I remember when I was in high school, my friends and I used to talk about life in other countries, especially in America. We found that very interesting place. We dreamed of going there one day.
This was our dream school. A dream that seemed impossible because of limited financial resources, but we were hoping that this dream could become reality. After all, life is full of surprises. We never know what's in Serbia for us. Who knows, one day, one of us will be there?
After high school, my friends and I were discussing our future plans with regard to schools or universities where you will pursue our studies. Some of us stayed here in Laguna, while others went to Manila. Caryll and I enrolled at Letran-Calamba. I was going to take Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, but then I decided to take accounting, the course that Caryll and Anne took before me. After the first semester, Anne moved to Psychology, but Caryll and I decided to finish the course. We were classmates in college.
It was 1997 when she told me that soon leave for Chicago. I tried to convince her not to go because they might have difficulty adjusting to their new environment and find new friends, but since she is fluent in English, I am sure you can easily communicate with the population. But the real reason why I convince her not to go, you do not want to lose my bestfriend. I was his best and Dark Artist, and she was my Great Wall. I wanted to stay that way. She gave me a shoulder to lean on and she does not hesitate to help when I need it.
It 'been almost a year since she and her family left. We managed to keep in touch through phone calls, letters and e-mail, our friendship remains, despite the great distance.
Now, I hope to graduate next April with a BS degree in Accounting, I owe everything to her. In the midst of confusion, enlightened me, I pushed on, encouraged and supported me. I did it for her. I promised that I would finish this year. A few months from now, I can tell you that I finally did.
I still have several units in my curriculum this year because I am a student work. I decided to take another degree course to fill my time and focus more on my studies. My bandmates had graduated last April 2001. Busy with their career choice, I rarely see them. I feel lonely and alone.
It was the College's Foundation Day celebration. I went to the library and spent some 'of my time there while my friends and classmates were busy with their practice degree. In the library I saw Kyle, a classmate in the Philippines. I remember he used to be given special treatment by our teacher, because he is an American citizen.
We have developed a deeper friendship. We used to call the other as "kuya" and we treated each other as such. We became best friends and shared many things in common, yet each time I remembered that he is an American citizen, I can not help but think that he would soon leave me ... Again!
It 'difficult for us to paths diverge. We used to share good times together and this is the cause of true friendship. Finally, we must accept that nothing is permanent in this world. We can not see each other after graduation, but we promised to keep the friendship in our hearts. I plan to stay here and Kuya Kyle soon live in California. Another good friend is leaving.
There are currently very busy with my college life, with my character and my work. I have many projects after graduation - the exam board, a CPA working abroad and especially in America.
I am very fortunate to have many friends who are part of my dreams. Everywhere I go I never forgot that they are the best collections of my life, the best art I've ever painted by reason of being real, true, and worthy to be appreciated forever. If my dreams soon become reality, I just want to send a sack full of thanks for the support and advice that I gave.
Caryll Kuya and Kyle are two of my best friends. I'm happy here in the Philippines with my family and other friends. Time will soon meet again. I have no doubt that someday, somehow, our paths will cross and meet again. Maybe not here in the Philippines. Who knows, by the grace of God, I can see them in America. (Il, Knight 2002)
