Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

Lucena City

In the modern era, why are we always raised to follow a single path? Why not try it all? Does it matter if you’re different from others?

As children, we are encouraged to dream big, to pursue one direction. Some wanted to become a doctor, accountant, or police officer. Others dreamed of becoming a chef or an engineer. We were too young to know. As I reached high school, reality slowly awakened me. I noticed that some friends in college didn’t enjoy the programs they had chosen. Some chose them out of practicality or family expectations, leaving them with a little choice. Others followed passion over practicality, or vice versa. At some point, I realized that not everyone can chase their dreams. This was a sad reality.

I experienced it as well. In eighth grade, my English teacher gave us an assignment: discuss your dream plans for the future. While my classmates listed only one profession, I wrote a whole list: journalist, author, lawyer, daredevil, movie director, screenwriter, and musician. I was at my highest peak. I wanted to do it all.

Hearing such plans might seem impossible or confusing, because society teaches us to pick one career and stick to it. The degree must align with the profession. Otherwise, it is often seen as a waste of time and effort. But their advice didn’t discourage me. Pursuing dreams, even after setbacks, is never too late.

At 18, I thought: Why not pursue all of it, regardless of what others say? I reassessed my passions: reading, drawing various artworks, writing stories and scripts, watching movies, even playing musical instruments. It felt like being a jack of all trades, but beyond that.

I researched whether people could really excel in multiple professions. I discovered polymaths: individuals who achieve excellence in different, unrelated fields. Unlike being a “jack of all trades,” polymaths commit deeply to multiple fields, achieving competence and even excellence in each. For example, a biologist who is also a musician and architect, or an actress who is an engineer and teacher. One famous Filipino polymath is Jose Rizal—author, doctor, artist, and more. These are proof that anyone can be whatever they want, as long as they have grit, passion, and perseverance to learn things endlessly.

Today, I am slowly carving my path. I recently published my first memoir and currently contribute articles to a news publication while pursuing a law degree.

For those who feel torn between interests, remember this: you are not indecisive; you are curious. Dare to explore, to learn, and to become more. Your future is not limited to one title. After all, you are the only one who gets to define it.