Field of Innocence

A Reflection Paper on

Mr. and Miss Nursing 2010 Pre-pageant Activity

“A Day With The Kids”

Maxinne Marie B. Sentina

Level 4

11.22.2009. A day in the life of Maxinne Marie. This Sunday, however, wasn’t like any other
Sunday in the chronicles of my college life. I got to spend that day with a special kid. And she was unlike
any other. She’d made a mark in my endeavors; she gave me a chance to see life past all the concerns
and worries of young adulthood.

Her name is Richie Ann Jallorina, a tiny 7-year-old from Brgy. Carimayor, Leganes, Iloilo. Along
with the other kids selected by the Nursing Student Council to be part of the activity, we got to spend
the day together at SM City Storyland, where they’ve stepped into for the first time.

It was heartwarming to see the children’s faces glowing with the happiest smiles. They enjoyed
the rides, the food, the sights and sounds at SM City, and we practically built a unique friendship. My kid
was rather hyperactive. I enjoyed watching her dance so enthusiastically along with the mascots, and
she seemed to be the leader of the whole group of kids during the dances. She would run around to
rides here and there, and of course I had to be with her everywhere since I was responsible for her
safety and welfare. During the later part of the day, we shopped together for her school supplies and it
was pretty nice to know that she wanted those things which she could definitely use in her schooling.

I got tired, but felt great. It was exhausting, but it was all worth it. And nothing compares to
knowing that I’ve given a little happiness, made a little difference in her life, as she also gave a big
impact to mine.

I still remember the world from the eyes of a child. Slowly those feelings were clouded but what
I know now. I still remember the sun always warm on my back. Somehow, it seems colder now. Where
has my heart gone? Trapped in the eyes of a stranger, an uneven trade for the real world. Sometimes, I
want to go back to believing in everything.

Richie Ann reminded me of my own childhood. Looking through the eyes of a child, one could
see a lot of happiness. Freedom. Innocence. No frustrations about life. No pressure felt for things one is
about to undertake. No anxieties about what may come. Just enjoying every moment and feeling the
rush of being alive. Making the most of what is given to us and not ceasing to dream big.

My day with that kid was one of those infrequent experiences where we can see the beauty in
friendship, and do little acts of kindness, with only goodness in our hearts overcoming the troubles that
cloud our minds.