In our twenties

In our twenties: opportunities and challenges will always be present

In our twenties: opportunities and challenges will always be present

What do people have to do when they felt lost? Should we ask other people for direction or should we just make our own path until we're finally free? Which way is better?

"Gumising na kayo, ano ba mag-aalasdyes na!" pambubulabog ng nanay ko. Nang tiningnan ko ang orasan ay, alas otso pa lamang ng umaga.

Seems like she has her own version of the clock. Hayss...

I pulled myself out of the bed, feeling tired and drained already. I know I just woke up, and I should have more energy. But if you're just living in a monotonous routine every day, you would really wish not to wake up again since you know for a fact that you'll just be wasting another time of your life.

Just like my daily routine, I eat then start doing my household chores and then do f*******: all day. Nothing really special. This pandemic made me realize a lot of things but seems like my body and spirit don't wanna function well.

Heaving a sigh, I closed my eyes and start thinking about how to earn money. Writing stories can't make me earn more money actually, and I think of giving up on this passion already, but when I think of those readers who are patiently waiting for my update, I regain my hopes again. But I really don't know how to help myself now.

I just keep on thinking to cheer myself during this situation, but it's really easier to be said than done.

But no matter how bad our situation in life is, God will really provide something for every one of us. And as if it's fated, a neighbor of mine asked if I'm willing to apply as an ESL tutor.

I got so excited. My adrenaline suddenly rise and said yes to the offer. I immediately grab it since an opportunity like this will not knock twice.

With my blue polo blouse and black hipster jeans, I went to the office that my neighbor was talking about. I passed my resume and took an exam. Fate was so kind to me at that time and I passed the exam. I was told to come back the next day, which I did.

With my shaking and cold hand, I typed my name quickly in the chatbox. I am having my system Check now and an admin from the ESL company I am applying is conducting some online interviews with me.

I can understand and speak English, but when it comes to fluency, f**k, I suck at that! Honestly!

But I tried to hide my nervousness. Hell, I need to pretend that I'm okay! I need to get this job no matter what!

"So, Princess. Is that your working place?" the admin asked.

I smiled genuinely and nodded my head. "Yes, sir."

"So there's no problem with your camera and headset, but may I know your Internet speed? Is it wired? What's the name of your provider?"

I felt like I was splashed with cold water right in front of my face. What the hell? I mean, I don't know if this wired and I don't f*****g know the speed of this Internet. Oh, heaven. I just wanna melt now.

I gulped. "Honestly, sir. I don't know the Internet speed and our provider since I am here in the office," I said honestly.

I don't know what to say, actually, so that leads me to no choice but to admin my negligence to know about these simple things.

"Oh, so you mean you'll be working as an office-based teacher? And you're currently in the office?"

"Definitely, sir."

"Oh, I understand. Since you're in the office so your equipment and your Internet are already guaranteed. So thank you for conducting the system Check, Princess. And congratulations for passing this stage!"

"Really? Thank you so much!" I couldn't really hide my happiness. I am grinning like an idiot when I went out of the cubicle.

"I passed the system Check!" I happily announced to the manager who's waiting for me outside.

He smiled and congratulated me.

"So, the next process to that, Princess, is that you need to prepare for your demo," the manager said.

What? Demo? I thought the process will be just that, so there's a demo?! Oh, f**k! I'm dead!

He barks into laughter. "Of course, there's a demo. But don't worry, that will be just a piece of cake. Just come back here once you're ready."

I went home after that and I joyfully announced my success to my parents. Anytime soon I'll be bringing the bacon, I just need to prepare and ace my demonstration.

A couple of days, I went back to the office. For two hours, I waited, but no admin came to the classroom. In the afternoon session, I went back to the office again to wait for an admin to came into my class, but the admin is still to no avail.

Disappointed, I went home but I came back to the office again to try. The rule for demonstration is that I have to wait for the admin to come into the virtual classroom and conduct my demo. However, it's been 3 days now but there's still no admin. I was thinking of giving up already.

One afternoon, it was heavily raining and I don't have any plans on going back to the office again thinking that the admin will not enter my class again. I'd be just wasting time. But my poor father was willing to send me to the office despite the heavy rain. So, pulled me up. Gathered my shattered hopes again, and rode our private pedicab.

I heaved a sigh. The heaven must be so angry that it's releasing many claps of thunder and lightning.

I let my right hand get wet by raindrops. It was so cold, yet relaxing. I wanna go out of this pedicab and just dance under the rain, but I have a demo to attend so I refrain myself.

I arrived at the building, almost soaking wet.

An awkward smiled flashed on my lips when Jessa, a staff, scanned me.

"You're so wet!" she exclaimed.

I shrugged my shoulder. "It's downpour outside," I explained.

"I thought you're not coming back anymore," she said.

I chuckle. "A heavy rain cannot stop a perseverant and dedicated unemployed person. I need to get this done!" I confidently said.

Like, wow, where the hell did I get that confidence? I was thinking of giving up earlier, but now gaining some confidence? Are you a joke, Princess? Tsk.

"Ganbatte!"

"Huh?"

"It means good luck," Jessa said, so I just smiled sweetly after that.

After a couple of hours, I went home with nothing. Yep, no admin again. But I plan on coming back to that office again for the last time, and if I'll still go home with nothing, then I'll just stop and give up. Because in life, there are things that we needed to give up, especially if it's not making sense anymore.

Wednesday, 10:55 AM, I could not forget that time. I plan on logging out of my account when an admin came into my classroom. I curse innerly because I was watching a movie when the bell rang. Like holy s**t?! Why does it need to be like this?

"Hello, teacher. Are you ready for your demo?"

Wait... he's the same admin I had on my system Check!

I don't know if I should be happy or not, but I chose to be happy just to calm my nerves. I blew a loud breath and told him I'm going to start. The demo took 4 minutes only. He gave me his critique. I couldn't smile properly and I wanted to cry upon hearing his words.

I just got hired! I passed the demonstration! I'm no longer unemployed!

Happiness envelopes my heart and I constantly said thank you to the admin for letting me passed the demo.

Life may be so risky in our twenties, but we'll never know the result unless we try. And I didn't regret taking risks this time. 

To be continued...