REFLECTIONS

A Journey of a Thousand Miles

Author's Note: It's been a long time since I uploaded the last part.

Well, andito na po ulit ang isa na namang bagong part. This time

ang mababasa mo ay sinulat ng isang friend ko. Ito ay

requirement sa isa niyang subject. I hope and pray that as this

article (her story) blessed me, it will be the same to you as well. 

Keep on trusting God and hold on. ^__^ GOD BLESS YOU.

Title: Student Confession: A Journey of a Thousand Miles

More than three years ago, I enrolled at _____ as a transferee. Armed
with determination and excitement, I have the brightest hopes that I can
finally have a college diploma. In fact, it was really a big blessing for me
that someone sponsored my school finances. I never knew that upon
entering the college world again, a whole lot different experience
awaited me, which eventually molded me into a better person that I am now. 

My first year as a student was full of three E’s – eagerness, enthusiasm,
and effort. I was an active student who aimed for perfect scores in quizzes
and exams, seldom late, always present, and I pass projects on time.
I could say that my first two years went well, it wasn’t easy but it’s manageable. 

As I started my junior year, it was the time when bigger trials and problems
came my way. Aside from the fact that I was taking five to six major subjects,
I was pressured by my professors. Honestly, I should be thankful because
they’re the best in their field but they were very strict, challenging, and had
pushed me to meet and exceed my set of self-appointed limitations.
Also, outside factors like internet addiction and Korean pop fanaticism
snatched away my attention from my goals. I walked away from discipline
and let those things control me. Little by little, I grew tired of studying.
My focus shifted in an entirely different direction. I didn’t give importance to
what are and should be my priorities. The biggest blow happened when
a problem arose in our family. I stopped attending my classes, though
some of my concerned classmates encouraged me to go on. They even
said to me that the finish line for us was already in sight, and that I just
needed to push myself a little more. But I refused to listen to them. I didn’t
take my final exams in all of my subjects. I withdrew from the battlefield;
raised and waved my white flag. I gave up. I totally lose sight of why I got
this chance and why I was in school in the first place. I took everything for
granted. As a result, my grades were INC’s and UW’s. Little did I know
that when you have those kinds of grades, you need to face the Guidance
Office’s staff and explain what happened to your grades. You even need
to bring your parents or guardian with you. In short, a long process awaits
you if you happen to have grades like these.

Those wrong decisions and mistakes that I had committed led me to
who and where I am right now. Obviously, there were negative outcomes
but some positive ones came along with it.  First of the negatives were it
meant an additional year in school for me which is time-consuming,
and of course, more expenses. Second, my family became disappointed
with me. Not only them but also those people who cared for me and
expected that I’ll graduate on time. Lastly, I lost my self-confidence,
felt like I’m a failure and there’s no more hope for my case. But truly,
nothing in this world happens by chance. There is a reason for
everything, a purpose. One quotation stated, “When everything seems like
falling apart, that’s when God is putting things together just the way He
wants it.”

My student life went like that. But I realized in the end, my mistakes
were intended to bring out a better version of me. When plan A didn't
work out, there’s still plan B, plan C, and more because that’s how
God works! Though it was entirely my fault, God gave me a second chance.
At first, I didn’t know how to fix that mess but along the way, He proved
to me that what seemed impossible is not even difficult for Him.
Humility, acceptance, and more faith in His plans were my keys to rise
above those dark moments. As I looked back, I am in deep awe.
It was indeed a blessing in disguise!

I could vividly remember that day, on the 2nd floor of Bldg. 2. It was
more than three years ago.  I was seated near the bulletin board
of Education Society, patiently waiting for my turn to pay at the Accounting
Office. It was near closing time, at around 7:45 in the evening.
There’s a familiar quotation posted on the bulletin, and it said,
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I wrote that
on my diary. Being a college student is not a bed of roses. Along the
way, unexpected things, situation, and people may come. But no matter
what life would bring, always remember that in your journey, every single
step that you take means you are one step closer to your destination.
And most importantly, whenever you wandered and got lost,
Someone from above will guide you and say,
‘I AM WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO’.          

-----end------

Author's Note again: God did not lead you this far just to leave you stranded.

Whatever He has started in your life, He will complete it. God bless mga kapatid!