Ramblings from My Soul

In his hand, he is clutching an empty pack of Marlboro red. He didn't expect to find it in his car's compartment. He opens his hand and stare at the pack. And a floodgate of memories open. They met in school last semester. She always came in late. The teacher would always find a way to make a joke of her coming in late. He would laugh together with the rest of the class. That was how it went until the end of the sem. But as the days were numbered, he started missing her on days she was absent. Once, when he noticed that she was worried about possibly failing in class, he texted her through a number she gave him through a casual conversation after class. This led to friendship. As the days went on, she wanted more. But he was hesitant. And it remained like that for a couple of weeks. Sembreak came. They continued communicating. And then they went out. After a few drinks, they decided to go out of the bar and stay in the car. She lit a cigarette and offered him one. T...

Today, I blow an imaginary candle on a make-believe anniversary cake. It was exactly a year ago that I bade goodbye to the corporate setting and ventured full-time into the world of the academe. It was a big step for me. One that was borne out of several years, not months, of discerning. It was not an easy decision to make.   Although it was clear as midday sun to me that I had a passion for teaching, what I found hazy was what was to become of me and my plans in life as soon as I take a different route.  When I was still in the industry, I had my plans laid out per year. I was calculating about how much I needed to earn and save for my life projects. I have plotted the target years that I was to own a house, a new car, and everything else. You see, I have always mostly been like that --- calculating and forward-looking. I felt safe and content that everything was going according to my plans. But as ironic as it may sound, behind that contentment and feeling of sa...