The College Diaries

7 • bright by echosmith

Billie

Days breezed by along with my negative feelings. Or was it because I'm feeling kinda better lately? I don't know why exactly, but life just feels lighter and brighter somehow.

Monday was meh.
Tuesday was tiresome.
Wednesday was weirdly good.
It's Thursday now and so far it's been a turmoil. But the good kind.

For midterms our liberating Social Science course was holding a mini food fair in CAS Annex 1. I guess nearby large classes which were just dismissed dropped by to check out the event. Our group prepared yesterday so today should go smoothly. But it's still so chaotic and blurry now! Honestly I'm getting a bit dizzy but I should suck it up. This whole thing is literally half our grade for this course.

"What's your theme, group 2?" Our professor asked amusedly when she passed by us. It's show time.

"Tropical summer, Ma'am." Our group leader said. At the same time two group members finally unveiled the huge tarpaulin above us. I woke up early to have that printed out. I'm so glad it looked perfect.

"Sex by the beach?!" Prof cried. Not sure what emotion that shriek holds. Was she scandalized? But she teaches this unusual course though... I'm suddenly nervous.

"Yes, Ma'am. A play of words with sex identification or gender orientation, hindi po yung iniisip niyo." A brave soul explained (and even joked). He also took it as a cue to expound on our concept.

It was Kit Cruz, my favorite person in this class. He goes by he/him but he is like the most interesting, intelligent and intimidating person I know. He's also all rainbows and sunshine outside class. And to top it all, he's loud and proud to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. He's also the current president of the UP Babaylan. Absolutely inspirational.

Honestly this course wasn't on my top list. I just happened to be unlucky this semester and didn't have much units on my initial schedule. It was a bummer really, so thank God for prerog. Not sure about the exact term but basically it's the process of going to your preferred course to request a slot in the class. Then it's all the professor's prerogative if they will accept you. I might be going overboard but it's frustrating and demanding and embarrassing. I heard from some mutual friends that other professors even hold quick talent shows to pick the lucky winners. One professor is infamous for choosing good looking people. They'll make you stand in front of a large class. Can't believe I'm lucky all of a sudden. I got in this class through a lottery. Most professors will get your student IDs, shuffle them and pick randomly. I swear enrollment week was an intense rollercoaster ride. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I love this class and I'm so glad I took it. Well, unless our professor hates our booth because FML then.

"Ah! Beautiful depiction, Mr. Cruz and group. All clear now. Honestly I love it, creative work, guys! Ceiling score." Prof winked and most of us giggled in relief. She also jotted some notes on her notebook.

"Thanks, po. The catchy phrase was Billie's idea." Kit mentioned and I felt my cheeks heat up as everybody cheered for me. The introvert in me cannot.

"Oh, really? Good one, Miss Cinco. It's witty. Well done." Prof responded warmly.

I managed a shy thank you before she moved on to another group. On the other hand people became intrigued and swarmed our booth. We were making virgin piña coladas non stop while some of us were busily handing out mini squid tacos and cheesy garlic fries. No time to celebrate our sure uno.

••••

I just got home and I'm feeling the good kind of tired. Today isn't over yet but I'm already over the moon. I love good days like this where I don't fall in a rabbit hole, sulking and suffering alone. Heck, I was elated. I want this feeling to never go away. So I'm going to play my Feel-Good Playlist on Spotify.