March has come. It is that time of the year, yet again, where transitions from formative years to dreams happen, where the defining moment between failure and success is forged.
A number of my friends were lucky enough to have graduated from college. A few finished elementary and high school but circumstances forced them to work early and learn to survive – either as employees or small business owners. Others were not so lucky and entered a life of crime. Whatever our destinies were, I write this column as a “feel good” article to encourage, inspire and empower our youth as we all dream and strive to succeed in life by accepting what we are given.
I have gone through numerous significant and life changing moments in my life but if I could go back in time, I would choose to relive my elementary and high school years and the amazing journey it entailed.
Elementary & HS Yesteryears
As a kid, I had my own fair share of messing around. A few of you may see me today as someone academically accomplished, “gets-the-job-done” responsible adult. You will be surprised I learned about the value of brotherhood early. I can fondly remember being a founding member of a fraternity called “Gemeni,” a gang of four boisterous, grade 1 kids with classmate Wilson Go. Well, I recall being the most engaged into superficial fist fights, raring to beat just about anyone for the sake of brotherhood and, as expected, got beaten in return. Yes, thug life, illegal or not, we create what we are to become. Later on during my college days, I have seen some of my most patriotic leader batch mates migrate and some flip through their pages swiftly as they either dropped out or completely lost touch.
Growing Up
“I’m growing up, getting down. I’m putting my both feet on the ground. With all my friends behind me, how can I go wrong this time?” Yes, that is part of my graduation song “Growing Up” sung by Gary Valenciano. I just made it into a complete sentence so please don’t laugh.
As this song bring fond memories, I also loathe the realization that it also reminds me of my age. Kidding aside, the song shares an important lesson I learned – that no one succeeds alone. For us to finish the race, we have to take part in each other’s success. So be amiable, open to partnerships and collaborations, and be a team player. Your energy will eventually run out and advancing your team requires that you lay hold of teamwork.
There are some non-negotiable characteristics on our way to success such as protecting our integrity and focusing more on the journey rather than the destination, and transcending potential while having fun.
Real Life Success
Years will pass, but memories with true friends will stay “growing up”, sharing life lessons and experiences, exchanging sound and timely advice during hard times. Our families feel safer with true friends. Thus, I’d like to honor a few that have struggled, persevered, succeeded quietly, stayed humble, and touched our lives and many others for the better.
Mr Weeding “Weeds” from a family of 12, an original riverboy who loved pigeons, became an OFW and now a very successful businessman. Charlie “Cha”, an honor student but had to be an OFW to help family, very hardworking and now an importer, manufacturer of auto parts. Joseph “Bina” who is also very hardworking, started a business selling cigarettes and candies and now an importer of computers and owns several businesses. Jimmy “Awi” an OFW who now owns successful business here and abroad. Chamber, Kenneth, Benson, Manny and Nicky – all successful business managers either trading or in the family business. Imelda, Margaret, Mary Jane, Daisy and Jean – reunited again after 30 years, still remembers the best times of our lives!
Being a college graduate is not a booked ticket to our dreams. The friends I mentioned are high school graduates/under graduates that made it big because they see boundless opportunities in most situations a college graduate would think otherwise. Strange but may be true but success, as I/we see it, changes as we age, is not anymore about wealth but about accumulating treasured experiences.
If you are then thinking of a gift to give to any struggling student, let it be a 24-karat hope – something priceless and can stand the test of time.
Dr. Paul Chua, PhD MNSA, is an advocate of continuous learning both local and foreign. He completed courses at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; Harvard Kennedy School; and at the Central European University.
Originally published by The Manila Times on March 3, 2022.
View the original publication at The Manila Times ↗