by Jorlyn L. Pelaez, West Visayas State University
Setting foot in a new place, wilderness greets with anonymity,
Everything is new and I was with lots of uncertainty,
A place that I can’t call my own for things are not for me.
Traveling deeper, experience was gained and I become wiser,
Hills were up and down, fields were wide enough for me to conquer,
I was unsure, I was lost and I’ll never know if I can recover.
As I search for answers, I found a tunnel thus the new adventure began,
I may have traveled a long road but those learnings were now gone,
Back to zero, I still push through for I want to know the end’s view.
Darkness surrounds, no sounds to be heard,
The journey was not like any other for it was hard as far as I can remember,
Giving up was on my mind but a light shimmered between my eyes.
“Work hard in silence, let your success be the noise,” Frank Ocean said,
Applause greeted me as I ended the quote that I’d said.
Following the light, there I am finishing my graduation speech.
The Teacher's Guide Literary Supplement (May 2023)