Journal - TOPS

CSRGOVE Karl Angelo de los Santos K31

November 6, 2013 Dr. Hudtohan

Journal In this class, we were tasked to visit a community and think of a way to help that community in one-way or another. I was part of a group assigned to visit a community in Sta. Ana, Manila called Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services or more known as TOPS last October 25. The place where TOPS is situated is very secluded and hidden from plain sight that we were not able to find it and we were driving in circles trying to look for the place. When we got to the place, I noticed that their building was poorly taken care of and I could easily say that it’s around 40 yeas old just by looking at the design. When we got inside, the rooms were really old and it was dark. We were escorted to the lanai where the group before us were already seated and formed a circle. There we got to know more about the community, TOPS, more and we found out the many programs they do to help those kids, the youth, stay out of the streets and have a better life. Their mission is to assist the youth thru the use of technical assistance and teaching them values that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. I do like what they do for these kids, which includes programs for Early Childhood Development, Temporary Shelter for Boys and “Drop-in” as I believe these will guide the kids throughout this delicate stage in their lives. But in my opinion, nothing beats the tender, loving care we receive from our own parents. It’s not love that can be bought nor can it be totally imitated, as it is genuine, genuine love. Throughout my entire life, I was under meticulously caring by my parents. They would always be by my side anywhere I go. My family owns a magazine called, Animo Magazine, meaning they don’t have to be at the office everyday and they could work using their laptops so even when I’m in school, they would stay at a coffee shop near by and they would wait there till I got out. This is what I experienced all my life and to find out that there are kids being abandoned by their parents is very disturbing for me but it’s something I have accepted as something that’s been happening for a long long time. These kids have dreams to be successful when they grow up, who doesn’t? They all wish to help out their parents and make sure that they’re always happy, who doesn’t? I say give them an opportunity to realize their dreams and let them discover the world.

What my group will be doing for them isn’t enough to really help improve their lives as we were just tasked to fix their powerpoint presentation. We weren’t even given a chance to know who they are. I know I’m just a student but I could possibly do more for them. With the skills that I have acquired in my two years in college would be suffice to help them in even a small way. I am very fortunate for having very supportive and loving parents and I should let others feel the love that I have received. To let these young kids that they’ll never walk alone.