Panal, Diana Via D.

RS 55 - EF

“My AGAPE Experience”

Personally, I thought AGAPE was just another requirement for me to comply but when I was in the field, I have realized so

many things and that it was not just a mere requirement but rather it was an opportunity for me to grow as a person and to

completely immerse myself to the real world and to see what is really happening outside the classroom. AGAPE served as an

eye-opener experience for me wherein it changed my perspective about life as well as to those people who suffer from mental

illnesses and that these the same people are in dire need. Throughout my 12-hour experience in the Temporary Shelter for the

Mentally Ill, I have seen the painful truth about life wherein I was able to witness how hard the lives of the residents there and

how they are still stigmatized by the society.

It was painful for me to witness as a psychology student and as a person who advocates the importance of mental health because

the residents there have lack of resources such as clean water, food, bed, no proper clothing etc., and holistic psychological

intervention which made them suffer even more instead of making their lives better and help them improve mentally since in

the first place, the environment is already not conducive for their well-being. With that, I have seen the need for help for these

people because most of them are abandoned by their families, have experienced abuse and trauma, and have not received proper

intervention aside from medication. This experience made me realize how my contribution and my compassion are greatly

needed to these people.

During my stay in the center, fortunately, it went well and for that, I am truly grateful for AGAPE because through this

opportunity I was able to respond to what area is needed to be taken an action and I was able to lent my hand for these people

in my own little ways even in a short period of time. I was able to go beyond what is required and not just merely doing the

tasks but also listening to them, to their life stories. I felt happy because in my entire service, I did not encounter any difficulties

in terms of reaching out and building rapport to the residents because they were warm and friendly. Also, the staff who are

assigned in the center were very accommodating and easy to work with.

Aside from that, I got some very important life lessons that I have learned outside the four corners of the classroom because of

AGAPE for letting me experience this immersion. One of the lessons that I have learned is by being sensitive to the needs of

other people because I could only help these people if only I am aware and sensitive to what they need. Also, this experience

has taught me to never hesitate in helping others especially those who have less, who are marginalized, and who do not have

access to proper amenities and services. Aside from that, this experience made me realize to not be passive in times of crisis

and be more active whenever great help is really needed. In addition, my personal experience with the residents of the center
taught me to never judge others just because they are hard to understand, rather I have learned to treat them with patience and

kindness as well as to make them feel that they matter.

As I render my service in the center, I have observed that there are still areas that need improvement. First, the scarcity of

resources such as food, clothes, and other facilities that when given it could help the residents in providing a safe and healthy

environment. Second, the need for proper and efficient intervention which could reduce the severity of the symptoms that

residents have been experiencing. These challenges made me realize how my course is really important in this situation. With

that, there are things that I hope to achieve in the future but since I’m still an undergraduate student, I am hoping that I can help

them through my future profession wherein I will serve them by providing psychological interventions which can be helpful

and efficient for them to cope with the daily difficulties that they experience. Also, as a student, I will encourage others to help

these people who are in need especially in terms of amenities through donating supplies and food. Moreover, I will use my

voice as a future psychology practitioner to educate and to aware others regarding mental health in order to minimize the

misconception and prejudices towards people with mental illness.

Given these experiences and based from what I have observed regarding the current situation of the center, perhaps what I

might do next time will be applying my knowledge and skills as a psychology major to help the residents in the center cope

well and adapt to their daily life experiences as well as apply what I have learned in RS 55 not just simply doing the tasks but

also pouring all of my heart in whatever I do. Also, what I have experienced serves as my inspiration to become true and

passionate to my profession in the future and that I will be able to put into practice my knowledge to make a significant

difference. Moreover, I will serve as an instrument to those in need. Overall, this AGAPE experience made me to become

humble and let myself go beyond my comfort zone. Indeed, this has been the most meaningful experience I had in my entire

life so far.