A Roller Coaster Ride

The cacophony of screams and revving engines coming from what feels like endless twists and turns of a roller coaster is utterly terrifying. Moreover, the conjuring thoughts that enter your brain, just watching the roller coaster ride, frightens you to an extent. This is why taking a ride in this monster is not for the faint of heart. But with my experiences, I learned how to drop my fears and muster enough courage to take a ride because life is indeed like riding a roller coaster; you will never know how it would have been if you never tried it.

I have already been a class officer since the first grade, and since then, I knew that I had a passion for leading. Because of my passion to lead, and the trust my fellow classmates have given me, I figured that it was time for me to take it up a notch, that is, to run for a higher position in school which would allow me to lead more people and to influence them in a higher degree. Running for the student council when I was in sixth grade ensued from this. Unfortunately, I was not given the opportunity to take this passion to lead a bigger crowd and influence them in a higher degree. Nonetheless, I did not lose hope.

Then I stepped into high school which was a completely different environment compared to grade school – different schedules, more complicated subjects, and the newly-implemented K-12 program, which was difficult adjusting to. This became an obstacle for me to run again for the student council because I was skeptical that I would be able to balance my duties and responsibilities of being a leader with my academics, which by the way, is my main priority. Two more years have passed and my dream of being a part of the student council is still pending.

In January this year, a familiar jingle played on the public announcement speaker, which officially marked the beginning of the search for the new SCT officers for the next school year. I knew that this was my chance to finally achieve my life-long dream. So, I chose to get an application form but just then, reality hit me, as well as my fears. And just then, fear won.

Thankfully, a window of opportunity opened: elections for the new GIFT Core officers. I couldn't miss out on this again so I grabbed the opportunity, ran for secretary, and was fortunate enough to win. Today, serving as a secretary, I have never felt more fulfilled. Knowing that I can do something for a lot of people is a feeling that could never be replaced. Doing something that I love also pushes me to work even harder, and aspire to do more and be more.

I am greater than my fears, which is why I shouldn't ever be afraid to do or accomplish something I really want. I should continue riding the roller coaster that is life. It is unpredictable, but I have to hold my head high because it will be a ride I should be prepared for.

-CHERIFERnando Poe Jr_NA2