He gave me some parting words like knowing what would “drive” me or discovering that “driving force” to be TNT. Having realized a few insights, I may not have had that energy during the interview but I showed how much I really wanted it and that by itself would meant a lot and determined my success not only during the interviews but also for being a Tnt. Passion enables a person to give everything he/she has got even though one might not necessarily be prepared or ready fully. This was what I showed and I got what I wanted: a chance to be a Tnt. Of course, a Tnt has to undergo intense and tough training for 3 grueling days (whole day, not half-day) in preparation for 3 days of exciting and thrilling OrSem!
Before those 3 days, I attended the make-up training since I would have to leave early for a speed reading session, only to find-out; it got postponed till July or August. Therefore, a chance for me to train with my fellow Tnt’s whole day! The make-up gave a glimpse of what’s in store for me in the next 3 days; something like a teaser (“synopsis”) to prompt me up and get ready. We had games, dancing, situationers, GDs (group dynamics), singing, free lunch, bonding both with the core and my co-Tnt’s as well. We got really tired and exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. One of the rules we really dread and HAD to follow was to avoid being LATE or ABSENT! This gave us reason why we should manage our time well and make the most of it so we can sleep early with all the energy we needed. If we arrive late, we would be stripped of the privilege of being a Tnt for that GIVEN day. Thinking about it, considerations had been made with that rule since last year’s summer, the moment you arrived LATE, you would forever be removed the chance of being a Tnt for that summer (OrSem) meaning, all the effort and sweat poured out during the interviews, training and even during OrSem would be put to waste (which happened to one senior last year). That person arrived late during day 1 of OrSem and was banned to be a Tnt anymore (for the rest of the days) considering the dedication and commitment she gave to being a Tnt. I felt sorry and bad for that person. Of course, that was last year and thankfully, there were some changes.
Note: My friend was ABSENT during day 1 and he was banned for being a Tnt for 1 day only. (Thank God for the changes!)
So here goes Day 1 of OrSem! Before the freshies came in, we arrived early and we were already inside the gates. There was a lot of music. The environment was so loud, vibrant and lively. We even danced our theme song ‘One Thing’ for this year’s OrSem 2012: Sinag (with “Sinag” as the theme for this year’s OrSem). I bet the freshies were really so surprised and bewildered by us. I mean we really had to be ‘wild and free’ since we’re only doing it for the freshies. Day 1 was mostly about breaking the ice between the Tnt’s and the freshmen. It was a bit of a struggle since it was my first time but good thing, I had a partner to back me up. We were able to engage them eventually after a few awkward silences in between. We had GDs of course for them to be comfortable with each other and even with us Tnt’s since we would be their ates or kuyas. I was really so conscious of the time and it was as if the activities weren’t good enough for them.
Luckily, when we started engaging and talking to them, that’s when we got to know a few things about them and vice versa. They were also oriented with the different departments and deans. After which, there were final reminders and they were dismissed, end of day 1. I gave it my all but day 1 was really a bad day for ALL of us since the core got mad at us. According to some freshies or the OrCom (Organizing Committee), some Tnt’s; were really low on energy, touched the freshies (another rule to follow is to NOT touch the freshies whatsoever), not dancing even though there wasn’t any music, etc. Either way, our performance needed more room for improvement and we worked on that come Day 2.
This time, we were much wilder and rowdier to create more noise, evoke energy, vibrancy and entertainment for the freshies. Most likely, they were more surprised and shocked because of the energy we exerted MUCH MORE. There were more GD’s, films, talks for the freshies to introduce the Ateneo to them. Day 2 was Day 1 for the freshies’ tour around the campus and Tnt’s had to be well-prepared and well-spoken with their spiels since we are ‘marketing’ and ‘selling’ Ateneo to the freshies
Learning from Spiderman 1, 2 and 3 respectively; with great power comes great responsibility,
