How do you define a memory worth reminiscing about? Did it affect you? Did it change you?
I interpret a memory as being part of the surrounding people that influenced my consciousness. They eventually left a lasting impression on how I see myself and on how I see life. The most significant experience I had at the University of Baguio (UB) is something I would definitely share. Although it is neither a prestigious achievement nor a phenomenal legacy but rather a profound realization.
The School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) is something I landed myself into. It had been a strenuous day after we successfully catered to several diners at the Centennial Cafe. Everyone is announcing their last calls and cleaning up the mess sluggishly. I voluntarily did the dishes as I tiredly rinsed the plates and let all of the leftovers go down the drain. There is so much work left to be done so I went on a naughty shortcut until my part was done as I patiently waited for everyone’s duty to be concluded. Hoping that tomorrow will be less hectic while we waved our weary goodbyes to one another as the day monotonously came to an end.
The morning gust swooshed after only a few hours of sleep as I got ready for school. I got there and changed into the usual chef’s attire. I started setting everything up in case there was another kitchen frenzy. Shortly thereafter, our instructor interrupted and asked us to clean the grease trap. I had no idea what this grease trap was until the custodian pointed it out under the sink. I was confused at first but soon understood that she was referring to the compartment just below the pipes. Despite being calm and confident about finishing it up quickly, I immediately regret everything I did the day before upon exposing what is in that grease trap.
Rotting fish gills, scales, solidified grease and infiltrated garbage water almost made me puke. The rancid odor from surface scum reeked like a cadaver. These are the fruits of my previous negligence and unmannerly actions. These are the ones that I discarded from the plates yesterday and now they are in the state of decomposing. I was emptying the grease trap and a lot of realizations hit me. A couple of these thoughts led me through self-reflection about how I was inconsiderate of the other person assigned to this task. Delving into how selfish I was, of just thinking about my sole convenience and it was so disrespectful. These memories and experiences of my current student life taught me lessons and unknowingly put me into someone else's shoes. Being in UB-SIHTM did not just let me gather the wisdom that I needed but also put me through some instances that are not ordinarily taught in school on a daily basis. At the end of the day, I composed myself to personify the essence of compassion and promised myself not to do the naughty shortcut again.
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