The Yesteryears And The Decade After

QUINTO, KISSES DEAR G. LAW-1B

My childhood was guarded and averse. I was not allowed to play under the heat
of the sun and I never had serious wounds that would remind me of my youthful days. I
tried traditional urban games like luksong-tinik, taguan, habulan, etc. with the people
in our house; however, they always gave way for the youngest. My experience of defeat
was not enough that my tolerance now for failure is under average. Most of my
childhood days were spent watching dolly movies and playing Barbies. I saw those dolls
portraying different cultures, the clothes were awesome. That made me dream about
becoming a Fashion & Image Stylist. It was an industry where I believed I can showcase
my artistic side. I can play with colors, patterns, and fabrics. It is where I had seen
freedom.
Pursuing Fashion School (if not, Culinary Arts which was my second choice)
would have meant living alone in Manila, and I just cannot do it. I was afraid to be
independent, so I tried Travel and Tourism in Baguio. It went well. It was with ease,
because I was living with my siblings. I was on my fourth year when I almost shifted
back and even enrolled to Culinary School for Gastronomy. My father supported me, but
I felt the disappointment. I am now a Travel and Tourism Major Degree holder.
The biggest opportunity I have ever rejected was the job offered by the Puerto
Princesa Department of Tourism, where I had my internship. Its a beautiful place. Aside
from the good employment, I see simple living there, and I like that. There was where I
have seen my worth. I lived away from my family, and for the first time I sensed
freedom. It took me courage to say no, but I still did.
It was a 360-degree shift when I enrolled in law school. A total big leap that
surprised everyone. I heard too many objections, but none of it has ever bothered me. I
dont know the main reason why I like to be in the hell school, but I have these words
which my father uttered during one of the family get-togethers. He told us that we shall
take studying seriously, that we shall not throw away opportunities like he did. My
cousins, siblings and I was laughing until we heard him say that he had given up a
dream because there was no opportunity, that he is the eldest of six and his parents cant
afford for law school anymore. Maybe that was the beginning of this new journey. It was
the go signal I needed. I have the opportunity. I got five siblings to support me anyway.
For the next years, I will be reading cases, memorizing articles, and writing case
summaries. There will be a lot of sleepovers. I will be attending testimonial dinners and
tribute parties. I have too many sunrises to see. Through patience, I will be an attorney.
Ten years from now, I will be attending events. I will be taking cases. I will be
meeting prominent people. I will be having an A-T-T-Y before my name. I will be
preparing to have my own family.

Ten years from now, I will be reliving those dreams I once dreamt. I will be
designing my court attires the way I currently design my dresses for school events. I will
be cooking dinner for my colleagues. I will be travelling the world with my family.
Ten years from now, I will be continuing the tradition of the family, I will be
having my business; a travel agency, resto bar, or fashion house. I will be starting to
invest for my car and house.
I wish that after ten years, our family will be one step closer to our long time goal,
the restoration of the ancestral house. I am confident that throughout these ten years,
nobody gets behind. This is not my fight, they are in it. The six of us will going to get this
done for our parents, no matter how long and hard it will take.
If I become a lawyer, I would believe in fate. If my dad finally gained a child who
is a lawyer, it is his reality, just deferred.