LOH #191: My Perfectly Imperfect Footprint!

Living a life out of silver spoon had humbly allowed me to grow little by little. And it was like flying freely in the sky with the silver linings. Perhaps I am a dreamer, and will always be.

The amazing question for this week by @priyanarc made me reflect on my journey since I was younger and who I have become today as follows:

Reflecting on your personal journey, which accomplishments stand out as your proudest moments?

Walking down memory lane, my heart spoke that life in the past was like having full of thorns to conquer, but never in my wildest dreams to choose to give up despite the status of my family when it comes to income. Instead, I used Education as a weapon while encouraging myself that poverty was not a hindrance to success.

I started entering school when I was four years old. At the age of five, from Kindergarten, my teacher accelerated me to Grade 1 back then because I was doing more than my level according to my mother who narrated the story to me. I studied in a public school since my parents could not afford to send me to private institutions.

Not to brag, I was a consistent honor student during my elementary years and graduated as the Class Valedictorian. I must say that this was one of my proudest moments when I was younger. Until now, the medals, ribbons, and awards during my elementary years were displayed in the house of my parents.

When I reached the Secondary level, I was able to study in a private institution. I was a scholar and a consistent honor too, that is why my parents had no worries about the funds to support my studies. If not because of the scholarship and grants to me, surely, I would not have stepped into one of the quality schools in our place.

After graduating from the Secondary level, I passed a scholarship to one of the prestigious universities under the College of Engineering, but my parents wanted me to be a Professional Teacher. So I enrolled in the College of Education.

I was also a consistent Dean's Lister, and a scholar as well until I graduated College with flying colors. And after taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers, I was so happy that I passed it, making me hired after graduation. And it only took me after a year to be part of the Department of Education.

I felt so accomplished after I was hired permanently, but I was so hungry for learning, not to mention that I continued my Graduate Studies, as I took up a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision. I was so happy to finish it in the year 2018.

My journey was even more colorful as I was able to present my Research paper at the local, national, and international Research Congresses. Through my hard work and dedication, I was promoted to the Department of Education. And was even awarded the Most Outstanding Teacher for two consecutive years.

Perhaps I could say that I have a lot of accomplishments, and all that I have mentioned above were the happy moments I have had. These achievements made my parents proud since both of them did not finish their studies.

Among the accomplishments I had, the one that stood out as my proudest moment could be seen in only one picture.

However, among the experiences that happened in the past, the accomplishment that stood out as my proudest moment was when I was able to achieve the Highest Educational Attainment, being a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration. I graduated Doctorate Degree in the year 2021 as I shared in my previous posts.

Who would have thought that life at present would lead me to my Professors who taught me in College? I was the happiest when my professors back then were now my colleagues as I am now teaching in Graduate School with Master's students.

These accomplishments stood out as my proudest moments, but I could not deny the fact that every success I had, had so many stories to tell both joy and pain. I firmly believe that every story of accomplishment is a tale of struggles. I may have not mentioned all of them, but I was able to pass the darkest tunnel with a big smile as I saw the light at its end.

And that, I am always grateful to my supportive parents who never failed to dream big for me as I am dreaming of the summit along with the silver linings. Perhaps poverty was not a hindrance for me to succeed, but it motivated me to never give up on my dreams and find ways to reach my personal and professional goals through my perfectly imperfect footprint.

Disclaimer: All texts and pictures are my own unless otherwise stated.