English Dep’t Holds Retreat for Seniors

By Khalil Pundoadaya

The English Department recently conducted a retreat, titled, “Making a Difference: Sharing and Reflection on Social Responsibility and Service Work.” The retreat was held on January 18, 2011 at Spiritan Seminary, Pindugangan, Iligan City.

The reflection was conceived in order to inspire 4th year AB English students participating in the Echavez Extension Program SY 2010-2011; primarily by letting them view their experiences from separate volunteer activities. To further this end, four representatives from separate volunteer organizations were asked to speak about their previous experiences and current duties in their respective organizations.

Kerstin Proebstel gave a brief recounting of her personal history with volunteer work. She emphasized that volunteering was not merely confined to organizational work– the act of offering help to any in need is the most appropriate definition of volunteering.

The students were assured by Mark Boot that there is no pressure to enter public service if they felt there is no immediate motivation. Jean Baptiste Petriauz and Woulter De Cuyoper also shared their volunteering experiences.

Some students also shared their experiences as part of the Department’s extension program in Echavez Elementary School. Rovi Ablin confessed that what she is doing at Echavez is not new to her since she has been volunteering as a teacher in their parish. In general, the students shared that they also learned a lot from their volunteer work.