One year ago today, I was that kid pretending to be silent sitting in one of the vacant chairs in this Corporate Communication room/ office. We were only three in the team that time and I was still grasping things about the organization and its people in general.

One year ago today, I am wearing the same Vans shoes that I remember looking at for too long because I was thinking of how in the earth did I write three articles in five hours. I was in complete awe of my capabilities then.

One year ago today, they told me that I am going to Iloilo for a week-long medical mission.

One year ago today, I have learned that there is so much more to learn in giving service to the humanity. That my years of constant service to the community being the President of different academic organizations; the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of our barangay; and the Auxiliary Lady Chancellor of my sorority was a training ground for me not to be maarte in a lot of things.

And one year ago today, I officially had my first job that opened my eyes to what a service-oriented woman should be.

After one year, I finally let go of my brat, cynical, and maldita sides.

After a year, I have learned how to let go of things that [I have realized] don’t have any vital role in my life. I developed self-control; and I encouraged myself to be extra patient and understanding before dealing with inconsequential events.

I realized in my one year in OB that I need to treasure relationships and treat everybody as if they are members of my family because I do not know the battles they are dealing with.

That there is more to writing stories than doing it for the sake of meeting the quota. Because writing for OB means inspiring change for the people to know that there exists a foundation that unselfishly extend their help to care for the needy.

I love my [first] work and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Because this day last year, I finally found a part of myself that is worth living.