The Peak (Howler sent, part 3)

In exactly four weeks, a new chapter will unfold.

The last 19 months was like a rollercoaster ride for me. Unexpected loops, unintentional twists and unparalleled pace were the unforgettable highlights of this so-called “joyride”. I don’t have any regrets, I achieved what I needed to achieve in my opinion; I learned a lot and unlearned a few more.

I know that the difficult part of this endeavor is not merely the “goodbye” part, but the process of facing new challenges ahead without the family that I’ve been used to. Yes, new birth pains are lurking to strike me. But with the experiences and knowledge that I’ve gained, I’m pretty sure I will be able to handle these tests in the nearest future.

Yes, I have resigned. I will be leaving my company in a span of four weeks starting today. I have to. I need to. I want to.

The dream is still alive, that’s my promise…

Two steps backward...

Maybe this time, I'll be lucky...

I know that fate has its own course, and somehow, sometime, it will lead us to that point of no return: success. But is there such a thing as being at the right place at the wrong time when it comes to this life phenomenon?

Just a few days back, I've been rejoicing like there's no tomorrow. That gleeful feeling of triumph over winning the Quidditch Cup is so similar to what I've been experiencing inside. I knew then that I'll be waking up from a terrible nightmare in just a few days...

The dream. That dream. It's so close, yet—just a couple of hours ago—it's so far once again. To be honest, I'm still hoping for the best. God will provide what's best for me. No buts, no ifs, even if I want to. All I know now is that I'm very, very down emotionally but my spirit is still soaring like the Golden Snitch.

Fate is indeed full of surprises, a collective experience of downfalls and joys. Maybe I'm just at the wrong place at the right time? Honestly, I'm convinced that I am.

Not a loser anymore, like the last time, and the time before...

The Verdict (Howler sent...)

Don't stop believing...

At last, after weeks of contemplation, anxiety and excitement, the Howler has been sent. Though there's still a few needed tweaks, at least it's already been given to the Ministress of [Dark] Magic (duh?).

Who would've thought that I would be an Auror this quick?! This is indeed a dream come true. And for that, I thank everyone who prayed for me. Finally, the path is clear: nothing's been wasted; I'm illuminated with the brightest future so far; and of course, the dreaded final step paid off.

Honestly, I can't wait for that very day. I want to start fresh. I want to embrace bliss. I want to own the dream.

Oh, I just did...

Don't stop believing...

Two steps forward...

Finally, I'm seeing a bright light. And no, I'm not afraid of it; I'm enthralled with its promise of reasonable challenges and never-ending bliss.

Three hard-hitting questions, three honest answers:

I was asked, would you sacrifice galleons with career? I said YES. We all need to sacrifice at one point or another in our lives and with this bold move, I know I'm sacrificing yet again, but I'm sure it will all be worth it.

I was asked, how would you handle difficult and uncooperative Muggles? For the former I said, we can always come up with a win-win solution by meeting halfway; for the latter, good communication in the first place is always the greatest framework for a team effort. I strongly believe that everything can be achieved successfully with proper communication.

I was asked, are you ready to face this new world as an Auror? I said YES. I have been dreaming of this since I was in college, and I know I'm now ready to succeed in this field.

By next week, I will take the NEWTs. I hope the Lord will still be in favor of me.

The bright light is closer: I'm still not afraid, I'm still enthralled with its promise. This is my two steps forward...

Conquering the dream...

It's been two years, did I waste my chances?

Gone are the days where I can just simply sit comfortably in a corner and watch the clouds fade in and out of sight. If I am to assess myself based on where I am right now, I'd say I'm stuck; on where I've been to, I'd say it wasn't enough; and on where I plan to be 5–10 years from now, I'd say living my dream. Funny, yes, but I still dream the same dream for years. The downside was, it felt like it's been slipping away from my supposed and pretentious tight grip... and just today, I fought back—I tried to hold that string of hope once more.

My usual morning sickness-cum-routine welcomed my day, but there's something different about it: I had smirk on my lips and fire in my eyes. You ask why? For this is the day I've been dreading for years! As what they say, put your eyes on the prize; but today for me it was put your effin' 112% for this chance of reaching the dream.

Smoke, sweat, noise, travel time and heavy traffic didn't hinder me and my vested-ensemble-of-a-sharp-look to conquer Pasig City. My dream lies there, my dream is there...

And now as I start to count the days and contemplate whether my ala-beauty pageant answer was enough, I'll stay positive. No, I won't sit comfortably in a corner just to watch clouds fade in and out once more but I'll happily and wholeheartedly thank the Lord for this opportunity and ask His humble guidance.

So did I waste another chance? I don't think so.