2013: Year of Explorations

  Few hours ago, we literally waved our goodbyes to 2013 and embraced 2014 with joyful hearts. Today, everything will be refreshed—hoping for a good start. Almost everyone is doing such a wonderful review for all the things happened last year. As for me, and for what I have been doing for the past three year now, I am looking back to what happened in my 2013 journey—both good and bad, beneficial or not.

The year 2013 is a year of unexpected achievements, explorations, and discoveries to me. I have achieved things that are not literally included in my 2013 goals. I have explored many things in life that I could possibly consider as good tries. I have discovered some treasures that are considerably priceless. Let me enumerate some of them.

November of 2012, in CCSI, I was assigned to handle the Speech Laboratory classes for the six grade levels. Although it was not really related with my area of specification, the school administrators trusted me with my amateur skill in this course. We agreed to begin the class early the next year. The Speech Lab classes I facilitated were filled with laughter and fun. I enjoyed the experience of being an English teacher, and I think it is when the journey of me majoring in English has started.

It was in January 2013 when I was asked to edit the Graduation script of CCSI. At first, I don’t want to accept this task for several reasons, but since they trusted me a lot, I did. I challenged myself to have the Graduation script written in an untypical manner, quite innovative from the previous scripts they have had. I passed the first draft; they said it’s good and different. I wasn’t satisfied, so I edited the drafts and had I think three more drafts before the final draft was written, proofread, and passed. They were amazed by how the script was written. In effect, they asked me to become the Program Director as well. I never had a chance to direct a big event such as school graduation. I am doing this directing stuff while working as a part-time school administrator (checking students’ profiles, updating their folios, etc.). I was also assigned to layout the student handbook of CCSI. That happened in February to March 2013. My first quarter was filled with unexpected jobs and unexpected experiences.

Unfortunately, I’ve got my first conflict with a colleague during the graduation rehearsal. We had had a misunderstanding during the last day of rehearsal.  I told the teachers that they could change some minor parts in the script, which she didn’t get well (I think). Out of frustration to perfect the event flow and out of tiredness, I yelled at her saying she should not do what she had done. It was a wrong move, yet I only stood in my position as the Program Director. I actually planned not to attend the ceremony, yet the sense of obligation pushed me to do so. We achieved our ultimate goal to make almost everyone in the room cry. The ceremony was filled with intense emotion that was tattooed in everyone’s heart. It was unforgettable.

I resigned from my position as a Math teacher after the graduation not because of the conflict but because I thought I have done my job well and I need to move from Elementary level to a higher level of education, Secondary perhaps. I was officially unemployed for the entire summer, not to mention my summer job in Math Works Tutorial Center which is also one-of-a-kind experience. I worked in MW for two months, I think. That was during the Advance Lectures in Math and for the UPCAT Review we are organizing during summer. I have the chance to contribute in the handbook we used in the Review.

I took the LET last March 2013. Unfortunately, I was hooked up with lots of things to do so I had no time to review. Luckily I passed and I’ve got a high grade. The result was released May 2013. When I had a chance to drop by the PRC, that was sometime in May, I went there. Some strange voice told me not to push through, but I was stubborn. I went there though it is nearly evening. What happened was some big guy followed me through, grabbed me and robbed all my valuables—phone and around P3, 000 cash. I was hopeless. I was helpless. I learned my lesson to always listen to the small voice. Another mishap happened last August 2013, when a group of unidentified people robbed us inside our house. My new phone and new tablet, together with my cash and important ID’s were taken. Luckily, no one in the member of the family was hurt.

When June came, I am still unemployed. I passed my resume to almost every school of my dream. In fact, I was accepted in one school when I applied the month before I resigned. I only pulled my application back for several personal reasons. So I was then praying while waiting. Some phoned me and interviewed me, then either I fell short of the qualifications or I turned the offer down. One day, that was sometime in May 2013, an International School called me and scheduled me for an interview and demo teaching. I agreed. I was known as a Street Smart person, but when I was on my trip to the said school, I got lost. Funny it was, then, and heartbreaking was the fact that I wasn’t able to attend to my schedule and lost another opportunity to work in an International School. I was also become broke, then. On the other hand, my sister sent me an SMS saying STI is scheduling me for an interview and demo teaching. It was June 4, 2013, if I am not mistaken. I expressed my intension to apply right after I arrived home, and waited for the confirmation. I was schedule for an interview the next day and had my demo teaching the day after next. I was hired and was asked to report on June 7. That was the start of my STI journey.

The first semester was okay. I was adjusting from teaching small cute kids to big stubborn childish college students.(kidding on the stubborn part). I get to know some professors: some became my friends, some became my tropa. It was nice to be teaching in collegiate level especially when you are mistakenly identified as one of the students. I enjoyed my first semester. I gained a lot of experience, shared some to my students. These people who happened to become under my supervision become my friends. Well, I consider them friends because this is how I teach. The start of the second semester was quite difficult. I was assigned to teach six Math subjects, which is not advisable. However, I chose to enjoy the months of November and December 2013 just to lighten up the load.

The college week is done during December. It is when the students get the chance to explore things they didn’t try in a formal class. Last year’s college week was different as per the colleagues who are teaching in STI for more than a year. A Faculty Cook-off challenge was organized and I became one of the representatives of our department. We won the third spot. The college week also happened to have a Fashion night. I was invited to become one of the Male Professor models. I accepted the invitation. That was when I became a ramp model for the first time. I didn’t get the title as the Best Mode yet the experience added some spice in my ever adventurous life.

The week after which was the only week when I get to realize what I have and what I have had—the ministry I used to be involved in, the work God wants me to do, the love of my life who happens to be the star which lead me to the manger, the manger and who was in there, the lessons in every up and every down of my life, everything. I had once told 2012 was the year of wandering for me, and now I am telling 2013 is the year of exploration. I explored all throughout the year: gained new experiences, acquired unexpected achievements, unlocked new discoveries, and found the path back to my first love. I believe everything that had happened in the last year has a part in finding who I really am.

Although I wasn’t able to be on top, just like when I am in my younger years; although I wasn’t able to find the people who took away my valuables; although I fell in love and lost in the battle of keeping that love for a longer time; although I stumbled several times along the way; although I have so much pain and hurtful feelings within me; although I lost some of my friends, I know I am stronger now and I know I am mature enough to face the challenges again. It may be hard to begin, but I will start this year with faith in the Almighty One.

I am excited to what awaits me in the journey I am going through this 2014. I will just let Him show me the way and let His hand guide me as I take it.

2012: A Year of Wandering

Page 366 of 366. The last day of the year, on its last hours. They say, it is, well, the loneliest, saddest moments of the year. Ironically, it is also the happiest and the most promising moments when hopes are being renewed, goals and plans are set, and new things are about to come. However, before I totally close this book, let me recall for what happened to me this year.

To start off, let me say this year is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything that goes in between. This is not a typical year for me. I have been in a wilderness, not the dark-forest-with-creepy-sound-produced-by-monster-like-animals-unseen wilderness or the plains-with-green-scenery-atop-of-a-peaceful-hill-with-lots-of-wild-flowers-and-sweet-scented-air wilderness. The wilderness I have been through is intangible, unseen yet felt. If I may call it, it is the so-called spiritual wilderness.

Looking at what happened way back 2011, my life isn't well.  That year hasn't ended well also. There were things undone and things unsettled. These things needs settlement early this year, supposedly. However, I chose not to think over these things during the first months of 2012. Instead, I chose to set these issues aside, go on with my life without moving on. I lived my life as if I only live to earn money, spend on the things I love, eat and try the bestsellers of famous restaurants, drink and live well as if I am going to die the next day. Sadly, every night I spent sobbing, brokenhearted with uncertain reasons. Until the day I found out what's missing. I forgot God. No, I chose to forget God during these epic moments of my life. Due to the heartbreaking issues and condemnations put about my being during 2011, I learned to focus my attention on the temporary things, rather than on the eternal. I learned to live my life unfavorably for Him.

Despite of my selfish decisions, still His mercy overflew, overflows, and is overflowing. He gave me reasons to celebrate and reasons to give Him the glory and gratefulness. However, I halfheartedly give Him the glory He deserves. I know this is not right and fair, but my heart is still filled with angst. I just ignored, again.

First quarter has come. The much-awaited moment had to happen. I graduated alas! I miss being my family's pride. I became for this moment. Though I was, I didn't feel it much. Yes, I finally graduated from the most prestigious university, but I graduated without any award. That saddens me most. After graduation, I applied for a work, not to a point of frustrating my self to have one. I was accepted in three schools where I passed my resume. Turned down the first two, and accepted the one in which I think I would learn more. (In this time of my life, compensation is not at my top priorities) I believe, God just put me in this place to learn more about teaching kids and loving them despite of their low scores. I am learning. And, I am thankful for this.

Midyear passed. I am still living my life the way I want it. I worked to earn money; I earned money to spend it luxuriously. In the end, my pocket only had coins. Months later, my parents demanded from me to help out paying bills. In this time the fact that I am working not for my own's sake finally sank in. All I was thinking was I work because I need to support my way of living my own--independent, not asking for my parents' support anymore (only in the means of giving me allowance). I repulsed the idea of me paying our electricity bill considering I seemed like a boarder in our house. The resolution was I'd give them at most half of my gross income and let them spend it the way they want. No repulsion nor problem happened during the first months of implementing this resolution. However, I find it very hard to sustain my "other" expenses. I sacrifice my luxury; decided to spend less. It's hard, but I finally find a way to live this way.

During this months also, some relationships I once lost during 2011 have been restored. One is with my best bestfriend. We've been friends since 2007, and it would be hard for me to stay away from him. I thank the Almighty for restoring our friendship. Though not as how we celebrate our friendship together for almost weekly, we spend quality time together in a monthly basis. That is okay, at least we have regular bonding time.

I think it would be enough to have this one relationship being restored. I am wrong. God told me and reminded me of the people who used to hurt me. He's been telling me to at least reach out for them, forgive them genuinely, and hope for the restoration of the relationship we had. Still I ignore the call. Until one time, a close friend reminded me of how good God is in my life, and how much He wants me to live a life that is God-centered--with no unsettled issues whatever. I was convicted. So, inasmuch as I can, I started reaching for people who hurt me, of course, with His guidance and wisdom.

I experienced a lot of new things during this year. I was invited to judge a singing contest though I wasn't a professional one. I became an MTAP instructor, one of the things I wished I could do since elementary. I taught in Quezon City Science High School for MTAP--another dream come true. I achieved a lot during this year. More than anything else, I am getting into the right track again. It's hard, though, but I finally see the light. I am always thankful to the people who never rested from reminding me how beautiful life is and how awesome His love is.

I started 2012 unwell, but as days went by things are getting good, sooner becoming better. There are a lot more things to thank about in the year that is about to end. When one door closes, another opens. When one year ends, another one starts. I promise I will start my 2013 well.

Happy new year every one!