Let me get this straight: I hate writing. Even writing this farewell column feels so much of a chore. But anyway, this will be my final writing requirement for the year, and a personal one at that. If you still want to continue reading, here goes my column.
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What do you do when you’re in a major you’re not passionate about?
Shift? Transfer to another institution? Sure, it’s easy to reply with these answers when nothing’s holding you back from it. But what if there is?
English Language Studies (ELS) was my second choice. I did it for my family because they think I’d get a decent job from it. My first choice, Speech Language Pathology in CRS, also for the same reason. However, I didn’t make it to the quota so I landed here in ELS.
During the first day of class, I didn’t know what this program has in store for me. To be honest, I’m not even sure if I could survive my stay in the University given that I felt like I wouldn’t get on other people’s level. My blockmates delivered their introductions in English with words that were foreign to me. I was amazed and intimidated at the same time. After all, my vocabulary wasn’t as wide.
Shifting or transferring to another university did cross my mind. However, given a number of factors hindering me, I could not afford to do so. The only choice I have is to stay and finish this program. I set aside my passion for art and went on with my college life.
Albeit the piles of readings, and schoolwork I had, I still managed to make art as a way to express how I feel. It was also at this time where my interest for graphic design grew by improving our program society’s publication materials.
Come third year, I joined the Flame. Running on two hours of sleep and two cups of coffee, I went to the entrance examinations – it changed my life forever. From apprentice, to artist, to Art Director – I didn’t even know how it happened either in the course of 2 years.
Who would’ve thought that you could actually pursue your passion still while you’re in a major you’re not passionate about? I’m forever thankful for my orgs. The Flame, English Language Studies Society and AIESEC in UST have helped me hone my craft in art and design.
This proved to me that anything is possible. Even if you’re major’s completely unrelated to your passion, I say, go for your passion. If you can’t afford to shift or transfer, try joining college/ faculty or university-wide organizations. Joining an org will make your college life worthwhile, I swear by it as I am living proof of the saying “Org is lyf.”
Getting that acceptance text was one of the best days I had, and I’d like to thank Ate Quina, my predecessor, for trusting me and seeing the potential I had. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am. You’ve taught me so much about art and design, and given me constant reassurance about my capabilities. I owe to you my journey in this publication.
To Rachel Laus, thank you for everything! From the sleepless nights as we work on art requests and pubmats, to our special conversations, thank you. Know that you’re one of the most genuine people I know.
To my Art Department team—Jaja, Zacy, Makki, Guthrie, and Elcid – thank you for sharing your skills and talents to this publication. I love you all very much. You’ve been so patient and hardworking and I’m proud of the artists you’ve become in this publication.
To my Flamily, thank you for accepting me and for making me feel at home. To my fellow editors and EB – I still can’t believe we’ve made four babies and a literary folio. Those sleepless nights were worth it! I will surely miss everyone. Continue to igniting your intellectual senses!
To my best of friends, Redge, Anne, Cardinal, and Ian whose helped me through thick and thin. Thank you completing my college life and for making it more bearable, most especially to Redge. My thesis buddy, my almost-twin, I love you beyond words. I wouldn’t be able to make it if it weren’t for you. Thank you for keeping me sane on my most stressful days.
To Enzo, my anchor that helped me stand still through the rigorous waves that college has offered me. You’ve made the waters safer by constantly reassuring me that everything’s going to be okay. I can never thank you enough for all the efforts you’ve done for me.
To my family, most especially to my parents, for the never-ending support you’ve given me in all my endeavors. You’ve provided me with everything I needed. I made it, Ma and Dad!
And last, but certainly not the least, to the Big Guy up there, thank you for the constant surprises you bring to me. Thank You for always being there, even if I sometimes doubt a lot. I promise to keep Your timing in mind.
Writing this column feels surreal as Minsan by Eraserheads plays on repeat in the background, as it goes, “’Kay bilis maglaho ng kahapon.”F
