Kaklase, that’s the Filipino term for classmate. Kaeskwela liteally means schoolmate. But in our town, in my time, kaeskwela meant classmate. This is not a lesson on linguistics, though. I just woke up today thinking that I should write something about the camaraderie among those who spent some parts of their lives together either as classmates, batchmates, or schoolmates and that special bond that stays forever which can fall under the classification of friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Recently, I attended the birthday celebration of my classmates in high school: yes, three of them. This coming weekend, I am going to meet my blockmates in college. Why? What for? I can only speak for myself, but keeping the friendship aflame with my contemporaries with whom I shared schooldays even how long ago it had been, gives me a feeling of completeness. It reunites me with my youthful years. There’s a need that being with them fills in the deepest part of my heart and I love that feeling. I may not be able to explain it well but it is special.
Graduation from high school marks the beginning of going separate ways. Classmates go on all directions to start working for their future. Get-together on semestral breaks would always be exciting and fun. Those were times for endless kumustahan catching up with the latest about one another. Then come reunions after ten, twenty, thirty years and so on. Looking back now, no friendship can be more special than with those you had the chance to go to school with, and keeping the bond tight even after you have explored the world and achieved a lot, or whatever trials in life you have gone through. You will always be that simple kaeskwela and it wouldn’t matter who has got more laurels nor thicker wallets. The purpose is never to boast nor seek sympathy but to have fun and feel the youthful glow that you all share and only your group will understand.That’s what one feels during those times. And if you love memories, if you want to stay in touch with these special group of people, you would nurture the friendship and treasure it.
There lies one of the secrets to a happy life. For anyone who searches for the fountain of youth, being with former classmates will certainly make you forever young. Kaeskwela bond is magic.
lifelong learning 