IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
Alex Eduque
We can either choose to view a cup half full, or half empty. It depends entirely on the perspective we want to take, or see things by. But like many things in life, the choice is yours to make, and the decision, you stand for, and by. This school year was like no other in that it was entirely virtual – done online, or through mobile and modular classes, with zero physical interaction. Teachers never got the opportunity to meet their students face to face, and vise versa. Classmates never got to bodily be around each other. Rather, this was the year where everyone was but a square on a computer screen, or simply a name to a teacher. It is but natural to feel robbed of the ultimate experience – walking on stage to get your diploma, prom, homecoming, or quite simply, the everyday classroom experiences – but instead of wallowing in self-pity, let us choose to see the good being a member of the class of 2021 has brought us.
For one, you will forever be remembered. By your teachers, and institution, that is for sure. Your experience is entirely what you chose to make of it, and you will one day be able to tell your children the story of how you obtained your diploma by going to school on a computer, on your last year. You will never ever take physical classes for granted again, nor will you ever see human interaction in the same light. You will see the meaning in milestones, and that celebrating one successfully does not need the full pomp, circumstance and ceremony. Yours is not only a story to write – you are a part of history that will not long be forgotten.
But because the world is round, you too will have your moment in the spotlight, and you will most definitely have the limelight follow you – only perhaps instead of now, at another time in your life. And in that moment, you will understand why God’s timing is always perfect. You will no longer be bitter, nor resent the year that was 2021 because at that moment, you will know that your experiences – how you handled yourself, the twists, the turns, the new normal and your challenges – is what brought you there to that very moment. At that point, you will be more than ready to shine in the spotlight, even brighter than you probably would have today.
We are a product of our past, and the way we choose to live our present will always contribute to that. Our future is created and built upon the decisions that we make today, and the choices that shape our tomorrows are likewise, and simultaneously a product of how we live our lives at the present. Do not let this pandemic dim your light. Turn the situation around, and let it inspire your inner most being to do something for the common good. Do not let your frustrations define you. Instead, choose to focus on the positive, seek the good, and destroy the evil thoughts that rid your faith. Cling on to it, for it is what will lead you to more hopeful tomorrows. Lastly, do not let the constraints imposed on your way of life today limit the bounds of your knowledge, creativity, and imagination. Use those limits to broaden your reach, and to feed your thirst for even more learnings. Emerge from this experience stronger, and more determined to face life.
Congratulations, class of 2021! You did it! And I perhaps will never meet a more resilient, flexible, strong and determined group, armed and equipped to face whatever challenges life throws their way. Cease the hate. Harvest the happy thoughts, and unleash your unstoppable self. Dream big, and soar high. Seize the day. Carpe Diem.