Hello! My name is Rowel. It all started with my mom and my dad on September 03, 2004. I was born. It was a day of celebration, not just for my parents but for our whole extended family. I arrived kicking and screaming, apparently quite eager to join the world. When I was a kid, they called me “Owel.” It’s a nickname that only my closest family members use now, and hearing it always brings a wave of nostalgia.
I was stubborn when I was a kid, a trait that often tested my parents’ patience, but it was also a sign of my determination, something that has served me well in life.
When I was in Grade 1, something unexpected happened. My best friend, Nonoy, and I decided to go to the river. The river was a place of endless adventure for us, a shimmering ribbon of water that snaked through the fields near our homes. We decided to ride the karabaw, the water buffalo, that was often grazing near the riverbank. Now, these weren’t our karabaws, but we figured a quick ride wouldn’t hurt. We clambered onto its broad back, giggling with excitement.
The karabaw, however, was not amused. It lurched forward, startled by our sudden presence, and started galloping towards the thicket of trees along the river. We clung on for dear life, screaming with a mixture of terror and delight. The karabaw almost hit us after we rode it, narrowly missing a large acacia tree. We finally managed to jump off, shaken but unharmed. Looking back, it was incredibly reckless, but it was one of the best memories of my childhood, a testament to our youthful daring and the unbreakable bond of friendship. We never told our parents about it, of course, knowing we’d be in serious trouble. It remains our little secret.
When I was a kid, when I was seven years old, my dream was to become a police officer someday. I remember watching police dramas on TV, captivated by the idea of protecting and serving the community. My uncle, Tito Ben, is also a policeman, so he is my role model. He would visit us in his crisp uniform, his badge gleaming in the sunlight, and I would listen, wide-eyed, to his stories of solving crimes and helping people. He instilled in me a sense of justice and a desire to make a difference.
Back then, we would play baril-barilan in Tagalog, which means “playing with toy guns.†We would fashion makeshift guns out of bamboo sticks and stage elaborate shootouts in the backyard. We were playing, and then my friend, Emil, almost got hit in the eye. I accidentally fired a small pebble from my bamboo gun, and it whizzed past his face, narrowly missing his eye. His father got angry at us, and he chased us, yelling at us for being so careless. We scattered in all directions, our hearts pounding in our chests. That incident taught me a valuable lesson about responsibility and the importance of being careful, even when playing.
My childhood here in Cauayan is very wonderful. I grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of a close-knit community. Because I remember waking up with the sound of chickens crowing in the distance, a sound that always signaled the start of a new day. The air was filled with the aroma of tinoyo and sinigang, two of my favorite Filipino dishes, simmering on the stove. My grandmother was an amazing cook, and her tinoyo was legendary. I remember sitting at the wooden table, watching her prepare the dish with practiced ease, her hands moving swiftly and surely.
And I remember looking at books. My parents, despite not having much, always emphasized the importance of education. Our small house was filled with books, ranging from colorful children’s stories to tattered encyclopedias. I am grateful for every moment and lesson, because it is a nice memory. Those simple moments shaped me in profound ways, instilling in me a love of learning, a deep appreciation for my culture, and a strong sense of family.
When we get old, way back when I was in elementary school, elementary school was more than just a place of learning. It was a microcosm, a world, a training at an early age. It was where I first encountered the wider world, beyond the confines of my family and neighborhood. I learned how to write and count and started to dream and believe in myself as a young bird looking at books, eager to take flight.
I remember the thrill of receiving my first gold star on a test, the pride of representing my class in a spelling bee, the joy of performing in the school play. These experiences, both big and small, helped me to grow in confidence and develop a sense of self. I am filled with nostalgia for those simpler times when the greatest worry was a pop quiz, and the greatest joy was winning a patintero game.
Patintero, a traditional Filipino street game, was a source of endless fun and excitement. We would spend hours running and dodging, our laughter echoing through the streets. My elementary school years may be long gone, but the lessons I learned and the friendships I forged remain etched in my heart, guiding me on my journey through that early age. I still remember the names and faces of my classmates, the kind words of my teachers, and the feeling of belonging that permeated every corner of that humble school.
When I was in high school, I studied at San Antonio National High School. Stepping into SANHS felt like entering hell, and at the same time, heaven. It was a period of intense growth and self-discovery, filled with challenges and triumphs, heartbreak and joy.
It was happy because when I was in high school, I had a crush. She was in Grade 9, and I was in Grade 7 at that time. I remember seeing her for the first time in the school canteen, her long hair cascading down her back, her eyes sparkling with laughter. I was instantly smitten. It’s normal to have a crush in your high school life.
Looking back, my high school crush was a formative experience. It taught me about the perpetuation of course, the intensity of adolescent emotions, and the bittersweet pain of unrequited love. My friend knew about my crush, and he kept mentioning it and I’m kind of shy at that time. He would tease me relentlessly, calling me her “secret admirer†and urging me to confess my feelings. I was too afraid, paralyzed by the fear of rejection.
And I found out my crush has already a partner, and I got hurt. It’s not the first time to get hurt, but it still stung. The realization that she was already in a relationship was a crushing blow. My friend tried to comfort me, but it won’t change my mood because I’m hurt. He would offer words of encouragement, but nothing could ease the ache in my heart. I learned that heartbreak is an inevitable part of life, and that it’s okay to grieve and feel sad.
High school was not worth it without struggles. There were moments of self-doubt, anxiety, and even rebellion. I struggled with academic pressure, social expectations, and the ever-present question of what I wanted to do with my life. But I also learned to embrace my individuality, to stand up for what I believed in, and to seek support from my friends. I discovered my passion for writing, my talent for public speaking, and my ability to lead and inspire others.
Looking back, I am grateful for the highs and lows, the triumphs and failures, and the lessons learned during my high school years. It was a transformative period that shaped my character and broadened my life before entering my college journey.
I faced a struggle in choosing my course. During my high school years, I am determined to take a Criminology course because it is what my heart desires to work someday at a police station, following in the footsteps of my Tito Ben. I had dreams of wearing the uniform, patrolling the streets, and making a real difference in my community.
But when my brother heard my decision, he advised me to take a BSIT course instead, despite knowing that it is what I want. He argued that BSIT was a more practical and versatile degree, offering better career prospects in the long run. “…flexible course, I won’t have a hard time doing activities under the sun.” He said that I can still achieve my dream job with this degree of mine.
He pointed out that the demand for IT professionals was growing rapidly, and that a BSIT degree would open doors to a wide range of opportunities. He also emphasized that I could still pursue my interest in law enforcement by specializing in cybersecurity or digital forensics. So, I followed his advice.
I was hesitant at first in this course because I already imagined myself taking the Criminology course, performing activities during activities and sunny weather, wearing their neat uniform. The thought of abandoning my dream of becoming a police officer was disheartening.
I believe that my brother only wanted the best for me. He saw my potential and wanted to guide me towards a path that would lead to a secure and fulfilling future. As years went by, I slowly learned how to adjust things here, especially to the new environment and the challenges I faced during my freshman year up to junior level.
I immersed myself in my studies, learning about programming, networking, and database management. I discovered a hidden talent for coding and began to appreciate the power of technology to solve complex problems.
Now that I am in my senior year, I learned a lot of people who helped me to become who I am. I have met amazing professors who have inspired me to push my limits, and I have made lifelong friends who have supported me through thick and thin. Those experiences and the friendship that I encountered helped me become a more determined person who is willing to face the challenges in real battle in life.
I know that my journey in college was not easy, but I believe that I have a faith to myself and become more determined. I can surely finish my degree and take the job that I always dream of and achieve the LPE I wanted.
As I approach graduation, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the IT industry, and I am eager to use my abilities to make a positive impact on the world.
While my path may have diverged from my initial dream of becoming a police officer, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that have shaped me along the way. And who knows, maybe someday I will find a way to combine my passion for technology with my desire to serve and protect, perhaps by working in the field of cybersecurity or digital forensics, using my skills to combat cybercrime and protect our digital world. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to explore them all.
I believe that continuous learning and dedication are keys to achieving one’s dreams. I aim to make a positive impact through my work, combining creativity and technical skills to solve problems and create meaningful solutions.