My journey, my legend

“Life is not a series of chances but a series of choices”

As a secondary student born in a poor family, I would think about our life as unfortunate and lacks
opportunities for financial growth. When I was younger, my family and I were so sure about what job I
will get, and that is farmer. As it is the job my father has lived throughout the years and is something
that he thought a life he could simply pass on. My mother as a housewife, surely thinks of it too, the sole
reason why they both encourage me to stop studying as soon as I finished my 10 th grade in High School.

But as a student who has seen a glimpse of hope in finishing 10 th grade, I was adamant to continue and
persuade my parents to continue till I reach this point, a student in Senior High who is about to graduate
this year.

Though it is true that poor people has limited chances and opportunities we are abundant of choices.
We can choose when to stop or to continue. We can choose to obey and not to. We can choose to take
a step back or a step forward. We can choose to give up or to keep going. We have the choices that
needs to be acted upon. We have a long journey which can start with small steps.

After my graduation, I am planning to pursue my dream to become a teacher in universities that offers
free tuition. Though success is still far from my reality, I am hopeful that my dreams will come through. I
want to make my family proud, to make them believe that anything is possible as long as you have faith.
I want to be the very first child who graduated in college and became a teacher.

Language learning: a fun thing!

Language learning can be done in various ways. As someone who live in the philippines I am fortunate
enough that aside from my mother tongue which is Filipino, I am learning English as my official second
language. With my knowledge in English language and its structure I am capable to learn other
languages as well.

Through English language, I could understand the subtitles of the movies from other countries such as
Korea, Japan, China, Russia and many more. It has helped me understand the content of the movie or
series I am watching as well as the culture one country holds. I get to practice my comprehension and
pronunciation too as an English speaker.

Upon watching several movies and series of different countries I was able to understand their beliefs
and their way of life. I am capable of imitating the words and phrases the characters say.

These days korean, japanese and chinese songs are becoming viral in different social media platforms.
The influence that was once unknown to most has became normal specially during pandemic where
everyone were not allowed to go out because of the virus. Many people of various ages use resort
mostly to viral tiktok and facebook videos that completed their days. These social media platforms
boosted the Pop culture where millions of people watch, dance, sing to anything they see. Though there
were issues arising on the app, I still see it as a place where people of different languages meet,
understand and connect with each other. It’s an app where different races sings and dances to other
races dance. It also became a place to converse with people around the world. And as you talk to
foreigners you’ll also find out they are not as good or amazing in speaking English as you. However, you
still continue because it’s fun and it’s a learning process for you.

In the end, learning new language often happens in baby step. These interactions, while imperfect, add
to our working vocabulary, our motivation, and our confidence in our ability to communicate. Is it scary?
Surely it is! But it call also be fun and exciting! Who knows what other languages you might learn? There
is no harm in trying and learning new things. Let’s keep learning new languages!