ANNA LOPEZ: AN EPITOME OF GRACE AND COMPASSION

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"Before I leave this room, I want to ask one of you the most basic question that you always hear... Among all the course programs that are existing, why did you choose Journalism?" asked Ms. Vega as she paces back and forth eyeing students to answer one of the most easiest questions yet so hard to find the exact words to use for an answer.

I am having a hard time deciding whether to raise my hand or not. I already have an answer in mind, but knowing Ms. Vega, she wants to know what's in the core of our hearts and she wants us to think way beyond the usual.

"Yes, Ms. Lopez?" she called me out. She must be eyeing me for quite awhile now since she knew I always have answers. I slowly stood up and looked around. All eyes are on me, all ears are ready. I composed myself, I am a bit nervous but I just let my heart speak.

"To state the obvious, writing has always been my passion and the will to know and pursuit truth is innate in me since I was still a young and curious kid. Journalism shapes the way we see the world, ourselves and each other. It is the stories of the Journalists that construct and maintain our shared realities. So, out of all the course programs, I chose Journalism to show the world how my mind works and how I can use my pen to prove the feasibility of using non-violent strategies for social reform. I chose Journalism not just because I aspire to be known and be acknowledged, I chose this as an outlet to my emotions and to help and serve my people using my pen. As an aspiring Journalist, I need to voice out the silent clamors, the need for justice, the battles of human right defenders, the oppressed, the innocents who were unjustly detained for false charges, and the silent uproars of my fellow people. On a sweet note, I also want to travel the world, in the outskirts of India or Ghana and write about the people from all walks of life, culture and arts, and the side that we always choose to ignore. It's just simple, Ms. Vega. I chose Journalism in pursuit of truth, silent reform, passion and to discover. Uhm, I guess that would be all, Miss." I said as I averted my gaze down and took my seat. My ears were filled with applauses coming from my blockmates. I know that I have spoken in behalf of my class. All of us have something to prove, and being silent is not always the answer.

"Thank you, Ms. Lopez. You never failed to make me proud. In line to that,I always want all of you to remember that Journalists never seek to be known for their works, but they always aim to be heard." Said Ms. Vega as she fixed her things and made herself ready to leave. "That would be all for today, you are now dismissed." Everyone let out a sigh of relief and fixed their things and hurriedly made their way out of the classroom. I did the same and stormed out. The hallways are now filled with students. I smiled each time my gaze meets another. I felt my phonr vibrated so I reached for it inside my pocket and I saw a text message from Grace.

"Hey, I know you're busy and shame on me for the short notice. But can you help me with my homework, please? It took me ages before I can construct a sentence. Come over and just name your price :) see you!"

I stifled a small laugh upon reading. I tapped the reply button and started to compose my response.

"Silly, I can do it for free. Expect me at 7:00. I still have a few errands to do." I said and returned my phone inside my pocket.

I enjoy a life of privelege. I have loving and supportive parents, we are not financially broke as a matter of fact, we are abundant in blessings, I have good friends and I can live freely. I am always curious and my insatiable hunger for excitement often makes me do something great. I always treat people with kindness. I believe that it cost me nothing to do small acts of kindness. I always want to help and serve. And above all, I am a God-fearing person.

Before going home I went to Lola Alicia's house first. She is an old maiden who can barely walk and her vision is not vivid clear. I met her in the park a few months back. She had no one to help her before, but now she has me. She used to beg for alms and food, but I promised to help her, in return, she'll just stay home and rest. I alloted almost half of my allowance for her. I know it's a little amount but it is a big help. She is always happy to see me. The curve on her lips everytime she sees me, means so much to me. I always bring food instead of money and that would make her giddy. My friends once told me it is not of great necessity to spend half of my money and spare myself a little for someone whom I barely know. They understand nothing, so I just didn't mind them.

After which, I decided to pay a visit to Luna. One of the stray kids whom I promised to help in reading. I used my old reading materials and I even provided her some stuff for school and learning. She's always eager to learn and she told me that she's also saving for education. At a very young age, I saw determination. I admire her perseverance and eagerness to learn.

"Mom, Dad! I am home!" I exclaimed as I hurriedly made my way upstairs to my room. I fixed my things and myself. I then came out and I met mom downstairs.

"Hey, sweetheart. Are you in a hurry?" Asked mom.

"Yes, mom. I need to go to Grace. She asked for help." I answered.

"Okay, honey. Be sure to come home before 9:00. I hope I made myself clear. No extensions." She suppressed a smile and a glare. I raised my brows and we laughed in unison.

"Of course, mom. I'll be home before 9:00. Love youuuuu!!" I said and showed her my sweetest smile.

"You know that I am always proud of what you are and what you have become, right? We raised you as a sweet and kind lady." Said mom.

"I know. I learned from the tougest and kindest beings to ever exist. Thanks mom." I said and hugged her. She rubbed my back and kissed me.

"Be careful. Bye!"

"Give my hugs and kisses to dad, mom. Bye! See you later."

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I never did expect anything in return. From Lola Alicia, from Luna, from classmates and friends, from my mom and dad and to everyone whom I had the privelege to offer my help. It has been a part of me and it is vital in my existence—helping and serving. As the years go by, I have seen the fruits of all the things I have done. Lola Alicia passed away of old age and not of hunger, Luna was able to attend school, she excelled in class and now she's a professional, my friends got high marks after I helped them with their school works, and a lot more. I fulfilled a lot of things. I was able to reach my dream—to be a dignified journalist. I helped my people and I voiced what was needed to be heard. I met a lot of people from different parts of the world and I can say that I have nothing more to ask. The will to help is always in me and it never changed until then. I know that my existence helped so many souls but I always choose to stay lowkey. I help people without expecting acknowledgment or something in return. I just do things in accordance to God's will. I know that I exist because of a purpose and I have understood that the reason for my mere existence is to help. I published books that talk about social reforms, people and God. I opened many eyes and hearts. I shared my stories that somehow helped in strengthening one's spiritual life and such. I lived a life full of struggles, but I am all smiles. It was hard, but I enjoyed and I loved what I did.

As I am heading to my final destination, I consider myself as no one. I was just a woman who once dreamed of a peaceful world. I lived a fruitful 86 years being an average human being yet I am beyond grateful to be ranked 6 by God for my existence has a vital role to mankind. My heart is full of gratitude. I can't contain my happiness to be exact.

"You have lived a life full of blast and fun. You are en epitome of grace and compassion. You have helped many people. Your smile alone, saved lives. You never know that people were facing silent battles but with a single smile, you saved their souls. You helped countless of people through your pen. You have a heart of gold and you deserve to be finally known. Your small acts of kindness have accumulated and it is beyond incomparable to all the people who seek acknowledgement for helping. You are one of the Jounalists who made the people turn and come back to me and you made them understand the reality and meaning of life. You are a journalist who is in pursuit of truth. You have inspired a lot of people. You have motivated aspiring journalists. You are indeed one of a kind and I need someone like you in Heaven. You have the brightest and most jovial soul and with that, you are saved, Anna Lopez. You deserve the rank I have given you. You may now live a happy life with all the people you helped and cherished."