The Hugs from Her

Coffee at Noon.

Before I transferred here at MUSC to pursue a higher degree, there is someone from my old school, Trident Technical College whom I will never forget. She was my international coordinator/friend/family. I'll just call her as Ms. Paula.

Earlier, after our last class for the morning, I saw her outside of the classroom. From afar, I think she can already see me because I will never be mistaken that it was her at the door waiting for everyone to leave. I'm already smiling inside. This was not the first time that we saw each other here at MUSC. We met before and she told me she is already working here. I am sad but I'm thankful that she did not transfer here before I was gone from Trident Tech. She is great at what she does.

As I was exiting the classroom, I saw her holding the door. How nice of her, right? She also saw me! Of course. I don't know but even without telling her, she just randomly asked for a hug which I really wanted in the first place. With no second thoughts and while still carrying all my school bags, I hugged her really tight. It felt so good. I realized I miss her.

She was more than the international coordinator to me. She was there when I was in my lowest of lows. She supported me physically and emotionally. I could still vividly remember that the last time I hugged her, my tears would never stop flowing out from my eyes. She helped me get through that. I found support in her identity when I thought no one was with me.

After that hug, there were some catching up conversations. She asked me how I am and how was my last semester. I told her our exams will start tomorrow so are the struggles. I also updated her that my last semester was okay, that I passed all my classes just enough to keep my scholarship. She said, "great!" with a smile and then, showed a thumbs up. She was in a hurry to go inside our classroom because she doesn't want to block the way and because they will be having a meeting there.

Ms. Paula, thank you for everything. Wherever may God bring me, I will always remember how you have helped me and how your hugs really meant a lot to me. For now, I can't do anything yet. If I am given more autonomy, I would like to go hang out with you soon and just talk about anything like if you are enjoying now at your work, or how are your kids doing. Hugging you was the highlight of my day so for that, thank you. I hope and pray to see you around campus and get more hugs from you :))