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OK – my
nanay is going to lapak me for this, but:
I’ll
admit I initially had zero intentions of ever being
associated with PUSO, the Philippine United Student
Organization.
I never
meshed well with the Filipino community in my area because I
didn’t dance, couldn’t really speak Tagalog, and was
(and still am) often perceived as “some kind of Asian – but
definitely not Filipino.” I never imagined myself
stepping into SAC Ballroom B, slapping a nametag on my
chest, and having (arguably) one of the best nights of my
semester thus far. The second I walked in there I was struck
with a sense of Family and Familiarity, and the awkwardness
I was expecting to feel remained absent throughout the
night. Everyone was close – but not cliquey. And this theme
structured the entire night.
The
meeting started off rather casually as both new and old PUSO
members introduced and integrated with one another around a
classic White Castle Crave Crate. Once stomachs were sated,
people were seated for a video montage introducing President
CJ Cancino and his fellow E-board members. Following this –
and the theme for the night – was a speaking segment for the
E-board as well as fellow Asian American clubs’
representatives, who all expressed their positive
experiences with PUSO.
But of
course – Filipinos can never stay still for too long. Before
I knew it, I found myself in the midst of ice breakers and
line dancing. And although I awoke the next morning in a
semi-chronic state of pain (whether from being tackled
during the “I Love You” game or learning the steps to
“September”), I felt accomplished and amazed. This club
(which I assumed to just be for cotillions and dance crews)
had a multitude of things to offer, from video game nights
to volleyball nights to nights of charity – to bettering the
condition of the country itself.
So, no
matter what people of past years may tell you, there’s
always a place in PUSO for you (and me).
In the words of CJ Cancino: “It’s going to be different this
year.” |
