Openness to Change

On March 26, 2015, we had the opportunity to teach the year 3 physical therapy (PT) students a wellness activity. We prepared for this activity very well. However, an hour before our activity, there were unforeseen changes that happened. First, we had to change our exercises because the interns already planned a program in the form of a game for the students. Second, the students told us that they were not expecting a lecture since they thought that the interns were the only ones who will be handling them.

After encountering all these changes, I honestly felt sad but not because I knew that some of our objectives would not be applicable anymore. I felt sad because the students showed no enthusiasm to listen because they were not expecting any lectures at all and were very much looking forward to the game. I noticed this as the game was being introduced and the students suddenly became attentive, like a bright sun shone upon their faces. I also observed it during the demonstration of one of our exercises. When the students realized that one of the exercises we were teaching was not part of the game, I even heard one of them saying, “Ano ba yan, ‘di pala kasama ito. Wag na yan!”

I know that it was our duty to engage them. Actually, we did do our best to really engage them and augment their enthusiasm. We were even calling them by their first names. We thought that knowing their names will be beneficial to the lecture and so before the lecture, we procured a list of the students in their class. However, even with the efforts, their interest in the lecture did not change. Despite this, I would still want to thank some students for being participative by answering some our questions adequately. Maybe we also lacked in our part because we could have done a game instead rather than a lecture if we knew that the interns would be planning such activity to the students.

Amidst all the setbacks, I still felt grateful for the experience because I was able to concretize one of my passions – teaching. Even for a day, I had the chance to experience what it feels like to be a therapist who will educate the students about wellness. I would also like to thank my hard-working groupmates who, even with unexpected circumstances, were still able to deliver to the best of their abilities.

The most valuable lesson I learned during the activity was really adaptability. As a future PT, I will be faced with instances wherein I have to change everything I planned for my students. Through this activity, I was able to embody this trait; I adapted effectively to the changes that happened with grace and confidence. In addition, I learned that success is not really about carrying out my plans and getting what I want. It is all about my ability to adapt to the changes in my plans because of unpredicted circumstances. It is through my openness to change would I have a true opportunity to get the most from every experience.