#ojt

JUNE 1, 2022 (WEDNESDAY)

The struggle of the first day was unimaginable. Entering the office at exactly 7:30 which the Ma'am Helen has instructed us to do, left me confused. I thought we were supposed to be interviewed or oriented, however it didn't happen. Interns from WMSU were the ones that gave us the seats in the Information Desk and slowly oriented us about what to do and what not to do-- and we faced the first wave of the crowd.

Let me tell you that the feeling of being lost, the one I felt during the first day kind of reminds me of a child being lost in a grocery store unable to find their parent. It was that exact feeling. It felt like we joined a war without properly learning how to use a gun. However, I thank God that the three of us are fast learners.

The whole time we were helping these OFWs to register into their new accounts for their details and we kept asking for assistance from the Interns of WMSU, they were patient with teaching us what we have to know. We made few mistakes, personally, I made a lot of mistakes during this time but thankfully our seniors were able to shoulder the burden of other OFW's that seemingly are more lost than the three of us.

The day ended with us feeling the fatigue setting in. The first day was overwhelming because we didn't know what to do, but we tried to help as many OFW's as we can. Gladly, we were able to get the grasp of what we're doing by the end of the day. JUNE 2, 2022 (THURSDAY)

2nd day also felt nerve-wracking, I wasn't as lost as I felt than the first day but I was able to learn properly what we were doing. We're assisting OFWs so that their information would be placed on their own accounts online. Since these OFWs didn't know how to, we give them information, the things they need while settling their accounts and if problems arises, we create tickets to send to our evaluators to solve it.

It wasn't a fast process, it's a bleeding process as the three of us are only able to handle a client one at a time. However, since we know a little bit than yesterday-- we are able to avoid the same mistakes we did yesterday. Personally, I have a gruff voice. Learning how to speak eloquently and soft to our clients was a hard one, but i managed to find the right tone for it. I also found out the difference of an OEC and an Appointment, at this time and it felt less confusing as the day went on. Ultimately, it was a good day. A bleeding but a good day, nonetheless. JUNE 3, 2022 (FRIDAY)

The last day of the week was great? I think? It was fulfilling. I was grounded and I was able to help as much people without feeling lost. Still, I made some mistakes however, it wasn't as much as the last two days because I finally understand the job that we have and what we're doing. We were able to get along with the people in the office, and I was able to learn more from both the Interns and the workers. In terms of handling clients, they are more open in talking with me and I was able to converse with them freely and kindly unlike the last two days that were more restricted, lost and confused. I was able to learn about their life.

However, I guess I could have one rant already for the first week: It's that some people should have gone to POEA earlier than their flight. They are "ora-orada," the moment their flight is drawing near, they go to the POEA a day before--which makes it our job to panic because they couldn't get all of their details finished in one day. There are way too many requirements to finish and they would be leaving Zamboanga, the day after. POEA office is not available in weekends. Which made it my job to panic while trying to finish and double check the requirements that they have.

So far, it was tiring but fulfilling. I felt lost at first but ultimately, I found out the purpose of why we're there. :> I'm happy and contented as it is. Hopefully, clients would be tame with us. I wouldn't want to end up like the last intern that cried because a client threw a passport on her face. ;-;

(This is a picture with Rae Anne Mejos and Stephen Edward Villanueva (Ateneo Interns) with two WMSU Interns and the Security Guard of POEA)