The pandemic wave was terrible. It changed a lot of us. I couldn’t imagine a once lively organization would turn like a silent scream. I was holding on because I loved what I was doing but I wish it was that easy. I was finally happy it was weekend. From office, my husband and I was parking in our usual residential spot when I noticed it was located opposite to a newly-opened school. That was one Thursday in February 2021.
***
My Mom and I were browsing possible courses I could take up in university. I remember I picked three: Journalism, Psychology, and Interior Design. “Do you wish to work in the local radio station?” My dad interrupted my excitement. He was then a government division supervisor; my mom was likewise a school principal. They both pretty set my track. Well, that was a decade ago.
The track went excellent, I loved teaching and interacting with children. I was competent and young and I enjoyed the praises coming through until I handled children with autism in a government school in 2012. The role failed my ideals. The system robbed my knowledge, its culture stalled my thirst to learn and hunger to succeed, the whole experience disrelished my thriving undertaking. My late father though, was happy as if my future was predictable. But twisted, it all led me to a life-changing path.
***
Just yesterday, I received the official memo on my transfer. I would like to gravitate to the thought that it was some sort of promotion. I signed the Appraisal Letter, it was my second raise of the year! I couldn’t feel anything but in awe not because of where I am now but significantly because of how I got here. I swear, my place isn’t the summit yet but coming here was such a long journey.
Remember the courses I picked before? Yes – Journalism, Psychology, and Interior Design! I can’t believe I was able to still work and live the dream. Of the nearly eight years of being an expatriate, I was entrusted with roles I only used to imagine – writing tons of content, publishing blogs, getting all the perks and the cash, building connections, gaining huge wisDOME of friends, and rocking the corporate world. I even wrote a book! Those courses were not technically acquired but I am beyond grateful to be able to taste their glory and experience a life that I have been yearning for since I was a child.
As dreamy as they can be, life is real. It always moves forward. It always changes as I grow and change myself. I grow not in positions defined by men but with wisdom and circumstances encountered across the universe.
The pandemic wave was terrible. It changed a lot of us. I couldn’t imagine a once lively organization would turn like a silent scream. I was holding on because I loved what I was doing but I wish it was that easy. I was finally happy it was weekend. From office, my husband and I was parking in our usual residential spot when I noticed it was located opposite to a newly-opened school. That was one Thursday in February 2021 that I decided to pursue my profession again – I wanted to be a teacher again.
Sometimes I would think had I only pushed through my studies and career before, I would have been a notable professor by now. Had I started my experience here abroad in the teaching field, I would have been earning a top spot and salary. Likewise, had I stayed in the corporate world and accepted other attractive offers, I would have still been keeping up with the Kardashians (lol).
But I made my choice. A choice that does not bring ease and does not promise speed. It’s a choice that brings joy and peace no matter the noise around. It is the right one.
I was physically tired the whole week. But today and the next two after are weekends! And I am happily recharging for next week’s win! Hope you all are the same!
Your all-around but here to stay,
MM
ABA Therapist
MM in Dubai 