The ambiance of home

Hundreds of condominiums, apartments and dormitories surround the vicinity. Why do students, transients, and reviewees continue to choose to stay at the dormitory of Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) over the others?

I guess the top reason why is the residents find KKFI’s dormitory truly their “home away from home.” I’m pretty sure everyone agrees on that.

Ever since the dormitory started operating decades ago, thousands of residents have already stayed here. In fact, I’m betting that no one can bet when the main building was built and when it started operating as a dormitory.

In this essay, I will try to highlight the reasons why people continue to choose KKFI from my own perspective.

I am a second year college student from Pangasinan who now studies in Arellano University located on nearby Legarda street. During my first year-first semester, I used to go home every day to Novaliches where my grandparent’s house is. That meant three hours of heavy traffic each day to and from school. Once in a blue moon, it would take only an hour, but that is so few and far between.

I got tired of the routine that I finally thought of looking for either a condo-for-rent, apartment or dormitory near our school.

The moment I arrived here in KKFI to inquire, everyone was nice to me until now that it’s almost my first year in staying here. I remember one Friday in November 2018, I was welcomed with a warm smile by Kuya Jigs, one of KKFI’s “pogi and mabait” na guards, who even accompanied me to the main building information desk where the ever jolly Ate Sheng and everyone’s mother figure, Mommy G, interviewed me.

Together, they explained the dormitory “rulebook” to me. At the same time, they clarified to me the things they don’t allow me to do. This I fully understand. I was told that there are also perks, such as special events, which excited me.

I was actually in awe when I learned about their price ranges because it was way cheaper compared to other dorms (I already asked around before coming to KKFI). This sure made the decision-making easy.

The next Monday, I already moved in to Room 206 of the main building. I was restless on my first night but I soon settled down and found comfort after making friends with my roommate and other girls in the neighboring rooms.

Fast forward to the events: My first-ever event to attend was the Christmas Party 2018. We thoroughly enjoyed it! Why not when it’s full of games, singing, dancing, and prizes. The other events like the Valentine’s Party and the Acquaintance Party of 2019 were so much fun!

As a medical allied course student, I always find it refreshing to go home to a place where it shouts, “family, peace, friends, comfort and love.” The KKFI Dorm is our home, indeed!

After a tiring and stressful day, I was and am always welcomed by the smiles and greetings of either Kuya Jigs and Ferrer (our guards) and the greetings of our pretty and caring Ate Sheng, Judith and Malou even the smiles of our mommies, Mommy G and Mommy Fath.

Whenever I pay my monthly dues in the accounting department, the staff there would always smile and greet us like they know us. This always give joy to my heart. We all need to belong, don’t we?

Let me also mention the food they serve in the cafeteria; it’s delicious but cheap. It’s undeniably superb and the facilities and the surroundings are always clean and relaxing.

I can say that the friendly ambiance really gives the residents the good reason to stay and love the dorm more and even recommend it to their friends.

It’s also my first year anniversary here and I can say that I plan to stay until I take my board examination.