MEDRANO, Crystal Joan D.

PAUWI SA AMIN
This story revolved around a girl who, despite the financial difficulties and social
ineptness, conquered another world which is apart from where she grew up in. The protagonist,
Rina, who had a very hard time adjusting upon admission to the University of the Philippines,
survived the long process of enrollments, which, by the way, is her first time. Also, she
eventually found a strong friendship which eventually leads to love in Darwin, the first student
she talked to during the enrollment process. During her stay in the university, she eventually
found her way out of the shell she ran and won as the student council president, gained high
grades, lived with no alcoholic dependence, and eventually found her one true love, Darwin.
Rina and I are alike in some ways, but not, of course, on the aspect of romance.
Before travelling to Baguio, she bid goodbye to her parents who said that education is
the only thing they could pass on. Her sister also exclaimed her support for Rinas education.
Seeing this scene makes me think of my parents and my siblings. My parents, especially my
father, always tell me that, Edukasyon lang ang maipapamana naming sa iyo, anak. My father
and mother work hard to support the five of us, especially me who is far away from home. My
brother and sisters, most of the time, sacrifice a lot of material things just to save money for the
materials needed in an experiment and fieldworks. Also, Rina had a very hard time fitting into
anyones circle. The same is true with me. I am the type of person who could be an
acquaintance of everyone, but is finding so hard to permanently fit in into a group. Our greatest
similarity lies to the fact that both of us dont drink alcoholic beverages or party at all. I actually
made a promise to my mother that I shall only drink those whenever they are around.
In accordance to the trait Rina has, it occurred to me that whatever she was, there is that
Darwin who accepts and loves her wholeheartedly. This probably occurred from the fact that
she was herself that day he saw her sing. He saw the real Rina that was hiding under the
awkward smiles that Rina gives during the first day of class. I could have said in here that I
believe that I shall find the right guy when I am just being myself, but no. Instead of that, I shall
mention that both of us are being true at ourselves, emphasizing on the non-romantic aspect. It
is just that she is lucky enough to find the man who will sweep her off her feet, and I am
currently not.
Rina, though, had to stop studying because of financial problems. Nevertheless, this fact
did not stop her from still pursuing her dreams even when she already has a husband, Darwin,
and a child. This is one character that, if I have been given the chance, I wanna have. This is
because I am more of a realist to pessimist, rather than an optimist that most people are. I tend
not to expect and assume that much, especially with life in general. Also, I remembered when I
had so much passion in entering Saint Louis University, but because of my parents influence, I
had to confirm my slot in this university. I am grateful, of course, with my parents for convincing
me to enter this prestigious university, but there are those times where I kept on asking, What if
I actually followed what I wanted and studied Medical Technology, Architecture, or Political
Science in SLU?
With Pauwi Sa Amin, I saw Rina the way I saw myself in the mirror only that the
person that I saw is so much better than what I knew myself to be. Yes, the two of us had
similarities, but of course, we also have differences. I admit she is so much better because
she is a fictional character who is almost unflawed. However, no matter how fictional her
characterization is, she shall be that protagonist that inspired me to be myself, and to even be
better in aspects that I actually lack of enthusiasm on.