XII - Lopez Jaena

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“To dream is to live, to pursue is to keep on living.”

That is a notable qoute that I have read from a story written by a renowned author named Jonaxx. As I reflected upon those 12 words, I realized its true depth and underlying meaning.

I am Cassandra Gamposilao, the mayor from Class Lopez Jaena, and allow me to share our class prophecy.

Inside the four corners of our classroom resides 21 remarkable students under the advisory of Ms. Princess Ann Zafra. If I were to describe our relationship as classmates, most definitely it would be the word chaotic. Screams and unreasonable arguments, hysterical laughs and and humorous jokes. But, if I were to describe our bond as classmates, most definitely it would be the word, “one of a kind”. Shared tears and dreams, very much open — to each other, we were fragile. If I were to be asked, “why fragile?”, I would say, “because I have seen them in their lowest state, I have heard them muffle their painful cries.”

I saw them dream. I heard them talk about the things that they have been wanting to do after graduation. I heard them talk about various courses of paths they dream to walk on. And painstakingly, I have also heard them share heavy stories of why they cannot pursue it.

I remember weeks prior the graduation day, we would ugly cry almost every 10 in the evening, heart aching at the realization that high school really is ending, and the pressure about the future is intensifying. We were flooded with questions. We were filled with fears and doubts. What should I take? Where should I go? Who will I become? — It was a relentless overthinking of who we are going to be.

Some wanted to become a doctor. Some wanted to become a teacher. Some wanted to become an accountant. Some wanted to become a chef.

It was all about dreams — our dreams. And amidst all the chaos of thinking about it, it dawned me that it is indeed our dreams that drove us to keep on living — which takes me back to the qoute — that takes me back to the past as I am currently living the future.

The girlies who always had their eyes on accountancy, Irish, Nizsay, Yana, and me became certified public accountants. Kristine and Ariez, the cookery students, became successful chefs, and Euka became a bartender on a cruise ship. While David, pursued maritime, Aaliyah and Sky, paved their way as a superstar in basketball. Keni and Nathalie became registered psychometricians and psychologists. Charlene, on the other hand, became a registered nurse. Aby and Raymond became successful entrepreneurs, while Lala and Carl immersed themselves in the field of banking and finance. As for the ICT enthusiasts, Kharl and Ever became a programmer, and Glenn and Jecel became a computer engineer.

Despite all the odds that went our way before, the dreams we talked about were pursued — we continued living.

“To dream is to live, to pursue is to keep on living.” Perhaps it doesn’t have to be the exact dream that we have been wanting, perhaps it is not our dream, but the dream itself — the action of hoping for something you want to accomplish — that is to live. Notwithstanding the uncertainties, the obstacles, and the adversities, they kept living. And pursuing those aspirations with utmost hope, Lopez Jaena was able to forge a path towards success.

Glitz & Glam