Moving on was difficult, but time slowly healed us. As the pandemic ended, I celebrated my 18th birthday a bittersweet milestone without my Lola by my side. Still, I found strength in moving forward, even as so much had changed. In Grade 12, I met Donel, a kind IT staff member at Dr. Ester R. Garcia Medical Center, Inc., during my immersion program. On the first day, he was one of our supervisors and they grouped us into three persons per team. My group was the last to be assigned to the 3rd floor, where their office was located. He gave us a tour of the hospital until we reached our assigned department, where we met our new supervisors named Sir Roel, Sir Kris, and Ma'am Jhoanna. The month flew by. Each day, before entering the hospital, we logged in then before leaving, we timed out and had Sir Donel sign our Daily Task Record (DTR). From the first day, I sensed his interest in me through his gaze and the way he spoke. I felt my heart race when he stayed close during the tour. I couldn't deny my own attraction to him. I had a crush on him at first sight something I had never felt before.
As the weeks passed, we grew closer chatting every day, checking on each other, and sharing updates. During a hospital drill, we were assigned to the same team, and he stayed by my side, which I secretly enjoyed. I learned and experienced a lot at the hospital from printing and editing documents to assisting with staff lists. Working with Sir Jes and Sir Don in the IT Room was always fun, especially when Don taught me how to connect the RJ45 cable.
I truly enjoyed my immersion experience. After that, Don and I continued to see each other whenever we could. We did what lovers do talking and video calling everyday, playing mobile legends when we had time, and finding happiness in each other's company. As the months passed, I fell deeper in love with him. When I was with him, my problems faded and my stress disappeared. He became my source of happiness. I received a necklace gift from him and I thanked him for everything that he did. I know he loves me but I loved him more than I loved myself.
As I prepared to enter my first year of college, our relationship changed and began to grow cold. Our relationship went complicated and I did all I can just to fix us but he left me. I beg him to stay so many times until I decided to let him go and choose myself over him because why would I fight when I was the only one who is fighting to save our relationship. I realized a painful truth that you must love yourself first before you can truly love someone else.
I entered college and chose the BSIT course to build upon what I had learned in Senior High School and to pursue my dreams for the future. Now, as a third-year student, I push myself to finish, knowing that all the efforts will be worth it someday. Despite the challenges life throws at me, I continue to fight for my dreams. I believe that God will guide me, give me strength, and help me overcome my fears.
Continuing what I've started and pursuing my dreams even when it's hard and it is a thrilling experience. College life is challenging. Sometimes I cry from exhaustion, but I pick myself up and keep going. Money is very important because I had to pay rent for my apartment every month. It's expensive, but I chose independence. I prefer living alone and being self-reliant. I just want a good, safe, and peaceful life.
Every Saturday, I visit my parents to get my allowance and because I miss them. On Sunday afternoons, I return to my apartment to prepare for the week ahead. I now understand what it means to live independently. I cook, do laundry, iron clothes, wash dishes, clean my room, and check the door and windows before going to bed. It can be boring, but I'm used to it.
All I need to do now is finish my studies and take care of myself. Whatever happens I know that God has always a purpose and a plan for everything.