Archive for the ‘Graduate Testimonies’ Category

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Take Care of Today


2010
08.10

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By Dominic Bürgi
GRADUATE 2010

IT was in November of last year that I set out from SELF to pursue my education in Communication Arts at the University of De La Salle Canlubang, the school I had attended before being admitted to SELF. It was both an exciting and daunting step for my recovery. The prospect of going back to my old stomping ground stirred up all kinds of emotions and thoughts.
Would I be successful? Would my old friends (positive and negative) still be there? Would I fit in? I had never been the “popular kid” on all levels of schooling. These were but a few of my anxieties, but I steeled my resolve and strode “into the fray”, so to speak.
As I had somewhat expected, things were awkward for me at the beginning. But my expecting it didn’t make it any less hard. I had no friends, a bad reputation stemming from my past, and the uncomfortable feeling of not really knowing my place. It was just as it had been before my rehabilitation. People seemed to look at me with suspicion and what might be described as a mixture of fear and doubt. (more…)

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Reaping the Fruits of Hard Work


2010
02.21

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By: PAOLO C. BALINGHASAY
Graduate 2006

LIFE after SELF can be hard. People have a hard time comprehending re-covering addicts. Oftentimes, there is a stigma that comes along with sharing this event in your life with others. I’ve observed that people who are able to overcome life’s hardships without the need for intervention cannot seem to fathom what it is like to be in rehab. I think the last thing they would expect is that people graduating from a program would exhibit a mature, value-driven enthusiasm for life.

During the first few months of my integration in my new college environment, I felt that I was being judged as incapable of displaying such behavior. Perhaps most residents reintegrating with society will experience this. But SELF, in fact, has molded me into a responsible and passionate individual ready to take in the good things life has to offer. I feel God has graced me with these gifts in my newfound life.
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No Shortcuts to a Place Worth Going To


2010
02.21

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By: JOEY UY
Graduate 2007

AS the most senior member of the graduating class, I am honored to deliver tonight’s graduation speech. I was chosen not because I am the oldest person in the class but because I have been in the program for 36 months now. Yes, this has been my long process here in SELF but, to tell you frankly, I would not have it any other way.

Before I came to SELF my life was a total mess. I lost the trust of my loved ones and exhausted every drop of love and support they had to offer. I have been to several rehabs but, strangely, nothing worked. I continued to abuse myself in my drug taking habit thinking it was just a phase I had to go through.

I practically lived in the streets but, somehow, I always felt that someone would eventually come and rescue me. I was separated from my wife, put to jail, yet I refused to shape up. Many thought my jail experience would be my rock-bottom, but unfortunately, I just kept on going.
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No Free Lunch


2010
02.21

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By: Paul Villarin
Graduate 2007

Editor’s Note: After graduating from the SELF Program, Paul pursued a course in BS Psychology at Southville University. In his article, he recounts his experience in taking his final examinations in sobriety.

I woke up at 6:00 AM. It was dark, quiet and everyone was asleep. I made myself a cup of coffee and grabbed my textbook to study some more. I had already covered the chapters that our class discussed but, somehow, I was dissatisfied. I had an exam in three hours and though I felt I was quite ready I wanted to be sure.

That morning, I had butterflies in my stomach. It was like being in the presence of a lady I fancied. I knew exactly what I had to say but felt unable to bring myself to say them. I was unshaven and didn’t sport a new haircut. I was, however, armed with a good night’s sleep, a detailed reviewer, and a big prayer. So, I reminded myself that I was not in pursuit of a lady but good grades and it somehow helped me soothe my anxieties. I was further consoled knowing that there were people rooting for my success.
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Life After SELF


2010
02.21

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By: PATRICK GALLARDO
Graduate 2005

EDITOR’S NOTE: Patrick graduated from the SELF Program in 2005 and has since established a business producing soap. After volunteering to oversee the Aftercare program for a year, Patrick was formally appointed as its Supervisor in 2006. In his article, he recounts his own post-treatment experience as well as those of his peers.

As a SELF graduate and Supervisor of the Aftercare program, I make sure that the group keeps its commitment to meet every Friday. In addition, we have also undertaken to all go up and meet in the facility when most of the staff are at the monthly FAM to support the staff who remain.

We usually start with dinner and either play billiards or go bowling. It’s a time we use for bonding. But whatever it is that we do, we are constantly checking on each other, seeing to it that each one is closely dedicated to their recovery and business plans.
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