I was checking my Facebook account when I came across a button that says “Notes”, I can vaguely remember what it’s about and so I clicked it and was surprised to know the content of that page. It was actually some sort of Journal back in college. And today I am publishing one entry from that page entitled ” A Year That Was 2011″.

It’s 2011 baby – Just like every other year, it started with a new year’s celebration. It’s the only occasion my whole family actually celebrate at home (with lots of foods and fireworks), Only yearly occasion my parents and brother would allocate budget and we get to bond like every other families. And it’s always a memorable one, It’s always a good way to start another year. Two weeks after was the celebration Sinulog. It is a yearly celebration in Cebu, Philippines. Where you get to see colorful floats, 9 days Novena mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño. Parties at every street corners, Experience the street dancing and street concerts. And the Mardigras on its final day.

February – month of hearts – for some but not for me. I was more than excited for the National Olympics, February 17-25, I represented my school for the Lawn tennis women’s category together with my 4 other teammates. It was held in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. It was a dream come true, I meet new friends, Experienced new things, got to Flunk school and get away with it, and at the end of that trip, lessons learned.

March 25 – Graduation ceremony Finally, I graduated from my 5yrs course Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I was recognized as the Ambassador for sports – Lawn tennis women. All the hardwork, stress days, sleepless nights, patience, worries and tears. All paid off with degree and diploma in my hand. I know my parents are proud of me.

May – Started my first real job But not in the field I wish I’d land into. Nevertheless, got my first salary, Lived independently, Meet new friends/colleagues (cool people), learned many things, got to present in a room full of political people, people never in my life I dreamt on discussing something with. I went out of my comfort zone and embraced the real world. The world of employment, Where mean people are in abundance.. *laughs* In a more serious note, it introduced me to reality. To the pros and cons of life, to fresh experience, with fresh faces, Same old me but more mature.

Then I had to cut my employment days short.. “RESIGNED from my job” Got to focus on my review for the licensure exam for mechanical engineer. Back to the good old me, sleepless nights, allowances, house rents, problem solving, stresses, anxieties, excitement..

For four months I strive hard, sleepless months studying, memorization, stress, anxieties, but at the end of it, i all my sacrifices, all I’ve ever hoped for, the biggest goal I’ve ever had, and I failed. But looking on the brighter side, I gained lots of new friends. People I never expected I’ll get along with, people who touched my heart one way or another. New experience, new faces, new places. Lessons learned: you can’t always get what you want. But you’ll get what you deserve, and after every downfall, you will always learn to pick yourself up.

  It was late October I finally decided to let go of the love I had for someone. finally tried to move on. And finally put what we had to my past. If I have any consolation, when we were together I felt I was very wanted. I was cared, I was liked. Only it didn’t end up the way i like it to be. For a while I was hoping things will be fine but then it didn’t. And I had to deal with it. And I did great. I was hurt, but it doesn’t mean I was broken. I’m tough, and I don’t break that easy.

November- started looking for a job Realized how hard it is to do so.. Allowance & energy draining:-(

December- holiday season The month went quickly, Next thing i know it’s christmas eve.Celebrated it with family, foods, Bonding, Movie marathon, fun.fun.fun. Then came 26th, get together with high school batchmates. And just like old times, t’was fun. like good old days.

A year that was 2011… Collection of new experience. Happy memories as well as sad, new friends, realizations. And learnings… At the end of 2011, i’ll leave a qoute that goes…

“It’s not the prize nor the score. It’s not the fame, nor the win. It’s never the glory or people’s cheer. It’s not even how far or how fast you are. Life is a race and we should run. But in the end what matters most is WHO YOU ARE & WHO YOU BECOME”

Spread positivity.:-)

Having read my “2011 Highlights” I realize how far I have gone since that year, although I still have failures and challenges along the way I know I can make it through.