"Sky is the Limit"

When I think of the lesson Land is Life the first thing that comes to mind is my dad. He grew up in a small province called the Bikol. His entire family is still there today. While growing up my dad would tell me stories of how he would walk to school bare foot in the rain or if he was lucky he could ride the carabao. At the time, I was only in elementary school and I didn't believe what he was saying. I thought it was a story he would tell me just so I would stop complaining about going to school. Now that I am older I know those stories are a reality and are very much true. The only memory I have of my dad's side is a picture of me with my grandparents. It makes me kind of mad knowing I can't remember anything from the last time I was in the Philippines, but then again the last time I was there I was only eight. I can't imagine how hard it must be for my dad to have his entire family in the Philippines. I told my dad that I want to go to the Philippines and stay with my grandparents. He said sure why not, but I told him I want to go to the Philippines and experience it my way. When I say my way I mean by actually doing everything he had to do when he was growing up there. My dad straight up laughed in my face saying he doesn't think I could do it. And then I told him that's why I want to do. I appreciate the things I have in my life, but I believe by experiencing this I will have an even deeper appreciation and an expanded perspective to life in the Philippines.

I don't want luxury when I go to the Philippines, I want the reality. This past October my best friend went to the Philippines for the very first time. The interesting thing about my friend is that he is not Pilipino, he's Australian. Brown hair, blue eyes, white skin; someone that definitely stood out. When he came back and told me about his trip I got annoyed and irritated with him. He would tell me about all the things he did, all the stuff he bought, how cheap everything was, and how small the Wowowee studio really is. I was so annoyed I didn't let him finish the conversation and walked out on him. After realizing what I just did I didn't know why I was so upset. But then it hit me, I was upset because he played the typical "White Tourist". He came into the Philippines and observed what he thought was the usual lifestyle. Everyone was nice to him and was willing to help him with anything he needed. After a week in the Philippines he acted as if he knew everything. I told him how I felt and why I was upset. The first thing that came out of his mouth was "I didn't know". Then it hit me that a lot of people don't know. With what I learned during this lesson I knew I didn't want to take the knowledge I have for granted. I want to take what I know and make a difference whether it be big or small.

One thing about the lesson I found to be very influential is the statement that JR had made. Towards the end of the discussion he had asked an open ended question, "If the Philippines is so rich in resources, then why are the people poor?". I believe this is a very good point because it caused me to re-think what I knew about life in the Philippines. And it also pushed me to ask myself what more can I do and what will I do with that knowledge. I truly believe knowledge is power because it has the ability to make changes.

This week's journal isn't that creative, but my writing was actually inspired by the song that is on repeat on my playlist right now. "Sky is the Limit" - Notorious B.I.G ft 112. I honestly believe that even in the worst situations you can overcome the struggle. One must never give up and try their hardest; just as the lyrics state, "you can only move if your heart is in it".

The One and Only,
Kristina Nagales