i am an adventurer in search of treasure
I went after my dreams. And I succeeded.
What I learned this weekend:
1. How to commute around Manila. To be specific, I learned how to navigate the treacherous traffic-infested area of Makati. It took a lot of bloopers but I managed to get around. Thank you to all of the people I talked to for providing me the correct directions! I may never see you again but I'm really grateful because you helped me out! It just showed that a smile, a kind word and a friendly approach will get you anywhere! I have to confess that I'm a real small town girl with no virtual experience of the big city. Imagine the mixed feelings of apprehension and delight as I walk around Manila. It's really exhilarating! At first, I felt really nervous about asking for directions and about traveling alone but then I thought, "To hell with it! I can do this!" So I did.
2. How to sell yourself hard. It took a lot of confidence to walk up the building and present myself as an applicant. The company that I applied for was really famous for being a great workplace. It's still a call center but it's a different company. I challenge you to find a high-paying job that's not stressful. Yeah. I was planning to stay for at least six months next year and then I'd probably jump into the chance to work somewhere else. I signed the contract because I wanted the experience. Besides, it's a big company with a great reputation for providing a good working environment for employees. The pay will be great! It's going to be awesome so I sold myself really hard to the interviewer.
My feedback: "very conversant (?), very engaging and very confident. You have to keep it up. I can tell that you're from a call center with your attitude. Work on your singsong tone and your pronunciation. And take care of your tenses." In my head: Yeah, yeah, tell that to the marines! My customers won't give a shit if my grammar is perfect. They don't even notice that they murder their language everyday.
Nevertheless, I got the job. I will start next year. And I can't wait for it!
3. Cherish your friendships. Tintin's funeral was today. I visited her with my mother before I left for Manila to accomplish my medical. I cried and I must have looked crazy while I sat beside her coffin. Even in death, she was beautiful. She was "Bella" and "Snow White" with her fair skin, dark hair and very red lips. All of her friends, family and acquaintances were touched by her beauty, kindness and optimism. It's our sorrow that she was taken back so early. But we can imagine her joy in being back in God's arms again. Tintin, we'll miss you. I'll always remember your smile, laugh and those mischievous dancing black eyes with those enviable eyelashes. I really wish you'll finally be at peace. Thanks to you, I realized that I was blessed with time.
4. It's my life. I thought that leaving would be painful. It wasn't. I was actually excited to leave my childhood home. Sure, I would live with my four female cousins and their mother in their condominium somewhere in the metro but it's still different. I would go away! My parents cannot do anything about it. I'll be free! I feel so happy! Of course, I'll miss them. But I'll be away from them for the first time... My life will be mine.