ON LETTING GO AND MOVING ON

"In the end, only three things matter: how fully you lived, how deeply you loved, and how well you learned to let go of things not meant for you."

This quote, lifted from one of the pages of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos' book entitled Just A Moment, has been one of my favorites ever since. The last line is what actually  struck me the most. Let me share with you snippets of my life. Let's go back to the time where it all began. 

As a child, I have always loved writing stories and poems. So when I entered fourth grade, I decided to enrich my craft by joining writing competitions where I have fortuitously won most of the time. Moreover, I have been a part of our school paper where I became the Editor-in-Chief. When I entered high school, I still continued pursuing my passion so I was fortunate enough to be given the position of Columnist in our official newsletter. But by the time I was about to take various college entrance examinations, my hopes of becoming “successful” got in the way. I thought that by becoming an accountant, I will be guaranteed with a high-paying salary and a bright future ahead of me. But I was wrong. I decided to let go of my dream of becoming a writer and pushed myself to turn my back from my world of words to face a future filled with numbers. It was a difficult decision but I really wanted to give my family a better life so I pursued a program far different from the career I have always dreamed of having. 

But perhaps it is true that when you are meant to do something, the universe conspires to help you accomplish it. During the summer of 2013, I was invited by my sister who is currently taking up AB in Communication Arts to audition as a radio jock for UST Tiger Radio. Since I am an exuberant teen, I decided to give it a shot. After that, we also tried out for Magic 89.9, Monster Radio RX 93.1, 99.5 Play FM and Mossimo Radio. Fortunately, we were both chosen to become a part of Magic 89.9’s Street Team and I was blessed to be one of UST Tiger Radio’s newest jocks. During the training, workshops and shows, I have come to realize that I am back on track. I have been given the opportunity to be involved in the field of communication once more. Apart from the aforementioned activities, I have also been given a chance to host an event for the very first time. I was invited by the Isetann Mall to host U-Belt Dance Duo. Add to that the fact that I have been receiving great feedbacks from the people around me with regards to my communication skills. One good example would be my Oral Communication professor who inspired me to become better in this field. Thank you, Ma'am Pia! 

I must say that I found true happiness not in crunching numbers but in weaving words together and in speaking either through the radio or in front of a large crowd. And all of these things pushed me to follow my heart's desire. I decided to shift to the AB in Communication Arts program. As luck would have it, I passed the shifter's exam and am now a step closer to fulfilling my dreams. This academic year, I can already proudly call myself an Artlet and believe me, it still gives me goosebumps everytime. 

I am still not certain of the future that's waiting for me. Yes, it's not easy to start anew especially when you're already halfway through. But one thing's for sure: I am beyond happy because I can finally take the path truly intended for me.

So if you are having doubts right now about anything, always remember the three simple rules in life (anonymous author):

1. If you do not go after what you want, you'll never have it.

2. If you do not ask, the answer will always be 'no'.

3. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.