annteagravity-blog

[annteagravity-blog]

I am always fascinated by how the world looks atop a building. Idk why, really.

[annteagravity-blog]

Okay, I just revived my tumblr - feels new again and all. Brings back a lot of memories from the old dorm in CHSM.

Anyhow, here’s a recent shot from the 5th floor of LPU - Manila.

[annteagravity-blog]

Service, Foreign Service: why did I choose this course?

The year was 2016. I just finished my midterm plate for our Architectural Design subject. After weeks of relentlessly consulting with my professor, the project was finally ready. I picked up my technical pen, rulers, and scale from the drafting table and stashed them in my blue backpack. How heavy it was! I started to walk towards our classroom, and I pictured myself years in the future, a full-fledged architect, polishing my design concept for a bungalow home. As I thought of that, I smiled, but my smile didn’t reach my eyes.

Because I know it was a future that my heart wasn’t truly yearning for.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed studying Architecture. There are times that I miss buying rolls of tracing paper, sharpening my drawing pencils, and asking my friends if they are already done with their floor plan. But I already made my decision. And that is to take up Foreign Service.

Foreign Service. In a way, it sounds so noble. And isn’t that what I want? What I know is, I am truly interested in this course, and the thought of studying world history and politics, international relations, and foreign languages made my heart soar. The funny thing is, high-school me would’ve hidden in a corner in an instant if I was asked to debate or to deliver a speech. I am glad to have overcome that, because there is so much that I would be missing on if I didn’t let myself step out of my comfort zone.

I am on my third year of studying Foreign Service now. Through the years, I realize more and more things. Usually, those realizations pop up in my mind as I am about to sleep, which is maybe why there are many times I barely have enough sleep. So what are those realizations and how have they affected my mindset?

First realization: my interest in the subjects should not be the only thing that drives me forward in this course.

Well yes, it is what made me take up this course initially. But I found something else to drive me forward, and that is service. I know it sounds so noble, but service does not necessarily mean making one big action at once. It may also mean improving your actions and molding yourself to become a better individual so that in the long run, you will be able to help improve the lives of others, even in not-so-big ways.

Another realization: I love to read and to write, and that is a good thing, because in this course there are many readings to read and essays to write.

Ever since I was a kid, I have already loved reading. The Encyclopedia, my textbooks in school, magazines, articles in Encarta—you name it. I realized that my passion for reading and writing has little space in Architecture, and more place and significance in Foreign Service. Which means, reading and writing will not just be my passion, but they will also be tools which I can use to raise awareness regarding social issues and to sharpen my critical thinking skills.

Third realization: I am determined to contribute to the Philippine Foreign Service. May it be as a diplomat, or as a researcher, or as a Filipino who has her heart set on helping her fellow Filipinos in other countries.

I am still in my third year of studies. But armed with passion and wisdom that I gain as the years go on, I will relentlessly pursue this path of service—foreign service, that is.