Writer: Emmariel Ares
Editor: Kiddie Rodaje
Imagine being known as a person who everyone can rely on when they need help. Imagine becoming someone people run to in times of danger. When something happens and people don’t know what to do, they look for you. Imagine being a police officer. This has always been my greatest dream ever since I was a kid. In my father’s side of the family, being a part of the Philippine police force runs in the blood.
Both of my parents were against my decision to take up BS Criminology in college. My father wanted me to be an accountant and my mother did not like it because it was a dangerous job. Instead, they made me take an exam for a scholarship in accountancy which I passed. They were both very happy but the heart wants what it wants. I told them they wouldn’t be able to blame me if I did not do well because I was not studying the course I wanted. Finally, I was able to get my parents’ support. I believe they were able to see my sincerity and how badly I wanted to be a policeman.
Fortunately, I got accepted as a beneficiary of an organization’s scholarship grant. My parents no longer had to worry about funding my college education. For a time, I was able to study comfortably because of their help. Then, on my third year, they stopped their scholarship program. My family does not have much and to help my parents with my tuition, I applied for a part-time job in a fast-food restaurant near my school. My parents were hesitant but I insisted because I wanted to help in any way I could.
My grades were heavily affected because there were a lot of times that I was absent in class. Thankfully, most of my professors understood my situation. I remember how I would go straight to work after classes and end up going home at two in the morning. Rigorous training and classes in the morning, and an exhausting night of serving customers at the restaurant – this was my daily routine for a whole year. I admit that I felt worried about my situation at that time. I did not want to fail especially because I fought for a chance to pursue the course I have always wanted. People usually say, you meet your lifetime friends in high school. But for me, I met them in college. With the help of family and friends, I successfully got through that phase of my life. I don’t think I say this enough but to my friend who always shared his food and provided a home when I needed a place to stay, I will be forever grateful to your friendship and generosity.
Through endurance and hard work, I was able to graduate from college. But life works in mysterious ways and before I knew it, I’ve found a career in the BPO industry. To be honest, I needed to find a job to have an income and I have always believed that we should grab every opportunity that comes our way. I applied in the BPO industry even if I had zero confidence. The one thing that I’ve never been very good at is the English language. I’ve never excelled in speaking or writing in English. But to my great surprise, they called me back and I got the job. Never in my life have I imagined that right after graduation I will be joining the BPO industry to work as a call center agent.
Since then, I have been working diligently as a call center agent. I have handled various accounts and entered different companies. But overall, I can say that the time I have spent in this industry has been very worthwhile. While earning an income, I have also been improving into a better, more patient and understanding, version of myself. Because of this job, I was able to support my needs and my family’s needs as well. I am earning well enough to be able to support my wife and our soon-to-be-born child. I am glad to be part of this industry because, with it, I can be a reliable husband and soon-to-be father. I am assured that they can depend on me to be the responsible head of our growing family.
Don’t get me wrong, I have not given up on my dream. There are people who say that our goals in life will never happen but I want to prove wrong. I want to show them that we are more than capable of becoming what we aspire to be. However, I also know my priorities. We have a baby on the way and that is my focus right now. I’ll be busy picking out baby names. Don’t tell my wife but I secretly hope it’s a boy! But whether it’s a boy or a girl, I’ll be sure to be the best father he/she could ever ask for!
