It was April, many years ago, when we used to walk through Plaza Independencia on our way to our OJT at Fort San Pedro. We were just a bunch of college students, all excited but also nervous about what the future held. The streets were always busy, the air filled with the sounds of jeepneys and the smell of street food. We’d talk about everything like our plans, our dreams, our frustrations and somehow, it all felt like a big adventure, even if we were just getting to know the city some of us will soon call home.

Fast forward to today, and here I am, running down the same path. As I pass by the familiar sights, the old trees, the benches where I once sat and daydreamed. I can’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia. A lot has changed since then. I’ve come a long way from that province girl in a small boarding house, living with college friends and hoping for something better. Now, I’m working in customer service, writing whenever I can, running to clear my mind, and balancing life as a single mom. It hasn’t always been easy, but looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown.

Some of my OJT mates are now married, some have their own businesses, some are working in government, hotels, or have even moved abroad. Our paths have all been different, but in a way, we’re all still connected by those days we spent together, figuring out what it means to start building our futures. It’s funny how life turns out sometimes. We had no idea back then where we’d end up, and yet here we are, living out the results of all those little decisions we made years ago.

I’ve learned so much along the way. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every step has been worth it. There were days when I wanted to give up, days when things didn’t go as planned, but the important thing is I kept going. And I know my friends did too. We all kept pushing forward, even when we didn’t always know what the next step looked like.

Looking back, I see how much those early struggles shaped me into who I am now. There’s no perfect formula for success, and no one can predict what will happen next. But one thing is certain—the future is built by the effort you put in today. The little things matter. The extra hour you spend learning, the decision to show up even when it’s hard, the way you keep going even when things seem uncertain. All those small steps add up over time.

So, to anyone reading this: keep going. Keep doing your best every day, no matter how small those steps might seem. Keep showing up. Keep trying. The life you want to build starts with the choices you make right now. You might not see the big picture just yet, but trust that every little bit counts. You’re already on the way to something great, even if you can’t see it yet.

To all those who are still working on their dreams, don’t give up. The road can be tough, but it’s worth it. Just like those days walking through Plaza Independencia, every step you take is part of your journey. Keep moving forward. You’ve got this.

Ma. Morena is a nature enthusiast, an optimist and outgoing person who loves turning her adventure and thoughts into writing.

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All photos taken were shared by me. Some images may have been shared to my social media accounts prior posting to the blog.