Young Voice
My soggy flat black doll shoes
* Typhoon Egay's visit did more than soak my shoes, uniform and book. When he came, thousands of families were ready to trade places with me, if they could
What's worse than wading through several deep puddles of rainwater while the wind is pulling your umbrella? I was in my wet uniform, holding on to my wet 800-page Chemistry book. I was shivering while wearing my flat black doll shoes. I was supposed to wear the required one a half-heeled pair of shoes but I lost that a day before this unfortunate weather disturbance.
I didn't want to blame the weather for my soggy situation. The reason why my feet were submerged in the puddle of rainwater was negligence and stupidity. I didn't care about getting leptospirosis from wading through the waters as I dashed to my next class. The professor was late, so I was able to dry myself. Thank goodness, my wet shoes were decent enough to be worn for the rest of the day.
Typhoon Egay's visit did more than soak my shoes, uniform and book. When he came, thousands of families were ready to trade places with me, if they could. They lost their homes, you see.
For decades, environmentalists have reminded us of man's contribution to nature's "unfriendly" nature. Global warming, climate change, extinction of some species and calamities, among others, have haunted us.
Let me point out some must-dos so we could keep nature from turning against us.
First, we can't blame God for putting us between large bodies of water, thus making some of our country's areas susceptible to typhoons or along the ring of fire that made us prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. So, Juan dela Cruz should continue building dams, dykes and other flood-control structures. By paying our taxes religiously, we can make this possible.
Second, Juan can teach his family and neighbors how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Littering on the streets, for one, is a no. Throw your waste in the garbage can. Juan should be like a Metro Aide everyday --- promoting cleanliness around him.
We could also save on energy. We can use less electricity during daytime, spend more time with your family in outdoor activities rather than watch TV and walk towards the nearest grocery store instead of driving your CRV.
My teachers always reminded us of these. These are the simple ways of saving our world.
My friend John told me once: Bottled water has become a necessity these days, what about if someday, we may need bottled oxygen, too? I hope not.
(For comments and reactions please send an email to reylangarcia@yahoo.com, an SMS to 09186363090. Visit http://theyoungvoice.blogspot.com).