Special Friends Day

Yesterday, Kyle and I drove up to Rutgers to volunteer for an event that holds a very special place in my heart, Special Friends Day. It started 23 years ago and has always been student-run. I've helped prepare for this event in the past, and I've seen all the behind-the-scenes chaos - it's A LOT of hard work and dedication. I think it is so commendable and inspiring that a group of students are willing to take time out of their busy college schedule and plan and organize to get Special Friends Day up and running! During this event, over one hundred children with special needs are paired with two Rutgers volunteers who become their “buddies” for the entire day. One of the gyms is transformed into a fun-themed playground and the kids participate in various activities such as playing games and sports, dancing, watching movies, and socializing with each other. [Funny story] This year, our buddy, was 6'5 and loved staying active. He REALLY liked the bouncy, jumping gym and always wanted to go in with us. He kept asking Kyle to hold his hands as they were jumping around and told him to make sure he wouldn't fall down. It was so touching (and funny) to watch because Kyle is 120 pounds and our buddy was close to 300, so Kyle was trying with all his might to keep himself and our buddy upright, but that didn't happen... 

It's the simple "thank you" at the end of the day, or the smiles on the kids faces, or even the hug from them and their parents that keeps me coming back for this event. It provides a recreational experience for people who are not given this opportunity everyday and it’s a day dedicated not only to these children, but for their parents. No matter how tiring or stressful the day may seem, it’s extremely rewarding, because at the end of the day you know you have made a huge impact on their lives. I cannot wait for next year!

Follow Your Heart

So these past few weeks have been a little crazy with job interviews, job offers, and the worst part... deciding. I'm not going to go into detail with what they were but I was struggling between what I wanted and what I needed. There was a point where so many factors needed to be considered and I was just SO overwhelmed. But every time I am faced with difficult situations, I seek for guidance, not just through prayer, but from my family and close friends. When I asked my family for their input, my little 11 year old brother left this note for me to read when I woke up. I tend to over analyze everything and this was the best advice I could ask for because it was simple yet so powerful. It helped me make my decision and realize what's truly important at this point in my life. And if you're faced with life's difficult decisions, my advice to you is to just follow your heart, your gut feeling, and what feels right for YOU. Life's too short to settle for mediocre happiness. 

Rainy Days and Mondays

Ah, it was another rainy (half) day here in NJ. I didn't feel like waking up this morning because the soothing sound of rain hitting the rooftop made me want to stay in bed, drink hot chocolate, and binge watch Netflix. But I do like the rain! I like the smell of a spring or summer rainfall, all wasps that go away for the day, the cool reflections some puddles give, the beautiful rainbow after the rain, and the pretty gardens and flowers that begin to bloom. However, my most favorite thing about the rain is that if it clears out by the end of the day and the sun starts peaking out, not only will you catch the rainbow, but you'll see a really BEAUTIFUL sunset (most of the time) that'll leave you at peace, wishing for another rainy day. 

My parents always said that in Philippines, when they were young, all the kids awaited for rainy days so they'd all play outside and "shower" in the rain. Two years ago, it rained really hard one summer night and my brother, Kyle, and I decided to spontaneously run around my block (well my dad kind of persuaded us). It was awesome and the expressions on our faces were filled carefree happiness afterwards. Have you ever ran around in a hard rainfall? It's SUPER fun, and if you haven't, you should! :)