Tell us something about yourself
They say that people with Scorpios as their zodiac signs are mostly passionate, confident, and creative. They like stability and routine. However, as a very misunderstood zodiac sign, they also say that Scorpios are secretive, mysterious, and discreet. In general, I think I do possess these traits in both my personal and public life, particularly when it comes to topics and advocacies that I really believed in, I relentlessly pursue them and make an effort to know more and engage with it.
Tell us about your role in TPBPM
Currently, I am in the Communications Team where I create content for social media posting and other communication channels. But since 2015, I’ve been involved in various volunteer opportunities with TPBPM doing secretariat duties, documentation, and facilitation activities.
What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?
In 2017, we organized our first peace fair in Mamasapano Maguindanao. We’ve been going back and forth in this area because of our Peace Education Sessions with the children, parents, and teachers. As for my role, I was just observing and documenting the activities around so I have minimal interaction with the participants, unlike the facilitators and lead formators during the sessions. On our last day in Hadji Salik Elementary School, a student went up to me and gave me a note:
Dear Ate Sheyna,
“Sana po madalas po kayo pupunta dito at madalas din po tayong magkasama at maging Peace Hero po ako. Thank you, Ate Sheyna.”
From Norhamida.
Initially, I was speechless and confused. Why would a student give me this note? And then I realized that perhaps, it’s the collective effort of the TPBPM members that touched the student who wished to be a Peace Hero. It’s that collective “peace vibes and positive energy” being spread out by our TPBPM Kuyas and Ates and being felt in and outside of Norhamida’s school.
Before we fly back to Manila, it made me appreciate all of my co-volunteers hard work, regardless of our roles in the field, and most importantly, it made me realize that this is what building peace together looks like.
What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?
It may be as simple as it sounds but can make a huge impact on another person’s life. It’s that saying that I often hear “Peace begins with a smile”.
True enough, it takes practice to make it a habit to start your day with a smile given all the negativity happening around us. I try to apply it as often as possible – whenever I wake up and would think of small events or things, even people, that will make me smile for today. It’s like my armor that at the end of the day, I still feel positive even if I would encounter some mishaps or “bad vibes”.
What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?
Surround yourself with like-minded and passionate people who advocate for peace. Being a strong and independent woman is an offshoot of having a strong support system that will lift you up from your lows and will cheer you up for your achievements. These moments of “Kaya mo yan, Ate.”, “Nandito lang kami para sa’yo.”, “Salamat at nandyan ka.”, “Ang galing mo, Ate.” will build your confidence and will inspire you to support other women as you get molded to have a solid-rock foundation.
Peace is you.
You have the power to decide to be at peace with yourself. You have the power to choose peace for yourself. And you have the power to bring peace to those around you. Peace will and should always start with you.
MA. SHEYNA DELOS REYES
