It is August 07, 2001 today. In 5 weeks time, I will be going to France for further studies. I received a scholarship grant which is a joint project of Ateneo de Manila University, ESSCA Universite, and l'Ambassade de France aux Manille. I will be studying management in ESSCA for 1-2 semesters. After that, I can opt to stay longer for a internship in a French company. I am hoping that I will be able to have that internship because I believe that it is an invaluable experience.

I only found out about this recently and my mind is still out of sorts. There are so many things to prepare; visas, letters of acceptance, money problems, etc. On the other hand, I also want to say goodbye to all my friends properly. It is strange how fate surprises us. I was already given the chance to go to France before and I stayed there for a month. It was an exhilarating experience, but I never thought that I would be able to go back so soon. In a way, I have already started to narrow down my options, work first, save money and maybe study again after. To be able to study again is really one of my most personal desires, to learn more about this world, about this life.

This opportunity serves so many purposes and means so many things to me. 1st, I believe that this step will solidify my credentials because as an MIS graduate, I am not so skilled in management. I hope that with this opportunity I will be able to improve my skills in management, be more adaptable and learn newer ways, methods of managing businesses especially from a European first world country perspective. 2nd, it is a chance to learn more about a different culture, see more of the world, make new friends, expose myself to new and vibrant ideas. I also believe that this will open more doors for me, to study or work at other places. The opportunities are vast. 3rd, it will strengthen and help me become more of a person me as I learn to adjust and cope living in another country. It will be difficult, I know but I know that this is just another challenge. Everything has a price, I know.

I know I will miss many people, all my loved ones. It will be my 1st time not to spend Christmas at home. I probably will not be able to attend my Shobe’s graduation. It saddens me but I know they understand. In a way, we will always be together.

Sometimes, everything can be so confusing. A myriad of emotions, sadness, joy, excitement, wonder, fear, ecstasy… all mixed up inside me. I feel very lucky indeed, to be given another chance to go to Europe and study is something I know most people would want but are rarely given the chance. In a way, I feel I am going there not just for me or my school or my family, but also in behalf of all those whose dream it is to go there. In a way, it has become my responsibility to do well for all of us.

I am happy. Another adventure is beginning and who knows where it will end? If it will end…