Work Immersion at Cupang Health Center: A Glimpse into Life Beyond Work 

Written by Erica Lee De Alday

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    Work immersion is often seen as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world experience. For me, a Grade 12 student with a focus on multimedia, stepping into the Cupang Health Center felt like entering a completely different area in a video game but with a little familiarity, considering I had worked a few times before. But little did I know, this experience would leave a lasting impression, especially on the third day, a day dedicated to free vaccines for babies in polio and pneumonia and other stuff.

    The health center was bustling with life. Mothers, grandmothers, and even fathers filled the room, each carrying their little ones. But what struck me the most were the young parents, some even younger than my 17 years. Seeing their nervous faces, their inexperience, and their fear was both humbling and eye-opening. Here I was, worrying about school projects and future career paths, while they were navigating the challenges of parenthood, often with limited knowledge and resources.  

    It was a stark reminder of how different life can be for people my age. While I’m focused on creating digital content and exploring creative outlets, these young parents are juggling responsibilities I can’t even begin to imagine. The experience made me reflect on the privileges I often take for granted access to education, supportive family, and the freedom to dream.  

    This immersion wasn’t just about fulfilling a school requirement; it was a lesson in empathy and perspective. It reminded me that life isn’t always about following a linear path. Sometimes, it’s about understanding the struggles of others and using my skills whether in multimedia or otherwise to make a difference.  

    As the event ended, it was really  eye-opening to know these things, to see what these nurses see in their daily lives and in some scenarios, at the end of those free vaccinations, I just had to sit down and sketch and journal what I had learned and show it to my coworkers. My pen, sketchbook and drawing software might be my tools, but stories like these are what give my work meaning. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll use my art skills to shed light on the lives of young parents, giving them a voice in a world that often overlooks them.