Unstained: Treading through life's uncertainties...

(I submitted this for the VP Noli de Casto Awards for academic excellence)

Born on the 8^th of September 1992, I, Michelle Dawn Yap Ramos, was brought up with a very loving family. I was raised in an environment where I was not deprived to exhibit my potentials. My parents taught me all the essential values I needed in order to grow with the right principles and beliefs. My early achievements and defeats gave me the confidence to face the consequences of failure and the delights of success. But as they say, “It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas.”

Entering high school was tough but it served as my venue to further know myself and my passions. One of which is my passion for journalism. At my first year, I experienced a lot of obstacles in achieving my goal as a campus journalist. I was beaten up with words and cursed by many because of false rumors. Everyone was against me and I knew they were wrong but I humbled myself and chose to continue. Like a true journalist, I never let the people around me build a barrier between me and my desire of connecting and informing the public. Thus, as another year passed, I strived to make a difference. And I succeeded. Being the Editor in chief of the school organ was never an easy task for me. I was unprepared and didn’t have enough training and knowledge on the responsibility that awaited me. My co-editors and writers were much older than me. I was afraid. But this didn’t stop me from fulfilling my responsibilities. For two straight years, I burnt my midnight candle and dedicated myself to the field of campus journalism. Its constant demands would always conflict with my academics and other activities but through proper time management and definition of priorities, I have conquered them all.

Leadership has always been with me since childhood. Considering that I am the eldest daughter in the family, I was always in-charge. I loved the concept of teamwork and learned its true beauty through the trainings I took part in. My skills were not overlooked as I was chosen to lead a number of organizations or clubs. Whenever I was given the chance to lead, I always see to it that I give out my best and leave a significant legacy. There were times when I get discouraged because it seemed that my efforts were not enough but I stopped at nothing to encourage everyone to cooperate, function, and help in achieving our goals as a team. For I believe that there can never be a weakest link- only weak governance. I serve for the purpose of letting my co-students feel their importance and act for more productive causes.

Yes, I was not raised up in poverty but this did not hinder me from connecting and helping those in need. I believe that one need not be poor to understand how it is to be one. Whenever I had the chance, I see to it that I do my part in helping them gain more confidence and develop a sense of perseverance in order to succeed. It is not at all about the money or food that we provide them but it’s how one could inspire them to seek for a brighter future most especially the young ones. This I have learned through serving the CFC-Youth for Christ community and as a Gawad Kalinga youth volunteer ever since first year. Through the family I have found in the YFC, I learned to appreciate God’s creations more and together with my fellow youth, serve as ambassadors of Christ. Through its activities, I can proudly say that I have used my skills to the fullest, offering them for the good of everyone and for the Lord. Recently, I was installed as the head of our community’s news bureau and am often hosting YFC activities throughout the region.

Throughout my 16 years of existence I could very well say that I have lived a promising life. But still, growing up with people who got used to my maximum abilities wasn’t easy. There were times when I got fed up of the constant reminders that my parents would give me most especially when I can’t meet their expectations. I would just stop and lie down, asking myself why I can’t be just like any other normal teenager- enjoying and learning from life without any of the pressures and disappointments. I wanted to give up.

But every now and then, there’s a voice within me that kept saying, “Why waste the abilities that God has given you? Why strive to be ordinary and walk with the rest when in fact, He gave you these gifts to nurture and develop? You were chosen and blessed by the Father. You are unique. These people are just His instruments to guide you and lead you to the best path that He has reserved for you. Thus, it is your responsibility to stand up and show how God manifested His love through you. Never ever give up.”

Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.

Thus I say, everyday of my life is an unseen battle, a field of confusion, a mirror of tragedy and a struggle for identity. How I get through it is the challenge. How I survive is my victory. I am geared with the finest armor and weaponry anyone could ever have- Faith. My whole life and personality is molded by God’s love and His plans for me. He has made me a concrete and vivid image of imperfection. A normal yet exquisite teenager. I am unique and simply brilliant!