No, we are not the chosen few, but we are the few who tried and have been chosen.
***
I always saw myself lucky in many ways to be studying in such a prestigious university such as UST, especially in the College of Architecture, for having a very supportive family, good health, various extra-curricular activities, and of course, being a staff member of this well renowned and highly respected school organ. I guess I have achieved more than have I bargained for.
But, success doesn’t come in overnight.
It’s natural for a person to yearn for a chance to prove his or her worth, but people often forget that when they reach the position they have wanted to be in, that’s when “the proving” really begins. it’s where they should work harder to achieve more and it’s where they really realize that they have really ”earned” that success. Gaining success doesn’t mean they have finished working. It’s when proving themselves worthy of such a success really begins.
I remember when I attended my first class in college, I felt mixed emotions. First, I was very happy to be studying in a college that had been named a “Center of Excellence” in Architecture education a number of times. Second, I felt challenged to prove myself worthy to be included in that college. Of course it was hard, considering the tight competition in a class—how much more in the whole college? But as semesters and semesters passed by, after continuous psychological mocking of my professors and weeks and weeks of sleepless nights trying to produce something to be called a major plate, I consequently gained respect from my classmates. I then gave respect in return. I really didn’t know how important it was to gain respect. And most importantly, I didn’t know what to do next. Then, another opportunity came.
Since high school, I have always looked up to the Varsitarian, maybe because I was a staff member of our school paper and got fond of its unique style. I never realized that I could be a part of it if I try, if I really try. And as lucky as I were, I passed two exams and an interview. Starting from the deep end was very difficult, and believe me, it took me almost a year to adjust my workload and schedule. Even my editor at that time included me in his column, saying, “Carlo Fundador, tulungan mo naman ako!” And it did affect my performance as he had planned (If he really did, hi Treb!), not negatively, of course. It made me realize that I need to work harder and manage my time better to please my editor, our editor-in-chief and to my colleagues. Now, as one of the section editors of this prominent school paper, after the ever tiring days of presswork and amidst the pressure, the presence of our adviser exerts when he checks the layout, I never stop trying to prove to myself and to others that I am worthy to be a member of this university-wide organization. Yet until this moment, I know I still have to do more. I still have to persevere. My efforts is not yet enough.
Success doesn’t come easy. If one yearns for it, one has to work hard and prove worthy of it. It is not enough to have achieved something and just stop there and boast about it.
***
I remember when I first got my hands on a Spiderman comic book—it was the issue that Peter Parker first got his powers. As I read across the pages with curiosity and delight, a phrase struck me and made me think. It said, “with great power comes great responsibility”. What does this phrase mean?
I guess it’s up you, guys ,to figure it out.
