Group 2 Andes

A Short Trip to Remember

Dictionary says achievement is a thing done successfully with effort, skill or courage. What if someone successfully rob money from the national bank? Does that count as an achievement? In our eyes, there’s no way that’s an achievement. What if someone successfully wins a national math competition? Does that count as an achievement? ISIS probably thinks that it’s not considered as an achievement. Truthfully, an achievement is subjective and based on perspective thus, we went on an excursion to the Cibodas Botanical Garden to find out for ourselves about how achievement is viewed in different perspectives.

The breathtaking Botanical Garden itself is probably even viewed as an achievement to the people of Bogor. The place was very astonishing, filled with beautiful flowers, tall trees and fresh air, perfect for a get away. We saw a lot of different kinds of people there, people who actually work there, foreigners and local tourists as well. We then proceed and interviewed a few locals.

We interviewed this inspiring man who told us that in his opinion, an achievement is living life happily. He worked in the national park for 20 years as a social worker, he said that although it may not seem like an extravagant job and an achievement to other people, it is indeed an achievement to him. Doing his very best at his job and bringing a good and positive impact to his environment is an achievement to him. He taught us to be grateful in life and although he doesn’t have a lot, he manage to make the best out of what he has. He proved that an achievement doesn’t have to be something major that has to involve the whole world but making positive impacts in his environment and surroundings is an achievement.

Another interesting response that we got was from this woman who worked as a cook for the guests in the park. She said that an achievement to her is something that doesn’t only benefit herself but others as well. She said that one of her achievements is fulfilling the guests’ wishes and making their stay in the garden enjoyable by putting her best effort in all the things she does. She lives by the saying “The world of achievement belonged to the optimist.” The little achievements that she has may not be an achievement to other people nevertheless those things make her happy and she worked hard to achieve them. There are still a lot of things in life that she wish to achieve which includes buying a house and sending her kids to college. Although those achievements/dreams seem so far away, she still has hope and a positive attitude towards it.

This short trip has taught and inspired us a lot. It showed us the diversity of achievement amongst other people. We learned that achievement doesn’t have to be something major, just as long as you worked hard for it, and it makes you happy. Aside from learning a lot of things we got to enjoy the beauty of nature and take a break from our busy lives. It was definitely a short trip to remember.