CHALLENGES: TO BE THE BETTER YOU

            It was August when Mrs. Febria told me that I would be joining a contest.  First, I thought that it would be storytelling or reciting a poem but I was surprised when she said that it includes the whole city of Navotas.  “This contest is different from the others,” I murmured to myself as she filed my personal data in a folder.  Then, she taught me many different writing techniques so I wrote many essays that symbolize what kind of person I was, or if I was updated with the issues in the society.  I loved writing so I put my heart and mind in my literary works. 

December came and it was time to take a step to survive the challenge.  Tension successfully ran through my veins and my heart suddenly stopped and then continued to pump blood.  We started with a prayer and the instructor told us, “You have to make an essay with a theme “it pays to work hard.”  I knew that it was not literal so words came in a rush in my mind and my heart was overwhelmed because I could easily write what my mind was telling me to.  “I can do this!” my mind kept on telling me not to lose hope but pray to be one of the lucky winners. 

            It was then followed by an interview.  I could already feel the pressure inside my chest; I knew that I should think of a way that would calm me easily.  There were five persons in a row and they looked serious with the papers they were holding.  I slowly walked in and greeted them with a huge smile on my face.  I started introducing myself and they gave me specific questions which were simple but seemed to have a deeper meaning; it could be seen in their faces.  I answered them honestly and I was thankful that I gave my best shot in that case where my hands were shaking. 

            March came and still there was no news that I was one of the students who survived the contest.  I forgot about it and moved on.  Standing in front of my batch mates, I walked slowly in the stage with my mother and the teachers gave me the gifts that were intended for me.  I smiled at them and the City Mayor congratulated me and asked me, “Where would you study?”  I said with a heart pounding so fast, “I’d like to study in Navotas National High School.” 

I would walk down but the teacher told me to stay in front.  I was nervous but I kept my smile plastered on my face.  I was so surprised when I garnered an award that was from City Vice Mayor entitled “Student Leadership Award of Merit”.  It was unfamiliar to me but I knew that it’s for being the Supreme Pupil’s Government Mayor.  I happily received the award and took a picture with him. 

I thought it was over but it was not.  When I heard the emcee announced that award, tears slowly built up in my eyes and I tried not to let them flow, and I succeeded.  The award that I gave up in before was now here in front of me: One of the Ten Most Outstanding Student Leaders in the City of Navotas.  The City Mayor gave me the plaque and the medal was given to me by my mother.  I was grateful for that award; it gave me confidence to face different challenges and survive them with the knowledge I knew, that made me a better student, and last but not the least, the prayer that was granted by God.