Got through the highly-dreaded comprehensive exam last week and I’m happy to announce that everyone (we’re 8) of us passed. Now, the only thing that keeps us from earning the degree is our thesis.
I’m hoping to finish my thesis this year if that is possible or if anyone in the program was able to finish a thesis in a period of two terms or equivalent to six months. Its a big challenge actually. I already know my topic and how to go about it. But there are some things that I’m still undecided. Will I write it in Filipino or English? Since the scope is too long, what particular period should I look into so that I may be assured of many things to write? Which kind of countries should I deal with? These questions have to be resolved prior to going with the research proper.
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Recently, I’m getting into some movies just to make the most of my time and I’m really enjoying it. In one of these days, I might post some short reviews to have something in my blog. I miss writing reviews though they are not that substantive nor helpful to anyone. Writing them helps me to get away from work and keep myself sane.
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While I was taking my Ash Wednesday lunch, I suddenly thought of going into volunteer work. I’m not referring to those organizations that are active during disasters preparing food supplies to be distributed among affected families. I’m thinking of those projects that have specific objectives and target communities/beneficiaries which are in need of people who have certain expertise and skills. I’m referring to development work and not to disaster response or social work.
Since I was taking lunch in an establishment with WiFi connection, I searched through the net of possible ways to make it possible. I came across the Philippine National Volunteer Service Administration, a government agency that coordinates with volunteer organizations and volunteers. I was hoping to find information about favorable options for government employees to go on volunteer work but their website does not say any. I’ll try to find out soon by asking them or the Civil Service Commission.
The reason behind this interest is because I want to get exposed to another domain. You see, being in the culture and arts sector makes you feel that its all that matters – that culture and arts is an antidote to social problems. Its also a means to get back to a more realistic realm which the social sciences has helped me to realize. Getting into social problems provides greater challenge than protecting and keeping social memory and its material remains.
