Fighting for Reasons

Uno: The Decision

AZIYYA

Just like other students, the happiness and excitement is naturally feel once you graduated from high school. After a long run, we will get out of our comfort zone and face the reality. High school life is far different from college because college is serious that will determine your career in the future. And soon I will take that path.

"Congrats to my dearest smartest friend ever. You graduated as our batch valedictorian, Yiiee... May party ba?" Pahiway na Sabi ni Lizel. Animong kinikilig pa.

"A simple party I think." I shrugged. Not sure because it was prepared by her mother.

"We are so proud of you that you defended your ranked until last. Yiiieee. Iba rin talaga ang matalino" it was Angel grinning from ear to ear.

"Duh! As if Naman may lalamang sa batch natin sa talino nito." Rina proudly said. And agreed by everyone.

Having a friend like them is another achievement. Minsan lang ang tunay na mga kaibigan na magiging masaya sayo tungkol sa mga achievements mo sa buhay. Yung Hindi ka hihilahin pababa ngunit magsisilbing kaagapay mo rin sa tagumpay. Maintaining my grades is indeed stressful. Buti na lang nanjan sila para gumaan ang pakiramdam ko once I feel pressured.

Being smart is not easy. People look up on you. Yung tipong akala nila lahat kaya mong gawin. But once you got one mistake, all those perfect things you've made will be useless. And that's the stressful part.

"Sana kapag college same university pa rin tayo."

"Pareho Naman Tayo ng university na papasukan Diba? We even planned to take entrance exam next month to our desired university. 'wag niyong sabihin na magba-back-out kayo?”

"Of course not!"

"Same. I will pursue it"

"Me too. I'm in."

Pareho-pareho naming idinaos ang simpleng selebrasyon kasama na aming mga pamilya. Next Saturday will be our bond with my friend sa isang resort nila.

"What are your plans this coming school year, hija? I'm sure you decided about the course you will take, right?” it was my grandfather. He took a glance to my father for a seconds.

"Yes, lolo. I'm actually planning to take edu-"

"She will take political science in preparation of Law" my father said with finality before I could finish my sentence. I started to feel nervous and my hands are bit trembling. I looked at my mother who just bow her head simply eating. While my siblings are so quite.

"B-but... Education is my desired course po, dad" my voice is low and seems cracked stopping me tears to come. " I already told you and mom about it last year po Diba?" I swallowed hard afraid of what they will say.

"Education is not the right thing for you. Sayang ang talino mo Kung magiging guro ka lang. Handling students is stressful Aziyya. You must use your brain in more appropriate thing. And Law is suitable for you just like your siblings"

"But dad-"

"That's final, Aziyya. Take it or leave it. Kami Naman ang magpapa-aral sayo"

My tears flow. I wiped it immediately and trying to stay calm. I looked at everyone and asking for them to say something that will favor me. But it seems like, they already talked about this without my knowledge.

"But isn't it about the happiness and fulfillment that I will feel in choosing my own course? Yes, indeed kayo po ang magpapa-aral sa akin and I'm grateful for that. But it will be my body and brain who will work hard for it, dad. Hindi po ba mas mabuting kunin ko Yung kursong gustong-gusto ko? I promise, I won't disappoint you, dad. I will do everything to make you proud. I will-"