Christian James B. Raiz Feb.

5 2020

STS 1 Sec. D2

Survival of the grittiest

Everyone is uniquely crafted. One may find himself having a great time with the beauty of
art, shape and color, and, one may recognize his tremendous academic inclinations. Either way, an
individual’s strengths and weaknesses are strong colors in harmony that paints our portrait.
However, our strengths and weaknesses are not predestined gifts whatsoever. Our capabilities as
a person are hard-earned achievements by virtue of perseverance. It is grit that allows us to cross
the borders of our limitations and it exposes us to greater heights.
Everything must start with the belief that a certain goal is achievable. When this belief is
fueled with passion and driven with perseverance, that goal will be realized without a single ounce
of doubt. However, one may have to endure pavements and thorn-filled roads in order to achieve
this idea. To have that impregnable conviction that a certain goal is possible despite the perturbed
situation takes a lot of courage and faith and it is not always that we are capable of this. There will
be times that we will be devoured by our own doubts and thoughts but these are all part of our
journey for growth. We may not always be passionate as things may get crazy difficult and it is
not always that we are strong at heart that we are capable of perseverance.
The attitude of grit is truly admirable. It is as if gazing at a solemn fire that burns with
passion. Inexhaustible and unfazed by strong winds or any challenges. It is indispensable that we
understand the concept of grit and we apply it in our daily lives in order for personal growth to
occur and be successful later in life.
When I was a freshman here at UPLB I was overly anxious whether I am capable of
surviving all the challenges the premier university has to offer. I am engulfed with doubt and
anxiety. I always do whatever I can in order to comply with the requirements of my course subjects.
I am even willing to sacrifice my time for myself, social interaction and other stuffs just to give
more time to study and grow. However, no matter how tremendous my effort can be everything
seems not paying off. I thought equipping myself with perseverance and passion were enough. It
was a mistake to cling to that idea.
Indeed, I was exerting all the effort I can give in order to achieve excellency. However, my
heart is full of doubt and impaled by the failures I have attained. Scars that I am ashamed of. I was
discouraged but I kept on moving forward and continuing the effort I have exerted before. It was
an act to comply and survive. A dead action.
I realized later that I failed to see a much worse mistake. I was beating myself too much
from all the failures I have obtained. I was easily disheartened and did not embrace failure as an
opportunity for growth rather I treated it as a sign of the impossibility of a goal. As of now my
goal is not just to be excellent, but to be an honorable and excellent figure because there is a
country that must be served and I must grow as much as I can to serve this motherland.
CHRISTIAN