In Control.

I just got off the phone with Abby after a nice catch up talk and we discussed the future once again.

I told her I finally decided what I’m going to do.

I’m moving to the Philippines after college.

I know, I know. First I said New York, then I said Santa Monica. But this is final. Why? It’s honestly the most practical path.

Ever since Senior Year, my parents have been seriously planning on retiring to the Philippines. I actually went to the Philippines with my Mom in November 2010 to apply and submit my app to Ateneo de Manila. Ultimately, I chose SDSU because I wanted to stay. That is probably the best decision I have made in my life so far. 

At this point, I don’t see anything wrong with moving to the Philippines. Knowing the highly competitive state for jobs in such high profile places such as Santa Monica, I feel the need to have proper, legitimate experience. I feel like I’m capable of getting a job and gaining the experience in the Philippines which I need to make it big back here in America. Janine and I were talking about these fobulous dreams at Disneyland. Getting a job and working for ABS-CBN has always been a hidden dream of mine; why not make it happen?

Once I do gain enough experience and/or get bored of the Philippines, I’ll move back. I’ll probably move to Santa Monica this time because that’s another dream I want to make reality.

Also if given the opportunity to be able to live comfortably after college, I will take it. I want stability. Strike that, I need stability - just like everyone else. I don’t want to struggle to the point where I’m worrying about expenses, food and a home. God knows I need the help to really land on my feet after college and my parents are more than willing to do so! As long as my path is at least parallel to theirs. My parents aren’t going to blow all their expenses on me moving to Santa Monica or New York because of the high cost of living. At least in the Philippines, I know I’ll have all of that. I’m excited to go condo shopping when the time comes. I’m glad that I’ll still be accessible to my parents and still be able to live independently. 

I don’t think I’m crazy for planning four years ahead. I’m relieved I actually have a solid plan and I know what I’m going to do with my life. I’m just feeling bittersweet about it. I’m going to miss the love and support of my friends. Thinking about it, the UJE is inevitably going to go their separate ways. We’re all going to have to move on. That’s the truth of the matter. However, I know for a fact the bond we’ve created will stand the test of time. I can imagine all of us now discussing what we’ve been up to after college, getting married and even having children (I’m the ninong of the first “UJE” baby!) still being as close as we are. Things are bound to change but not the solid friendships we’ve created.

I have high hopes for SDSU now! I was starting to look at college the way I looked at high school during my freshman and sophomore years. I just thought of it as a “job”; do what you need to do and get out. Janine helped me realize that these four years may possibly be the best years of my life; I just have to make it happen. I have a genuine interest in getting involved at State and I think I know what organization I want to join and involve myself in. I won’t let my “Most Involved” title go to waste.

Four years may seem like a long time but I remember thinking the exact same thing during my first day of high school and then graduation happened. I need to be prepared and I am.

My time is now to make things fall into place. 

I am in control of my destiny; no one else is.