that is the university life, I have successfully made my way to the foyer.

The shelving away of the summer modules was trailed by a dizzying intoxication on freedom. On these dying days of the sunny season, dawn awakenings were unnecessary. Bathing no longer required intensive countdowns – 35 seconds for shampoo, 60 for conditioning, 60 for soaping – and breakfasts can be leisurely. Dates with the television were not hindered by jealous paper requirements and sleeping times were no longer bossed by rigid schedules. 

But this little window for breathing also means a time of reflection. Though not overly dramatic and an affectation…but it does have lasting consequences. The mind can wonder on past mistakes and resolve to improve the attitude for the next semester. This can be dreadfully difficult, but not impossible. The greatest of challenges, after all, resides in competing with one's yesterday self.  A little summer sobriety does pay.