PWA, Thriving with Excellence

By: PWA David Michael Lopez, ASP Laguna Chapter

David Michael Lopez, aka Kitt Lopez, is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the Lyceum Institute of Technology Makiling, Calamba City. He currently works in ASP Laguna’s Autism Resource Center. He regularly contributes articles to the chapter’s newsletter.

Mr. David Michael Lopez

As we enter the year 2011, I recall the time that I was a trainee in Autism Resource Center (ARC) of ASP Laguna Chapter, in the year 2008. I typed portions of the book about autism-related issues with co-worker, Michael Cansanay, who also has autism. During the Yuletide Season, I made “Angel” Christmas decorations, using assorted beads of different colors. I also participated in workshops on the production and processing of meat products, such as tocino.

The year 2009 was also a fruitful year because I stepped into greater heights from becoming a trainee into a full-time apprentice. I met new trainees and reunited with my former schoolmates from Cahbriba Alternative School Foundation. (More than half of the trainees came from CASF’s Special Education Department). I did various assignments in preparation for the real world of work, clerical work like photocopying and typing documents; sorting and collating of various files, and also messengerial work. I also worked in the production of paper bags, and paper briquetting.

At home, I performed household chores such as washing of dishes, sweeping floors, and arranging of beddings. I attended gym classes at Ma Gym Fitness Center. Sir Paolo Aquino, who served as my personal trainer, gave me exercise routines and introduced to me various gym equipment like treadmill, stationary bikes, weights, and dumb bells

“Gimik Night” and “HOME Life” were my two most exciting activities to date. In Gimik Night, we went to LB Square for a gimmick night and stayed overnight at the ARC, while at HOME Life (Harnessing Options in Managing Everyday Life), we rented a house for one week and tried to experience living independently away from our respective homes and parents. I did household chores in the rented house and worked at ARC during office hours. We also did leisure activities such as going around places inside the UPLB Campus and throughout Barangay Batong Malake, watching movies and television shows, and singing songs in the videoke.

I participated in Kick Ball and recreational activities under the Pahinungod class. In kickball, I learned techniques in kicking, throwing, and passing the ball with my teammates. I represented ARC in the Friendship Games in February where we took part in such sporting activities as tug-of-war. I also participated in leisure activities during the Pahinungod class. As part of their academic requirements, some UPLB students conduct meetings with us at the UPLB Grounds, the Pahinungod building, and the ARC on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays respectively. They facilitated workshops in drawing, singing, dancing, and other activities.

In late-November, I participated in the social marketing group alongside Wilbert Rola and Gil Nogrado. We organized a bazaar where we sold merchandise like paper envelopes and angels.

2011 will be another challenging year for me. I will pray and hope for the best to survive in the workplace as I report for work at the Autism Resource Center and now at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish. A little help goes a long way, as the saying goes. I will be obedient not only to my parents but also to my superiors and will strive to do excellent work as always.

====