“Automaton – n. a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions.”
— Merriam-Webster Dictionary
EVERY gadget reaches a temporary end in its lifetime, and a Psi Automaton is no exception. Now, I am ready to shut down and recharge for a bigger challenge in an afterlife popularly known to most graduates as the “real world.”
However, shutdowns are not normally for closing. In the Windows’ Turn Off Computer command, one is offered the chance not only to turn the computer off, but also to keep it on standby or restart mode.
“Standing by” means waiting for a stimulus to respond to. There are a number of things to “stand by” for despite the waste of time.
“Restarting” can mean sleeping. In a day, one has to rest for another.
Turning off does not always pertain to an end, as it provides better options for the next set of processes to be completed. And the same is true with life.
*****
“Some things tie (our lives) together with slender threads of things to treasure. Days like that should last and last and last…”
— Dusk and Summer, a Dashboard Confessional single
The day I dread is nearing. A few weeks more and I will be leaving my beloved University, she who has affectionately nurtured me for eight years.
To my high school friends who never fail in greeting me whenever we see each other, I will always remember you fondly.
To my classmates from 1-CSB to 4-CSB, and the great friends I met along the way: I am grateful that you believed in me despite my failures and incapacities.
To my professors, Ma’am Perl, Ma’am Cha, Sir Raul, Sir Jess, Sir Verge, Sir Mike, Ma’am Mich, Ma’am Espi, and the other personnel in the Department of Computer Studies, muchos gracias for the lessons.
To my musical abodes: the Santissimo Rosario Parish Choir, College of Science Glee Club, and Marian Evangelization Community, thank you for the some of the greatest companies one could ever wish for. My singing gift is nothing without your faith and trust in me. Thank you very much for teaching me the real meaning of sharing God’s gift of music. And to those whom I had ill-treated knowingly and unknowingly, I am deeply sorry. I hope the next time we meet would be as exciting and as fun-filled as the first.
To my Tomasino Web family—to Sir Jun, Bawasi, Kuya Roland, Kuya Nico, Ate Kath, and my TomWeb batchmates, the experiences we shared can never be replaced. Thank you for the teamwork and the pointers. You further molded the animator, programmer, and graphic designer in me.
To the office I considered home, the Varsitarian, thank you for accepting me, who somewhat misfits into your large family of great people. I will never forget the overnights, the presswork, the extra-editorial activities, the legwork, writing, editing, and revising that I did with you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that I have the knack for writing and for letting me exercise everything I know, even my technical and artistic skills.
And to the people who stayed beside me throughout my Varsi life—
Sir Lito Zulueta, who taught me to overcome my misgivings in journalism, and sometimes even in life, even though we never really talked much to each other;
My superiors, my fellow staff, and those who have gone ahead, who taught me to see the light through hardships and problems;
The staff that I will be leaving behind, with some I was able to form and keep tight bonds of friendship with, in whose hands we entrust the Varsitarian’s glory;
My dear Science and Technology team: Kingbherly and Celina. You accepted my confession that I only work with friends. You even became my daughters. You are the best team one can ever have. Others wouldn’t be jealous of our section if not for you two. May our legacy remain as golden and as pure as we have made it;
My closest friends, my Varsitarian kith and kin: MJ, Kris, Lee, Nat, Erick, Kerwin, Mitch, Kristine, Myla, Rieze, Raye, Ketch, Richard, and the SR team, who had constant faith in me, keeping me at 100 per cent efficiency. I give you that which you truly deserve: my devotion. You all have a big place in my heart;
My family, who kept on being too understanding despite the numerous tough times that each of us experienced. I felt bad not being able to give you the greatest gift I could give: witnessing me, your first-born and the family kuya march in his graduation ceremonies. I hope that the letdown taught us something valuable in one way or another.
And last but not the least, to God. I can never thank You enough for what You have given me throughout my 20 years of stay so far on this earth.
Although departing is painful, I believe in the power of faith and hope that one day, we will be back in each other’s arms as precious friends and loved ones once again.
