Writer: Tal Olimba
Editor: Kiddie Rodaje
meeting new people, trying out new foods, and learning about various cultures. I am always in awe when an airplane is about to take flight. I always feel giddy when I hear the PA system announce the arrival and boarding of passengers. I often wonder how it would feel like to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 4B7 with service from Hong Kong to San Francisco. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes…”
My parents instilled in me the ability to be independent at an early age. As a result, I can make decisive decisions whenever I needed to. I have big dreams for myself and my family, so I needed to start hustling early. I have been working in the BPO industry for quite some time and have worked for several different companies. Working as an agent and as a student is never easy. I have to double my efforts and manage my time wisely because I can’t give up on my dreams.
Spending Christmas and the New Year working in the office instead of with the family became the norm. I felt bad at first because those holidays are special to me. My family would gather together, enjoy a humble dinner, exchange Christmas gifts and lastly, we would all marvel at the night sky filled with fireworks! But after a few years in the industry, I became used to it. I decided to work because during the holidays the pay was doubled and we needed the money.
Currently, I am a first-year airline management college student at the Cebu Aeronautical Technical School. Being a working student is my personal decision. I’ve made many sacrifices along the way because I want to be prepared to achieve my life goals. Yes, it is difficult, but for me, not being able to realize my dream would be more so.
