Being an SBG student made me realize how big the world is and that your problems are yours alone. You can’t let others solve it for you, nor wait for the universe to give you all you need. You must thrive for it. You must conquer it.
By: Shiena Gabrielle Carreon
I can still remember how we were all busy with our individual lives. Some were chasing deadlines, some were still chasing their dreams, and some were stuck somewhere – undecided and confused. The rich were already planning where to spend their summer vacation, excited to search for countries and beautiful places to visit. Some were ready to create new memories with their loved ones, wanting to go back to their provinces, far away from the city life. And those who are not well-off were probably busy preparing requirements for a summer job application, just like me.
I was very delighted when I got hired in a BPO company. Two months of summer may be the best time for others to travel and create unforgettable memories, but for me, it is the perfect time to earn money. I was always looking forward for this opportunity to gain another working experience and to somehow put food on our table. However, just a day before the schedule of my work orientation and training, the company has decided to postpone it because of the COVID-19.
And just like that, the Coronavirus Pandemic shook the world. It has killed thousands of people and we are now in a middle of a global health emergency. Borders are closed in many parts of the world. Airports, hotels and businesses are shut down, and schools are cancelled. It has disturbed the economy, leading to major job losses and widespread hunger.
It all happened so quickly. The chance to earn was taken away from me and I can’t even blame anyone. All of us were advised to stay at home. It’s not a bad thing for those who have the resources, but what about us? My mother is a single parent, I have a high school brother, a 1-year old baby sister, and our grandmother lives with us. There are 5 mouths to feed in our house and yet, we don’t even have any sources of income. I tried to remain calm, but my mind said otherwise. I was anxious, trying to think of ways I could somehow make an opportunity out of this pandemic.
This is what being an SBG student taught me. For the past 2 years of being a Marketing Student under the School of Business and Governance of the Ateneo de Davao University, I was equipped, not just with knowledge from lessons and theories, but also with the ability to think outside the box and unravel possibilities. Being surrounded by knowledgeable teachers and mentors, as well as varied and equally talented peers and friends, I started to see problems and issues in a much wider lens, making me a more heart-driven yet vital person.
I have come to understand and realize that we are all trapped in a tough situation. That instead of whining and looking for someone to blame, we must help our government in battling this pandemic by trying our very best to follow guidelines for our own sake and safety. However, obeying to stay at home does not mean that I have lost my determination to earn money. Thus, I took advantage of my social media vanity to find an online job. The pay may not be as big as what I can receive as a call center agent, but it can already help us survive somehow.
I believe that we can all be bombarded with lots of adversities in life, but it is our positive attitude that will help us get back up. Being an SBG student made me realize how big the world is and that your problems are yours alone. You can’t let others solve it for you, nor wait for the universe to give you all you need. You must thrive for it. You must conquer it.
There is this one lesson from our subject, Wealth Creation, that has become my guide as I go along with my life: It is your mindset that will set you apart from others. This Coronavirus Pandemic is nothing more but an eye-opener to all of us. It reminds us just how quick life can stab our backs without even the slightest warning and our chance for revival lies on nothing but our own hands.
It is during these hard times that we must take responsibility for whatever challenges life throws at us; that instead of waiting for them to be solved on its own, it is us, who should take our own chances.
* Shiena Gabrielle Carreon is currently a 3rd Year student of Ateneo de Davao University taking up Bachelor of Science Major in Marketing. She is also the Club President of AMARC and CCO Chairperson.
