Life in Poetry: A Wave to Remember (A Wave 8-A Memoir)

A Wave to Remember

by: Noel Yulo

I woke up in the morning feeling a little bit shaky
It's already late so I moved quickly in a doozy
Ate my breakfast and I took a cold bath
Wore my best clothes and off I left
Going to product training in a 7-3 shift
I found myself in a very unfamiliar drift
Not long ago I was training with a group of guys
Who wanted to earn money and were bored in life
So off to Sutherland we all applied
Signed our contracts and our worlds collide
But we were too many for our trainer to accommodate
So without a choice our group had to separate
But there's a reason why God made a way
For us to be together in group Wave 8-A....

.....I apologize. I couldn't finish the poem. Although it looks and reads like a very simple poem , that is suppose to be the intro only. I started to make this during product training a few weeks ago. I got so many ideas on how the poem should go on, but I just can't seem to find the words to rhyme about you guys. No poem is enough to express how much happy I am for you guys to have come in my life. So I decided to make a memoir for you guys. I notice that my last post was still about working in Sutherland and about you. But I understand that as much as I miss you, every day that I walk in Sutherland and I think about you guys, I know that I cannot talk about you forever. So maybe, for one last time, I want to take a walk in memory lane and remember the experience of a lifetime I had with you guys.

Yesterday (actually right now it's last Sunday, I made this the day after our graduation and I couldn't finish it right away, so, moving on...), I finally graduated in my training in Sutherland. From 33 people, 15 were left after product training. Berlitz came and 8 people were left. One failed product training and it was only 7 nesters bound for nesting. One got sick and one chose to quit, leaving 5 people on deck. One had to leave and quit due to medical problems, and we were down to 4. The numbers really do say a lot because, we made history as the smallest wave in the entire existence of Sutherland, and I don't want to exaggerate things, but I guess in the entire call center industry as well. When I took my diploma (yes, there's a diploma), I couldn't help but get flashbacks of what happened during the last six weeks. How time flies by, it felt like I survived a war that I was supposed to get killed in. As everyone in the board room clapped as they welcomed the new AT&T consultants, everything just went backwards, and the last flash I thought of was the image of you guys. . .

I'm getting dramatic, I'm aware of that.

It felt like yesterday when I came inside Sutherland holding my resume. I had all the confidence in the world that they will hire me. I came in there thinking I'm Sutherland's newest employee (yes, I'm quite arrogant at times, not all the time, just sometimes, hehe). It was a grueling process, 7 step ain't easy (remember?), but I did it (we did it), I signed a contract the next day and off I went, having the same confidence I had when I came in (confidence, not arrogance, :D). I didn't know who I will work with or what training will be like, but all I had in my mind was simple, "Do good, get the job, earn money". It sounded like a robotic goal, getting direct to the point not knowing what challenges would arise. Come to think of it, challenges did came. Assessments, call simulation. But the biggest challenge of all? Was having to know the pain of losing people you've learned to value. . .

First day of training came and I finally got a glimpse of Wave 8. I've seen some of you back from recruitment. I wasn't expecting I'll be on the same wave as you guys, but in a sense, I was glad since all of you seemed nice (so I thought, joke, haha). We were quite a lot, and I guess the separation made sense. 15 of us were left in Wave 8-A and from that day on, my life, in another sense again, changed forever. . .

We were a very quiet group. We always find ourselves to have small talks with just selected people. It was always me, Icy, and Laya that talked since we were schoolmates. Then at times we were joined by Paul and Jen, both who were always having sensible arguments. You have Irish and Shine seemingly having girl talks in the middle of the room. Then you have Mau and Ralph on the other side of the room with JC, Real, and Lyza, with the three always sticking together like glue. On the farthest side, there's Shang, Brandon and the very energetic Arjei. I could remember the 1st time Arjei wanted the entire group to "group" together, everyone complied, but we just threw some little words and separated once again, leaving a slight awkwardness. Still, it was great to slowly establish rapport. As much as Ms. Julie would tell us to speak English all the time, we end up being noisy and all out in speaking vernacular. Remember also the boring lectures that we had. Sometimes when I think about, I had those lectures with you guys. When I was sitting there, it didn't matter to me then, but come to think of it, I could just imagine myself going back through time, sitting on the chair staring at the slides and I would turn my head looking at you guys. If only I knew those were the last times I'll be watching slides with you, I should have just stared at you guys while all of you were staring at the slides, and surely, you'll stare at me for staring at you. That would have been a weird moment, but still, it'll be worth it.

I could remember the day that I really got to talk a little more with some of you. When we had our medical at Friendly Care? It was fun. Annoyingly fun. It was like an outing, but instead of going to the beach, we were having a medical check-up. Instead of eating food, we were getting needles inserted to our veins. Instead of laying under the sun, we were getting flashed by x-rays instead. Instead of having drinks and having a great time, we were....peeing. Yeah, I would like to believe that it was our out-ing, hehehe.

Second week started and pretty much you guys knew what happened. We started having our assessments and call simulation. I could still remember not getting too much worried about it. I didn't even study, let alone prepared for anything. I just do what I do best, going with the flow and try not screw things up in the best way I can. But as I look at you guys, well, I couldn't say you exerted a lot of effort, since some of you said you weren't, but I could see that you were all trying and doing your best. I guess I could say that, not trying to be cheesy here, you were all my inspiration to do my best as well. You guys wanted to do this, wanted to pass, that I wanted to give my best also just to make sure at the end of the day, I'm still rolling with you guys. I just felt like all of you were good, and a little bit more of practice, we could have made it, all of us. I could remember the 1st mock call we had. I was the 3rd person to take in the call. I wasn't good at that call, let alone I didn't even understand the scenario. But come to think of it, its hard to believe that I'm already in this position to take in real calls. It's funny to think that we thought that those six scenarios would be it. Boy, let me tell you, they're not even a quarter of all scenarios.

And after three days of mock calls, the 1st test finally came, Post-Assessment. When I went there I just knew that I had nothing to worry about. It was just about having an English conversation. It wasn't really much more about being care-free for myself, it was about having the faith that I know you guys could ace it with no sweat. How hard could it be right? How hard could it be indeed. During those moments was the time when we truly bonded the most. When we sat on those office chairs waiting for the next person, talking about anything and just trying to get to know one another. It was a moment were if I only knew would be our final moments sitting beside one another, I would have gone to do something to make the moment last forever. When the day went by and it was time to announce the result, it was quite unusual that we would be put in a room, and Ms. Julie was slowly calling in people. No one knew what the reason could be. No one knew if the people who got called are the ones who passed or the ones who were left. When it was clear, it was a shocking disbelief. I didn't really care if my score was 4 out of 5. What concerned me more was that some people still failed post-assessment. And as much as I wished the remaining the best, that moment was already the start of a derailing hope of everyone making it to the finish line. At that time, I couldn't say the words that I wanted to say. All I ever wanted was for you guys to make sure you get it. I wanted to coach, but I felt like I had no reason to, that I am not capable of doing so. I didn't believe I was good, but I just knew that if I offered a hand, things would have been different. . .

As the final day came, it seem to be clear that for everyone to passed, they needed to get a certain amount of grade. I knew that everyone will have to give their best. No one had the idea how the calls will be. At that moment, it was every man for himself, but I just believed you guys will be able to make it. As each call passed, no one seemed to find the right formula to finish the call perfectly. As if they meant it to be hard, there was just no way to solve a very illogical call. And even on my very best attempt, I floundered and failed to solve the caller's concern. Just to be able to give the closing spiel, it was enough I guess but I left to unwind, knowing I failed. There were so many things going on in my head, but deep in my heart, as long as you guys can do it, I don't mind leaving as long as you guys were still having the hope to do it. I took 30 minutes to reflect on what will happen next, when I should have stayed to spend what I believe as my last moments with you guys. Everything on that day is slowly becoming a blur to me now, but when the time came, that memory will forever cling in my heart and symbolizes the dagger that ended what could have been a great working experience.

In the same room, one by one, Ms. Julie called up all 15 of us. And one by one, we all learned the truth. I truly believed on that moment that everyone would pass. Everyone should. We've been through a lot and I don't believe that we deserved to be denied of what I truly believe we deserved. We earned that shot. I don't believe that we will work in Sutherland or in a call center forever, but on that moment, everyone deserved the chance to work. When the first failure came, I just thought that some things weren't meant to last. If people would go, then it was okay for me to go. But if I made it, damn it, everyone should have made it. And when I knew I passed, damned being the highest, I couldn't even contain the happiness that I was suppose to wear. I wore instead angst and guilt, knowing that I made it and the rest didn't. Knowing I could have done something for the rest to make it. And lets just say, the rest was history. . .

God knows that I was very sad on that very moment. Tears were about to come out in my eyes, but I chose to keep it in. At the end of the day, it was all about getting a job. But at the end of the day, a job is not worth keeping if you know you have to keep going on by leaving behind a group of people you have learned to value in a short span of time. Whenever I try to remember that moment, up to this day it still stings me. Everyday that I go to work now, a certain pain stings my heart and reminds me of that unfaithful moment. Let me tell you know, that day was a freedom for you guys to start anew. You are all young and fresh, you still have a world to explore. I sit on a desk answering calls for Americans who just don't fucking stop complaining about their bills. Whenever I'm avail, I always imagine how it would have been like if you were all just around the corner, it would have been fun, but selfish for my part for wanting you guys around even if I know that being there is the last thing you want. Still, you applied there for a reason, and maybe it would have been nice to at least see what it would have been like for us to reach the finish line, together.

After that day, a lot of things happened. I went to NHO, took berlitz, experienced having to see people come and go again, had product training, see people go and again, went through nesting and see people come and go again. There were so many things I would have wanted you guys to experience, but its too long for me to write those.

Up to this point, I still can't find the right words on how I truly feel for you guys. I guess because I'm not that sad or reeling with emotional stress anymore unlike when not having you guys around anymore were still fresh. But don't get me wrong, there is no day that I can't spend at least a minute to think of you guys. I guess I just want to say that Wave 78, or more of Wave 8-A will truly forever stay in my heart forever (and yes, I had to repeat forever just to emphasize forever). I've been through a lot of groups or cliques, but there is always something special about you guys because you're my 1st "workmates" of sorts. When we tried to apply to Sutherland to get a job, we had each other. And even if one day my career in Sutherland will be over, my memories of you will never end. What more could I say about you guys. I have learned to value each and everyone of you that I consider you friends for life. I am blessed to have meet you all despite if were not together as workmates anymore. You are all my friends forever, and nothing, nothing, will ever changed that fact. And I have something to say to each and everyone of you:

To my two ever beautiful schoolmates...

Icy - I never really thought that we have been schoolmates since high school, haha! Nevertheless, I've already said what I need to say to you Icy! I don't want to repeat it again because it will be so emo again. Like you said, I understand that we weren't meant to be together forever, but you know that you'll always be my big sister, and I will always keep in touch with you no matter what. I know your plans and hopefully, you'll follow and fulfill what's the best one for you! You'll always be special in my heart Icy, you are a great friend and ate. I will forever cherish all that we've been through. And again, you still need to introduce me to your friend, hahaha!

Laya - You know, I've always wondered how I will end up getting the chance to talk to you and spend time with you Lay. I've been seeing you my entire college life and you always seem to be just a pretty sight. When the day came, I was so thankful to God that He gave me the chance to finally meet you and God knows how happy I am when I got that chance. I was really shocked when you decided not to pursue working in Suth anymore. You were simply one of the best, if not, the best in our group. And you said you wanted this since you don't plan to work in a hospital. But when I found out the truth, all I just want is for you to achieve what you really want to achieve in life. Thanks for being such a great friend to me Laya! You stay pretty and cute and beautiful always! I'll see you around!

To the people that never ran out of words...

Arjei - Up to this day man, I still can't believe why you didn't make it. I know you wanted this. And God knows if only I could, I would have given my spot for you. Arjei, I've already told what I needed to tell you man. You will always be that person that intimidated me at first. I've never met anyone who seem to be more "Inglesero" than me, haha! I know that you were good since Day One, and that is why it pains me to know that you're not around to liven up the mood. It was you who initiated the group to be together, and I thank you for that man. With your skills and talents, you'll go places, believe that. And I know I still owe you 50 pesos, don't worry, Ill pay you, haha! And oh, I didn't added your girlfriend in FB because I respect you man, I didn't for now, hahaha! Peace! Take care always dude and keep your chin up!

Paul - I know that I still got you around man. But I know that there will be a time that our paths will separate. I would just like to tell you how much grateful I am to have known you Paul. I know that you are a little bit mature than me, that's why I do appreciate all the words of wisdom that you always say to me. I know that you're one talented guy. I know that you plan to finish school by next year and I'm looking forward to that day that you'll finally graduate. Just stay cool always Paul and may the force be with you always!

Jen - Jennifer!! JUNIPER!! To be quite honest, I have no idea how you'll end up reading this, but if somehow you did, I would just like to say that I am thankful to God that I have met a person like you. When we had that jeepney ride together, and you were talking about your past life, it made me realize that you have been through a lot already. I respect you for all the decisions that you made, even if you like to beat-up people, its okay, haha! Thanks for being a cheerful person always Jen!

To the always stick together like glue trio...

Lyza - Aubrey!! hahaha! Lyza Erika Mae, I know that we have talked a lot already and I would just like to say that I am thankful to God to have met a girl like you. And I do mean we have TALKED a lot already, haha! I know that you've been through a lot and you know what I've went through. Let's just say we pretty got to know more much better than we had in person. You know that I'm just a text or call always. And if you see me online, I will not sleep just so that we can chat, you know that. And also, I don't want you getting treated to be just some other girl okay? You deserve better than that. Stay pretty always Ly and be a good daughter to your tatay and nanay always. You better be on the terminal when I visit Kidapawan okay? hehe. Take care always LYKA! nyahaha!

Real - I never really get to have friends who has that natural filipina beauty. That's why I'm very much thankful to have met you Real! Thank you for being a friend who is so kind and sweet! I know that we haven't really hang that much yet and we only seem to catch one another through chat, but let me tell you this, I know that you'll achieve great things in life. Just keep on rolling with whatever you have planned in life. I know that you're going to be a great nurse because you are so sweet, keep that up! And just a suggestion, you take that beauty of yours Real and show the world your all-Filipina beauty. Trust me, you can win pageants, haha!

JC - My man! haha! I know that we're not suppose to be where we are right now. We failed! But we were saved, bummer. Anyways, I know how much you want get away, but I would just like to say that I know you can do it bro. But, I understand also if you really want to leave and its okay since its already concerning your health. I would just like you to know man that it's been a ride tagging with you for all those weeks, surviving the entire escapade and graduating nesting. I could still remember when you I first saw you and all I could think of is "Damn, this guy will have chicks rolling over the floor". Well, it did happened, but you seem to gotten the attention of the "IT" crowd also, haha! You take care always bro and after a month, go have a very long vacation!

To the two chicks in the middle...

Irish - hahaha! I still don't know if you were serious when you gave me that offer. Let me tell you, if it was only me and you, I would have given a different answer, haha, joke! I would just like say that I'm thankful to have met a girl like you Irish. It's never difficult to somewhat talk to you because you are open-minded to the world. With what's currently happening with your life right now, I know that you'll achieve green pastures in the future. Just to remind you, in your despidida, invite us okay? haha! Just a reminder because you might have forgotten. Take care and stay hot always!

Shine - SHINY!! haha! I do kinda miss you chasing me around. But come to think of it, I know you're just playing, haha! I would just like to say that I am thankful to have met you Shine! Dang, you make me sweat at certain times, honestly. All I could say is, you just stay strong and be a great person always. I know how much you love your boyfriend, so keep that up always. And trust me, everyone can see how much big your love is. Just be happy always Shine. As long as I could see that you're happy, deep inside I'm happy also. Thank you for all the moments that we have shared together, and I do mean ALL the moments, hehe. Stay pretty always Shine and take care always!!

And to the silent people in the crowd...

Mau - For all those times you told me no to give up, I'm sad that I couldn't do the same for you. Mau, I know that you're a strong person but at the same time, I understand that maybe taking in calls is not for you. We just can't take seeing you get irate callers because of some health issues. You're a very smart person Mau, and I know you'll reach places if you live up to your potential. You just keep your head up always as you take future trials in life. Thank you for all the help that you have given to me Mau. Honestly, I wouldn't have not understand some things during product training if it weren't for you, so thank very much! Take care always Mau and I know you'll meet your guy someday!

Ralph - Up to this day Ralph, you're the only person that I know that has a scorpion pet. When I first heard you say you have a scorpion pet, I'm still in total disbelief, I mean, who wants to have a pet as a scorpion? haha! Anyways, thanks for being such great friend Ralph. I understand that applying in Suth was nothing more of a "Ill try this for the moment since I got nothing better to do". I could really see that your that typical type of guy who can do a lot of stuff, and I do hope that you can find a great job somewhere. I believed that you mentioned working in the hospital near Mintal, thats a good thing, keep that up. It was nice that we got to hang out during the carnival and at MTS, hopefully you'll still be present the next time man. Take care!

Brandon- I don't know how you'll see this man, but if you do, I would just like to say that thank you for being such a good person. I know that it was a tough COL for you, but I always believe that if we had one more week, you could have done it. Whatever path you take man, I know you'll go far if you try and reach your potential. YOu made it in Dark Blue, that only means that you are good. Take care always!

Shang - Sorry, can't find a pic of you. And just like Brandon, don't have the slightest idea how you'll find this. But anyways, thanks for being a good friend Shang. I could really remember when you said, "Dapat wala na lng ko naki pag close kay sakit kaayo". I do understand that fact and hopefully, you have found a new career path to take. You are good and its really sad that you weren't able to make it. But I know that you can find another way to use your skills and be successful in life. Take care always!

To be quite fair, there is still more things I would like to say. But when I think about it, this is already way overdue. This has already been a month in the making. I've told about this to some of you since two weeks ago, and still, I haven't finish it on time. I got busy at times, I got tired, I lost the motivation and I just wasn't able to find the right emotion to finish it. But even if this doesn't look like perfect for me, when I read it it seemed to be lacking, I would just like to say that no words could ever sum up everything about you guys. I know the time will come that I would just laugh and smile when I think of this, but when that day comes, hopefully, I have already shared a lot of moments with you guys. Even if only Paul, JC and me have survived, I do wish you al lthe best in your future endeavors. If you ever, EVER need anything, im just a text, call and chat away. I miss you guys so dearly. And if I could go over one more COL training with you, even if I don't get a allowance money, I would. Thank you guys for being part of my life and I will never ever forget all of you. Thank you! I'm sorry that I got emotional like this, actually as for the moment, I'm not that sad anymore. I'm more happy for you guys because you won't get to experience this hell hole I'm in, haha! But jokes aside, I do wish to spend another time with you guys. I don't know how to end this, I don't want to say goodbye, but I guess I'll end it the way I started it. Thank you guys, I'll forever cherish you in my hearts....

....And as I look back to the trials I've been through
A dear fact in my life will always stay true
That once in my life I surf a wave
with people that I'll always remember
Wherever part of the ocean they are,
in my hearts they'll stay forever. :D

We never had a complete group pic, but I guess all of this will do. :D