From moving back to my parents' home to an accepted abstract for an international conference, a consulting and teaching job and being a student again!

Here we are!

A few months ago, I started applying for school again and the result is out. This time, I am taking a degree in B.Eng ( Urban and Regional Planning), not exactly the degree I was aiming for but for my family’s construction planning business, it was required. This program is only a 2,5 year as it allows previous training and informal learning to be converted into academic credit.

Then a few weeks ago, I had a notification that my abstract on Disaster Management that I co-author is accepted for an international conference. Among 600 something papers, mine was some of the few that stood out.

But, I still remember last year, I moved back to my parents home to eventually see my dad passed.

In between grief, stillness and humbling experiences, I got reconnected to my other side of my family. That was the turning point of it all. I felt like life was extremely tough at the time and I was drowning in debts that made me scramble for extra jobs. I eventually landed a role in my family consulting business and that was the moment when I actually got serious about my income, about strategy, and building something that lasts.

For a long time, my sole motivation and focus have always been money with a sprinkle of fears. I grew up being imprinted that I have nobody backing me up. I grew up thinking I have no safety net, none to fall back on and I couldn’t plan beyond 5 years because the ground I was standing on never felt stable enough.

That certainly has changed.

Other than being born new, since I got reconnected with my birth family, for the first time, the ground that I am standing on is a lot more stable financially and emotionally. That kind of reassurance makes me more courageous. It frees me to plan longer and take the necessary risks to move life forward.

Unlike the past, when I had no idea what I would do with my life and I would never make any plans beyond the 5 year terms,this time, my projection is far ahead, a 10-years plan with proper goals and vision.

Two weeks ago, I signed my first notary deed for my business. I know for some people that sounded just a normal day at work or an admin day but for me, that was the marking line, I crossed a real adulthood.

I also got reconnected to my sister and we’re planning on growing the enterprise that is entrusted to us. It’s going to be a long journey but again, I do not mind the 10 years vision.

In the end, I’ll always be grateful no matter what my season of life is and try my best to never waste any opportunities anymore.