Sunday, December 29, 2013

In Retrospect: Year 2013

Enlightened.

As the sun sets, the sky radiates beautiful red and orange rays. We always wanted our day to end up like that. But before witnessing such amazing phenomena, one must experience the harsh realities of the day - the searing heat of the sun, air pollution, and other distractions that would hamper one's activities. In the end, what matters most is how you overcome all of it. I'd still call it a beautiful day.

That is how I'd like to describe my year 2013. It was indeed the longest race I've experienced so far.

Everyone has their own dream.

One wants to build his own house, hence he became an engineer. The other wants to treat people from communicable diseases and thirsts for knowledge, hence he became an Epidemiologist. My dream, on the other hand, was actually complicated. I wasn't contented with just one interest. As a child, I am fond of insects, airplanes, Lego, science, music, astronomy, and meteorology. So much for having an early exposure in Discovery Channel and Sineskwela. It wasn't easy for me on where, when, and how would I execute these interests  - on how would I be able take all of these on a single journey. I was reckless, careless, and haphazard when it comes to decision making. I couldn't blame myself for being like that.



It was an unexpected journey. After weighing my priorities in life, I finally decided to take that road, the road of becoming an Air Traffic Controller. It was my childhood dream to become one, aside from becoming a doctor, a scientist, and a storm chaser. It was tough, I guess, and there was no way that I'd turn my back and reassess the journey that I am about to take. 

I guess, like any travels that I have experienced in the previous years, I have learned valuable lessons along the road. This journey had not just taught me about how to control air traffic in a safe, orderly, and expeditious manner, but it had also made me realize the true value of friendship, and how to gain and to give respect to people.



This particular journey had caught the attention of some. Some were happy, others were so disappointed. They never fail to remind me that "I should take the road related to my field (Biology)". I'd reply: "Why take that road when in the first place, I already knew that I wasn't going to be happy with it?" I have read and heard sad stories of people who were unhappy with their present journey (on cue: Turn Back Time - Aqua). I don't want to live with that kind of life - full of remorse, full of regrets. It was tough but eventually managed to conquer it. More so, I am very happy that I followed what I really wanted in my life. It was something that I should be thankful for this year. The opportunity came in the right place, and in the right time. More so, my family and close friends were all supportive in my endeavors.



The most important thing that I learned from this journey? You have to believe in yourself in spite of everything. Chasing a dream is harder than we thought, but once you get a grasp on it, you'll eventually get there. It took me more than a year before becoming a licensed Air Traffic Controller and I really sacrificed my time and effort just to become one. It really tested me in many ways, but all is well.  For the first time, I was away from my family. For the first time, I didn't have any major travels for one whole year. In the end, the sacrifices were all worth it. To tell you the truth, I HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS HAPPY. I COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE.

And I'm off to my next journey. I know there's a lot in store for me in 2014 with regards to my career. And for traveling? Well, I can find ways.

This is Zulu Yankee, now ready to serve the Philippine airspace.

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This is my contribution to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for December 2013 with the theme "The Pinoy Travel Bloggers Closing the Curtains on 2013: Love, Learn and Living" hosted by Brenna Bustamante of The Philippine Travelogue.

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Nothing beats things better than achieving your dreams. cheers and happy new year to you!

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    1. Thanks Shugah and Happy New Year sa yo! Cheers!

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  2. Congrats 'nak! I'm really proud of you for becoming a licensed Air Traffic Controller!!!! NAKS!!! Ipagpatuloy ang achievements sa buhay! :D

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    1. Robbie! Thank you so much! Let's travel soon!!!

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  3. Yah know babe, I've told a lot of people about you and how you fulfilled your dream of becoming an Air Traffic Controller. I find it very inspiring, to be honest :) Cheers to chasing dreams and aviation and wanderlust!

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    1. Gay!!! Thank you for your kind words... I'm overwhelmed! Happy New Years and more travels this 2014!!! :D Laki na ni Luna! Hehe

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  4. Congrats on taking one of your dream jobs! (I say one because I read here that you have many ;-) )

    Here's to more adventures this 2014 - travel or otherwise!

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  5. Claire: thanks claire! See you along the road, yes? Cheers!

    Paula: thanks!

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  6. I have Read your blog post, so you're a licensed Air Traffic Controller. WOW! btw nasubaybayan ko ang iyong buhay way back when you were still a biology student ( through your blog post and pictures sa multiply) that was really a tough decision you made.... such an inspiration to follow also my dream!

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