YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, BUT IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, ONCE IS ENOUGH. We all met this familiar quotation for sure, but it's hard to tell if we truly got the message until we ourselves know what 'living right' is really like.

There is a particular stage in our life where our perspective about everything changes. It comes at different age, but I think it hit me at 19. 

At the age of 11, I had to study away from my family. At that age I felt how hard and heavy it is to make big decisions. I really don't want to go but that was a school offering everything for free, and we really don't have money so I felt like I have no choice. I landed on top of our class in grade school making it easy for me to avail to that exclusive scholarship. Everything is free but no gadgets, no communication to parents and we cannot go outside the campus. I lived like that for almost five(5) years. I can't imagine how I my younger self actually made through that situation, but I graduated. 

And yes, I still want to pursue higher studies so I went to college, taking up engineering. In my first attempt in looking for scholarship for college, I was humiliated and accused of something I did not do and will never do. That really left a scar in me but I forgive myself for not being able to stood up that time. I was just 16, pursuing studies, and trying to live independently. I did not even took vacation after our middle school graduation, and I still remember how painful it felt during those times that I miss my parents. But all I know is that I'm really trying to live right and stick to my values of patience, humility and perseverance.

I looked for another school, but since I can't afford sending myself I tried doing online stuffs that will help me earn. Life's really tough and it seems like it's becoming a lot harder for me. I tried investing, but the last time I did, it did not work leaving me at -1600$ now. But I forgive myself again this time. I learned a lot, and I took that win instead. Back then I was 19. 

And now I'm 20, still wasn't able to get up from a fight but here I am nursing my sister and cousin whom I live with these times. They were confirmed positive with COVID-19 and there are still no local health government assisting us in our area. It's literallye who's nursing them, I accept the risk because what can I do? I'm trying my best because I know that this too shall pass. 

When at a young age I tried really hard to live right, the more I have to try this time that I'm a bit older. I can speak in front of big crowds, and they say I can relay information and inspiration when I speak, maybe that's what they call talent. But in the long run if inspiring other people becomes my purpose in life, I'd love to ripen my stories more. 

In five years, I may become an engineer, an entrepreneur or an inspirational speaker, either way I want it and I'll do it. There's nothing more worth living than a purpose-driven life.