JUST WEEKS ago, I wrote a column for our college’s student publication’s upcoming magazine issue. The article was about people’s occasional inclination to intentionally disregard and forget even relevant things just because of life’s rigors.

     Personally, I have done such thing. I admit that at one point I neglected my passions because of how bad my life has gone for a moment. The ‘flames’ gradually diminished for some reason, so I thought that they will matter no more.

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     On Saturday, an event was held at our university to show a glimpse of further opportunities that await us in the field of public relations (PR) and digital media.

     Amid all the communication-related discussions, this life lesson uttered by one of the speakers really struck me: “Make life choices that you can fight for,” Nico Reyes, a PR professional said. 

     An impulse of thoughts rushed in my head. Wasn’t this sort of a perfect indirect response to my abovementioned column and the realizations I had therein? 

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     Through the years, I’ve had a handful of passions. Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved analyzing art pieces despite my lack of skill for producing such. In my grade school days, I recall how I was excelling in our Social Studies subject because of my interest in current events especially about politics. Circa 2010, I’ve started to be enthusiastic about photography and videography. And the following year, that’s when I’ve found my liking for clothes and anything that’s fashion related.

     As I entered college, I was really torn on what among my passions I should pursue. And yah, I entered the field of communications. Okay, honestly, like what I said during numerous classroom introductions, the course wasn’t my first choice. But you know I came love it anyways.

     Now that I’m about to take a giant leap in life again as graduation day is just around the corner, I have to make another significant choice in my life.  Right now, I tell you it is a struggle.

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     I came to realize: What could I fight for? What should I fight for?

     Although the event on Saturday was a guide on alternative professional careers to take, I have been thinking since, not what job I should have, but where else I could learn?

     I mean, I want to study once again.

     And with the quote from Nico Reyes boosting my passion for learning anew, I thought to myself that there’s no point not fighting for it. Why shouldn’t I give it try?

     Well, in a few months time, I’ll be able to know if I’ll have the courage. I wish the spirits of Nelson Mandela or even the young Malala Yousafzai would possess or transfer on to me somehow.  

By: Mary L. Miranda

I must admit that I am a little terrified of the unknown or the future. I am a graduating college student who is taking up a Bachelor in Art’s Degree in Communication. I have more or less five months left before I graduate. I am like a child who is swimming for the very first time. I look at the swimming pool with insecurity, curiosity and excitement. I don’t know how deep it is. I don’t know if I will be able to swim or if I will drown. But I guess the feeling of exploring different possibilities is what makes the dive worth it.

I have been taught by my parents to expect the unexpected and that when in doubt, just pray. I have always done this in the past but it doesn’t seem to work this time around. I am headed not just for a new beginning but a new definition of LIFE. But the fear of the future does not come from whether after college, I will get employed or not… but it comes from whether I am good enough for the real world. Am I equipped with the right skills and knowledge to face the real world? Am I ready?

During the Career Insights seminar which I attended (and hosted), I listened intently to the different guest speakers to find the answers to the questions in my head. Here are the following important lessons I have learned that I believe will also help you:

1.       FOLLOW YOUR PASSION.

This is important because following your passion will land you a job that you love. You should follow your heart. Because at the end of the day, it isn’t really about the money… it’s about waking up every day to do what you love and love what you do.

2.       ACCEPT LIMITATIONS.

Limitations do not make you weak. It is actually an opportunity for you to grow. Knowing what you can’t do can help you figure out what you need to improve to become a better version of yourself. In everything that you do, you must always try to achieve and learn more. This will ultimately help you in your growth and development.

3.       WELCOME CHANGE WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

This is what you need to understand and remember. The only thing that doesn’t change is change. And when change comes, you must be willing to welcome it with open arms. Change brings both good and bad opportunities but the best thing about it is that it makes life better and more interesting.

With all these key learnings in mind, I now face the future with a brave heart and an open mind. I realized that you can never really be ready for the future so the best thing to do is to prepare for whatever the future has planned. I make the decisions and I control my life. How about you? Are you prepared to face YOUR future?