LIT - PANANAW Volume 1

LIT PAŃANAW PAŃANAW 2018 ABOUT THE COVER Light in thy words. Today, we are living in an era where the millennials are in-control. Everywhere you go, you hear words that are not familiar to many, but are like oxygen to millennials. They are the people born between 1982- 2002. Dubbed to be extra; called to be 'no- good', Millennials are considered to be the rebels of the present days who bring nothing but dispute; nothing but riots and drama. But they just haven't seen the light in them. Light has been a continuous struggle to find in millennials, they say. But light in them isn't like what other people think. Their inner light radiates within them. It gives them the potential to be the best; and that's what makes them LIT - a millennial term for being amazing. With words as their fuel to their inner flame, millennials are paving their way to greater heights, to reach greater potentials. And that's what's LIT. WORDS & BACK COVER ART BY Allan Christopher Sayat FRONT COVER ART BY Katherine Joy Virrey







LIT PÁNANAW VOLUME I NO. 1 The Official Literary Folio of CRESCIT the Official Senior High School Publication of DE LA SALLE LIPA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018. All outputs in this issue are made possible by the staff and the board. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Editorial Board, except permitted by Law. The Board reserves the right to edit and not publish entries for reasons of quality, relevance, aesthetics, and space. Any similarities to existing persons (living or dead), placs, icons, and institutions are purely coincidental or were used in pursuit of creative excellence. For submissions, queries, suggestions, or feedback, reach us at crescit.pub@ gmail.com. Connect with us in www. facebook.com/crescit or at www.twitter. com/crescit for more updates. PÁNANAW is published by the Senior High School Students of De La Salle Lipa, 1962 JP Laurel National Highway, Lipa City Batangas.

PROLOGUE Millennials — often found lazy People belonging to Generation Y and narcissistic. They expect are their own, and are controlled everything to be handed down to them, by no one else, and offer a deep sense of as if they already entitled of it. They are purpose and value- having the power to often pictured out as sitting-on-a-couch change how things will go through. They lousy individuals as if nothing important must be enlightened that they should not must be done- with their feet up in the shut their eyes nor cover their ears just to air, their eyes glued into screens of their be dictated with others’ words, opinions, smartphones. Most of them had already or actions. Thy should not be afraid and forgotten the value and the essence of ashamed to use their voice and serve its getting their thoughts heard, perhaps they purpose- to speak out their reactions. chose to stay in silence. For what is their “silence”? For what is their “voices”? They should know that letting their says about something, that taking Truth be told, most of the millennial a stand on it, is better to just lay there population are nothing but “all while waiting for magic do the so-called talk, all whine, no action” people. They work. They should not prefer to be just in always whine about something, yet they their own heads and chose or be ignored don’t even bother to take a stand on it. than face the fear of letting their ideas out They already let the issue spread and of the crowd. complain all bout it, and what? The whole community already knew everything about As a resolution, millennials should that thing. How about that instead of know the difference of just “having bragging and complaining, they'll dare to a voice” and “having a voice heard”. It must take a single step to get bolder and braver be challenge, it is a challenge rather, for — confident enough to let those thoughts millennials to have a voice, to be a voice, out of their minds. and getting that voice heard. LIT 005

L L L

1 Light LightLightisdefinedtobeathingthat enables a person to have vision. Without light, everyone will be living in the state of darkness. In light, there are numerous symbols that have various meanings to different people. Some of the Light Lighsymbolsoflightincludeslighthouses, lightbulbs, flash lights, candles, fire and a lot more. Anything that sheds light can be a symbol of it. The meaning of it, however, depends on the person beholding that light. A symbol for light, for example, is a millennial. A millennial is light through their words and works of wisdom. Light LighAmillenialhasthepowertoshed of light, depending on their chosen manner or method. Their minds are the ones in-charge of how they will shed-off their light and disperse it to the world. And they can be the guide to a person's helluva journey. You, millennial or not, can be the light. It only takes guts to be the light for others. Channeling your inner Light Lighbrightnessandsharingitwillother people will enable you to give power; and light is power.

008 PÁNANAW

We are Millennials We are a generation of failures. Don’t believe them when they say that we are the hope of the future. I believe that we can’t offer anything to the world. It is wrong to think that you are hardworking and respectful Always remember, millennials are lazy and egotistic. When they say that we can never achieve something in our life, it is wrong to believe that what they say is unacceptable. We should know that we are a burden to society. Do not conclude that your family is proud of you, the universe cheers for you and you are special. Please be mindful of the fact that our opinion does not matter, our voice deserves to be unheard and our lives are insignificant. Do not believe them when they say that millennials are helping in the formation of a principled world. Realize that we do not have strong values and morals. Strongly disagree that we will change the world, we will be a new beginning, and we will be a revolution We are millennials. (Read from bottom to top) LIT 009

010 PÁNANAW

School Mornings We wake in mornings Of usual heavy traffic; Always the same hours. 6Word Question Hey, Can we just Start Over? LIT 011

012 PÁNANAW

Mind-Blown Some teenagers suffer from mental disorders Some knew about it, and some are hiding it It served as their borders for doing ordinary activities, making them hide in corners Although they can ask for help, others do not mention them and consider themselves in the society as if they do not fit. It makes it difficult for them to put smile on their faces When actually they are crying themselves out in pain Others can easily show a smile in different phases When the truth is that they feel their problems are a stain. People around them can not easily recognize their troubles Others overthink until they can not handle it any longer They cry themselves out and as time passes by, feel like it doubles Everyday do not feel like they grow any stronger. Until one day, they decide to end their lives Be able to stop the pain, the agony, their worries and fears Until they feel nothing but sadness engulfing their minds Filling their faces with endlessly flowing of tears. Instances of such scenarios are mind-blowing Unbelievable stories of people silently screaming for help Hurt, ache, sting and soreness are overflowing Is there a chance for hope to be felt? LIT 013

014 PÁNANAW

What are you You can be the candle That will scintillate In the midst of darkness You can be the moon That will bring luminosity Into everyone’s chances But you can be the sun That will give the biggest light And an overflowing joy Or you can be the fire That will burn the cities They couldn’t destroy Senior High Acts like highschoolers, Treated like college students; Senior High struggles LIT 015

016 PÁNANAW

Spectra All is white - just dispersed and refracted into different colors. The authorities' announcement of the additional two years in high school gathered various claims and reactions. Each one has their own opinion towards the matter at hand - especially those who are truly affected in the process, the students themselves. As the academic year in senior high has started, one can witness the number of colors each student expresses. RED. For those who are displeased in ORANGE. For students fascinated in being a high school student instead being the pioneers of the recently implemented curriculum. For those of taking college already. For the who exudes encouragement while students excited and passionate to yearning for the success at the end of encounter experiences in the new the road. For the students who view setting of education. For the fearful this chapter of their life as fun and ones dreading the risk of possible carefree together with their peers. failures and dead ends along the way. YELLOW. For those who stays positive GREEN. For the students ready in the stead of the expected burdens to embrace the changes in the environment they are once in. For in their academic journey. For the those who view the new curriculum as students who aim to clarify what it is an instrument for development and to be a senior high student. For the growth towards major ambitions in ones claiming to gain the intellect in life. For the ones adapt to both pro- every lesson and mentor they are to and anti- aftermaths. stumble upon. LIT 017

BLUE. For those who calmly accept INDIGO. For the ones accustomed the reality that they belong to the to the practices and traditions of a experimental batch. For the ones being student fulfilling his or her duties in confident that they can surmount the institution. For the students who future endeavors holistically. For perceive the heavy loads and hectic students prepared to be challenged in schedules through their intuition. For the different depths of being partly in those who adhere to the administered high school and partly in college. education and find it just and sound. VIOLET. For students devoted enough to readily accept the new education with peace in their minds. For those who prepare to independently survive throughout their senior years. For the ones showing dignity and taking pride as they enter another stepping stone in their lives. Merging these chromatic expressions and reactions, a vivid sketch can be pictured out - tinges created from a single white light. Just like the new education curriculum, light exists and will continue to. It is just a matter of dispersion and refraction whether what prismatic perception one will depict. All is white - just dispersed and refracted into different colors. You, what color do you express? 018 PÁNANAW

Para sa Lalakeng Pinakamamahal ko Na parang College Entrance Exam I. USTET Sobrang dali mong mahalin, pero hindi kita magawang mapili. Sobrang daming pagkakataon ang binigay mo para sa’kin, pero hindi pa rin kita magawang seryosohin; Bakit nga ba? Dahil ba masyadong madaming multo ang namamalagi sa’yo? Dahil ba baka malunod, mapagod, maubos ang pasensya ko? Alam ko sa sarili ko na pipiliin lang kita pag wala nang ibang pumili sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit; tatanggapin mo pa rin ba ako kahit na ginawa lang kitang opsyon? Sigurado ako na hindi lang ako ang ganito, sa lahat nang iyong mga taon; Alam kong hindi yun sapat na dahilan para tuldukan ang storya na hindi pa nagsisimula, Pero wala. Wala talaga. Makukuha lang yata kitang lingapin kung wala nang natira; At ako’y napasayo, at ika’y napaakin. II. DCAT Mahal ko, mahal na mahal ka, kaya naman meron akong ilan lamang naman na mga tanong. Bakit nga ba lahat ng hindi nakakapasa sa’yo ay napupunta sa kapatid mo? Oo, masmagaling siya pumorma pero hindi ba ikaw pa rin ang masmaganda? Teka— ikaw na nga ang pinipili, pinapakawalan mo pa. Hindi ka ba marunong magsisi? Mahal, patawad. Patawad. Pero nangangamba pa rin ako. Hindi naman sa pinagdududahan ko ang ‘yong galing— kilala ka, hindi lang naman dito sa may atin— masyado lang yata akong ambisyoso para pangarapin kang abutin. Ayo slang sa akin kung ang pagmamahal mo ay maging pagmura. Sige, murahin mo lang ako. Sige, magmura ka lang. Bumaba ka lang naman ng konti mula sa iyong trono; yun lang naman ang hinihingi ko. Bumaba ka, para maramdaman ko na makakamit ka pa. Bumaba ka, para maabot pa kita. LIT 019

III. ACET Pinangarap kita ng sobrang tagal. Gusto ka ng magulang ko. Gusto ka ng mga ka- barkada ko. Kaso, ang daming may gusto sa’yo. Sobrang dami mong hinihingi!— nagpagawa ka pa ng essay kung bakit karapat- dapat akong maging iyo. Hindi ka ba maalam makuntento? Wala ka bang tiwala sa kakayahan ko? Oo, isa lang akong taga-probinsya na humihingi na mahalin ng taga-Loyola, Pero kahit papano, meron naman akong kayang ibuga. Dati rati, akala ko ikaw lang ang opsyon sa mundo, kaya handa sana akong ibigay ang lahat para sa’yo. Ikaw ba? Matatanggap mo pa ba ako? IV. UPCAT Sobrang dami mong pinaglalaban pero hindi mo pa rin ako magawang tingnan. Bigyan mo naman ako ng chance, oh! Gusto ko lang naman mapatunayan na kaya ko rin magmahal ng taga-Diliman; Handa akong pumunta ng Los Baños, Mindanao, Manila, Davao, Cebu, Baguio o Tacloban Para lamang ikaw ay makamtan. Handa akong tumakbo ng hubo’t hubad sa mga kalsada kung kinakailangan para lang ika’y maniwala. Handa akong mag-rally sa EDSA, ipagsigawan ang nararamdaman ko hanggang ako’y mapaos, Papatunayan na gugustuhing mapunta sa’yo kahit na ang sistema’y medyo laos. Bigyan mo lang ako ng pagkakataon, Dahil hindi lamang ikaw ang gagawin kong mahalin, kun’di pati na rin ang bansa. 20 PÁNANAW

V. DLSL Hindi ko alam kung bakit mo’ko pinababayaan bumalik. Ilang beses na ‘kong nagtangkang umalis, Pero lagi mo akong binibigyan ng dahilan para manatili. Alam kong darating rin ang araw na kakailanganin kong iwan ka; At alam kong hahayaan mo ako. Ganon ka naman eh. Kuntento ka nang malaman na dati akong naging iyo, Na sa paglisan ko meron akong masamdaming matutututo. Wag ka magalala. Hindi man ikaw ang magigiging huli, ikaw ang una kong minahal; At gaano mang katagal na panahon ang lumipas, Ang berde mong tatak sa aking puso ay hindi kukupas. Uuwi at uuwi pa rin ako sa’yo. LIT 21

022 PÁNANAW

SSuchsopoelnsion Storms pour heavier Cycle And we are all the wiser; for a Change \"Suspended\", they'll say. From the dozen of school works Down to the bombardment of expectations; We are an experimentation of studies and researches, Soon to give rise to a new beginning and mark a change in the society. Is one doing it willingly or one is forced to do so? From living the fantasy by watching series and reading stories, Down to the reality of crammed works and on the spot ideas; We are the one who sleeps at school works at midnight, And waking up with unfinished papers on the bed. Would one still want to wake up from the dreams they entered? From having dinner with family and friends Down to barely eating alone or not eating at all; We are the ones who got no time for the people around, Nor time for ourselves. Can one still socialize despite the loads one have to accomplish? - A life of a SHS millennial student. LIT 023

024 PÁNANAW

... and Flash There you go painting up the town with your high school friends so dear With a camera pointing down, you all smile from ear to ear The counting has begun, 3… 2… and… flash! For a brief moment and blithesome you were under the bright light I’ll spill the truth and wisdom now the two years are out of sight Fast, like a speed of beam twinkle flash perhaps will make you say “is that it?” Time to bid adieu to the whole class to the years worth it, so short and sweet Lit As exciting and thrilling as it sounds; It's just growing profound, And ready to be renowned; A light that will spread around. Through its majestic pages you'll see, The inner beauty it pleas; From first to last, it guarantees, Captivating literature for thee. Dedicated poets and writers; Rejoicing in words of power, Spreading passion wherever, And no one can alter. LIT 025

026 PÁNANAW

Luna So light-years I wait Person to Robot RQ before the big take-off, before the green orbit, From pens and papers to keyboard and computer, before the new planet From written outputs to printed outputs, Darkness, what I see From taking down notes to taking snapshots, for I’m alien, From skimming books to reading e-books; new, exploring — This is just the beginning of my life. It’s unlike home Everything have changed; From pen to gadget in school, The light that’s in me From note-dependent to tech-dependent, won over this darkness From “kakayanin” to “Werpa”, for I shine, shine brightly — Presenting the “notable” changes. into this big, new world Pressured self, Matured minds, Innovative Ideas, No malfunctions; — Expectations from the society. We are living dead inside, With questions left unanswered; Are we living the life we want to have? Or are we forced to live the life the society wants us to be? — Welcome to the Millennial Era. LIT 027

028 PÁNANAW

Barbie Doll I sat alone in the darkest corner of your room, Waiting to be noticed. You walked in and I waited for you to have a glimpse on me, But then, my eyes fell sad when you didn’t bat an eyelid. I shouted in top of my lungs, wanted to be heard, But yet, you didn’t hear me. I took a replay in my head, When you were about my size, you always bring me to your bed, You sing me songs until you fall to slumber, And together, we dream for the rest of the night. And as you grew older, you had forgotten me. You placed me in that closet, you shoved me in the dark. Since then, I am alone in the closet, wishing for you to hug me again. Oh, how I loved you since we first met, And I am a fool to think this mutual feeling would last. I pity myself for I always thought of our happy days, When I know they won’t happen again. What a torture it is to see you happy with that gadget, When you don’t even bother to look at me. I still remember how you love to comb my hair, But now, you love to play with applications. LIT 029

I wish my hands are big enough to help you write your notes, I wish my mouth is not sewn together, So I can talk back when you had your stories of life. I wish I justified my purpose of being your friend. I wish I justified my existence before you threw me in that black plastic bag. You are a full grown up now- Wearing off-shoulders paired with skater skirt. Placed in that once innocent face is a shade of red foundation, Traced in that lips was a shade of red lipstick. I am thrown in this garbage bag, dying and rotting. Is this the generation of yours? Yeah. Millenials don’t play with toys anymore. 030 PÁNANAW

Unique Millennials Millennial Era. We are in the Millennial Era and sadly, I am a part of this. Millennials are considered to be the “unique” ones because they are more modernized, guided with the advancement of technology and complex languages. They are the ones who are tasked to bring the world of science and technology to a whole new level. They are the ones who should bring pride to their country by showcasing all their skills and hidden talents. And finally, they are the ones who are expected to be different from the others. Millennials are way too far from what the people are expecting. The truth is they are only forced to be knowledgeable enough in order to cope up with the changes and live the millennial life. They live by the thought of satisfying everyone's expectations, including themselves which is why they are trying their best to bring out their best version. Little do they know, they are slowly becoming a puppet of the society. An experimentation that is soon to have a conclusion; either the era is worthy calling as the era of millennials or how much success the era of millennials brought to the society. — There is no such thing as “unique” millennials; they are still the individuals who wants to live their life, free from everything that is hindering them to do so. LIT 031

Ig I I

2 gnite IgnitOnceyou'vefulfilledyourpurposeas a light, the next challenge is for you to spread the light; to help others become the light; to be the ignition of light to them. Ignite. Ways of ignition often involves Ignite Ignitheuseoffuel,ofothersourcesof fire to spread the emblazing desire to influence. Ignition is the key to change the negative vision they once saw in a millennial. Millennials are thought to be selfish, and arrogant; good-for-nothing-little- potentials; 37.5% weaklings who know nothing about stress. Ignite IgniHowever,provenwrongbyignition, millenials are continually giving others hope in various situations. Being the shoulder to persons who are in-need of assitance. Being the diary of someone who needs a person to talk to. Being the potential no-one- has-ever-been. To ignite is natural to a millennial who has been living as a symbol of Ignite Ignlighttootherpeople.Allthatittakes to ignite is the belief in thyself to be this light and ignite it to others. And that sets the world ablaze of inspiration.

034 PÁNANAW

Those Thoughts Last night was probably the coolest and most memorable talk I had with my grandfather. It was casual, plain – happening at the spur of the moment. He was so happy, hugging and kissing all his grandchildren; realizing how much joy they bring. I’m not so sure if the kids really mind – but I do – in a good way. I thought things would be awkward and senseless. My grandfather has drunk a little beer – this isn’t so unusual. What’s surprising is I was wrong. That talk – that small talk… It made me know him better. That 2 or 5 minutes of listening to him was like knowing him – the profound him. It was as if I was reading his mind – imagine the power and the goodness of it. Let’s face it. My grandfather is not a saint. He shouts, he fights with Nanay, he may be a little difficult to deal with. He’s got issues. He’s sensitive. But last night… HE WAS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TATAY. Was it the alcohol? Or was it his heart that I was talking to? I barely knew him, except for the stories that my Mommy told me – him going to Saudi and providing each one of his children what they need, him being the supervisor or manager of the GE company (I still can sharply remember the ref magnets with the GE logo), him going to a school which explains why he shows so much fondness in that place; him being a seminarista. These were just simple details that a granddaughter should not miss for these are parts of the superficial things we just should know. LIT 035

But last night… That was knowing him, deeper than just knowing these. “Bakit ganun?” that was Tatay’s conversation starter. He claims he meditates and that he was pondering on his life. He was thinking of his purpose, on why things happen to him. He claims he’s a sinner which is why he had known so much pain. He realizes God loves him, that despite all the pain he had felt and experienced, God still chooses to make him live. “Napapanaginipan ko, maraming dugo dito. *pointing to his scar near the right eyebrow* Pero ‘di pa ako namamatay. Alam ko makasalanan ako. Kaya ayon, puro baldog ako. Baldog dito *shifts his body to the left*, baldog dito *shifts his body to the right*, tapos eto *points to his scar near his right eyebrow*, pero buhay pa rin ako. Di pa Niya ako pinapatay. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako. Mahal Niya ako. *laughs*” And he just keeps on talking. And there was I, drowning in my own thoughts as I listen to him. “Naiintindihan mo naman ako, diba?,” Tatay asked. I smiled; “Opo,” I sincerely responded. I often have this kind of thoughts too. I inherited it from Mom. I never knew where she got this… not until last night. Thank you, Tatay. For letting me know you. 036 PÁNANAW

Millenials There is no hope for millennials. It isn’t true that They are independent and full of wit – An antithesis for the elders. Millennials are useless; They give more value to Love. Although a great trait about them is Nothing at all. People could see worse about How they aim to excel rather than to impress – It isn’t the same for all. Boys and girls care more for their looks; It’s a fraud that Millennials are the future. Some are living their life and making the best out of it. All of them act apathetically but – A common misconception is that They are just normal people, trying to survive. Life as we call it – Is always cruel to them. Mental illnesses like depression The old sometimes take it as a joke – The millennial generation is an era of a change; A fact we cannot deny. (Read from bottom to top) LIT 037

038 PÁNANAW

History doesn't always repeat itself (but it echoes) Recount the votes, they demand, as they stand on the ground where God-knows-how-many innocents have been buried (all our people we’ve lost all the burden we’ve refused to carry) No one has ever called out to count how many were taken and never seen again. We want justice, they cry, the irony heavy in its circumstances wanting equity and honesty for a man whose father murdered millions a man wretched in his kin’s absence Our voices have grown hoarse pleading for the righteousness of our victims. (When will we get our amen?) A hero, they proclaim with their blue and yellow banner how dare they say that word and wave our flag as they stand LIT 039

on the bones of the defenseless on the bones of the silenced on the bones of their grandparents on the bones of our countrymen. This is not a thing we can get over with, Not a war we can just stop fighting. We have barely found our voices and yet they want to kick the wind out of us once more. I refuse to submit to silence to let them win I will scream until I’m hoarse and rebel until I am sore. Because if not me, then who? If not now, then when? 040 PÁNANAW

Generation Y Being exposed to advanced technology, Individuals became open minded; Creating more opportunities, And bringing influential changes to the society. The past is slowly forgotten, And is dominated by the new era; Time would pass by and one should embrace, But do remember to keep hold of the bygone. Pens to Gadgets as Letters to Social Medias; Influential instruments of spreading information, But beware of your actions as it have costs; For once you’ve done it, it could scar for life. Responsible acts should be kept in mind, The yearning to help should be stored in heart, The purity of thoughts should be rooted in the soul; - Millennials hold the key to the future to be told. LIT 041

042 PÁNANAW

Hindi Pa Tapos Hindi na ata matapos-tapos Ang mga luha mong pilit na umaagos Kaya’t hinihiling mo nalang sa Diyos na maiiyak lahat nang sakit na hindi maubos-ubos. Napupuno ang isip mo nang libo-libong ‘bakit’, Bakit may siklo ng kabanatang paulitulit? Bakit hindi mawalawala ang sakit? Bakit mo pa ba kailangan kumapit? Nabuhay ka sa paniniwalang hinding-hindi ka magiging sapat, na nasisira kahit anong bagay o taong na sa kamay mo’y lumapat. Kaya’t naisipan mong mag-iwan nang mga marka at sugat sa iyong balat at nagtatangkang gawin ang mga bagay na hindi naman dapat. Kaya’t siguro sa tuwing pinapaalala ko sa’yo ang kinabukasan, Pilit mo itong tinatanggihan. Kaya’t isinulat ko itong tula upang madugtungan Ang buhay mong pilit mong binibigyang katapusan. Ang iyong ‘Pagod na’ ay ating papalitan ng ‘Lalaban pa’ Ang iyong ‘Suko na’ ay ating papalitan ng ‘Kaya pa’ At ang mga ‘Kaya pa’ ay ating papaltan ng ‘Kakayanin pa’ Hanggang makaabot sa puntong ikaw na mismo ang magsasabing, ‘Kinaya ko na.’ LIT 043

At, oo, maaaring tapos ka na sa pasikotsikot ng mundo, At sinusukuan mo na ang lahat nang sakit na dinulot nito sa’yo Ngunit nakakalimutan mong meron kang ‘ako’. At, oo, ako – hindi pa tapos sa’yo. Ang mga plano at pangarap nati’y magkaakay pa nating tutuparin, Ang ating kinabukasan ay ating pang haharapin, Kaya’t kumapit ka lang kahit pa ang laban na ito’y pareho pa tayong pagurin, Basta’t ipangako mo na ngayon, sarili mo naman ang iyong pipiliin. Kaya’t wag mo na sanang isipin pang tuldukan ang buhay mong pilit kong bibigyang rason madugtungan, sapagkat naniniwala akong lahat nang pasakit ay may hangganan. Iintayin kong piliin mo ang sarili mo, wag kang mag-alala, sa laban mong ito, hindi kita iiwan. Nagmamahal, Ako Isang taong ayaw mawalan 044 PÁNANAW

Six Memos to this Era Sometimes, the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. Just because something good ends doesn’t mean something better won’t begin. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. You may have to lose who you were to find who you are. To begin again is to end what you have thought will start, and to end is to begin what you have thought would end. Find balance in your life. Work hard but don’t let work take over your life, or you will really lose yourself. Love, but for the right reasons. Life is too short for anything mediocre. Know who you are, and know that you are worthy of reaching your dreams and that it is never too late to start creating the life in fulfillment of your dreams. Don't compare yourself to others as it may come out deadly. No two souls are the same. You are your own person; you are beautiful and unique. Put your trust in the universe. Some things are just meant to happen, and some are just not. Let go of what is stealing your happiness; it’s hard, but it is worth it. Em- brace change and embrace life. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes you just need to breathe, trust and let go. LIT 045

As you grow up, priorities change. Nights out are swapped for night-ins, your circle gets smaller. You get to a point where it’s quality over quantity; like your career, rela- tionships, home, and family. You now seek quality, something that’s yours and real; something you can grow and be proud of. As you grow up, you want a future, not just for now and it will continually change. Finding your passion isn’t just about careers and money. It’s about finding your au- thentic self – the one you’ve buried beneath to help other people. What most people misunderstand is that passion is a result of action, not the cause of it. The source of continuing aliveness was to find your passion and pursue it, with whole heart and mind. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets you soul ablaze. For all that its worth, it is worth it. It’s the things you fight for and struggle with before earning that have the greatest worth. The longer you wait or fight for something, the more you will appreciate it when they arrive. The harder you fight for it, the more priceless it becomes when you achieve it. And the more pain you have to endure on your journey, the sweeter the arrival to your destination. All good things are worth waiting and worth fighting for. 046 PÁNANAW

Sad Poems it may be those thoughts that creep into our heads when all we’re trying to do is keep our minds shut so we can finally sleep it may be those painful stares from people we know not of when all we wanted to do was walk down the hall – hoping we never existed BUT no – it is the sun that rises and sets and the moon that beams and the stars that twinkle – they’re the ones that matter. you’re more than just sad poems, i hope you know. LIT 047

048 PÁNANAW