I was invited by my ex-blockmate in College way back two years ago to be the public speaker for the event on that day. 'Yong theme kasi nila is about SUCCESS and it was such a great opportunity to step my feet again in the University where I used to study at and to share how I become successful after those heartbreaking years.
Sa gitna ng aking kuwento isiniksik ko ito
"Alam nyo ba, dati noong first day ko sa college life nanibago ako. Para akong nilalagnat nang makapasok ako sa room namin. Puro kasi matatalino ang nakakasalamuha ko.
During our dance practice, pinagtatawanan nila ako, kinukutya at ang masakit pa'y sinabihan nila akong 'bobo'. Hindi ako marunong sumayaw eh. Palagi akong na special-mention, center of attraction.
Tumatawa ako pero lihim din akong umiiyak. Ang sakit kasi. Doon ko nararamdaman 'yong feeling na maging bobo dahil noong high school ako palagi lang naman magagandang komplimentaryo ang naririnig ko tungkol sa akin. Matalino ang tawag nila sa akin dati, noong high school.
Pero alam niyo ba? Noong college pa ako, kung sino pa 'yong palaging nagsasabi sa akin na bobo ay siya pa 'yong taong nalalampasan ko ang marka tuwing exam.
I'm good at exam naman pero kahit kailan kapag nakakuha ako ng matataas na marka, hindi ako nang-down ng iba. Hindi ako nanakit ng damdamin dahil naranasan ko na ang pakiramdam eh. Mas masakit pa kaysa sa pakiramdam na sinaksak ka ng kutsilyo. Tagos sa buto!
Yes, I was being pulled down, belittled, disrespected and being judged by them but look what I become now...
I am now a successful business woman.
I just want you all to put in mind that intelligence shouldn't be used to degrade or belittle others and it's always good to keep your feet on the ground when you finally achieve the person you want to become."
I looked at the people who caused me distress before. I couldn't explain the reactions in their faces but I could see conscience and admiration in their eyes.
