HIRAETH

photograph by mark christopher lat 151

HIRAETH 152 Death calls me, I’m free now john albert silva

153

HIRAETH 154 Tanghaling tapat na lang ang totoo. john albert silva

let go andshmieonnvaebfaoldreswanachrod 155

HIRAETH 156 “Semicolon.” Tears fell as I tattooed. mary rose cadacio

artwork by darlene lagman 157

HIRAETH 158 photograph by shienna baldesancho

Sa pagbangon mo, magpasalamat sa Kanya. john albert silva 159

HIRAETH 160

Drown yet breathing, tears not falling john albert silva 161

HIRAETH 162 Hindi masamang makaramdam ka ng lungkot. john albert silva

shiensn0anbdaldeersancho 163

HIRAETH 164 After everything, love for family wins. maxine endaya

artwork by shienna baldesancho 116655

HHIIRRAAEETTHH 116666 Pagpatak ng ula’y isasabay–luha’t tinta. john albert silva

artwork by desireematienzo 167

HHIIRRAAEETTHH 116688 photograph by mark christopher lat

My Life’s An Ocean, I Drowned jiali crisae vargas 169

HIRAETH 170 ESSAYS SANAYSAY

photograph by june martin del mundo 171

HIRAETH 172 Plateau-o moremark christopher lat H ow can you start a piece without knowing what you feel, and what your thoughts are? I say this is not how I normally am. I am usual- ly that bright kid in a room, my mind always producing thoughts even though it is distracting at times. Honestly, I miss that phase of mine. How can I lose the peak? It should have been a plateau, not a downhill. No matter how broad my mind has been, never did it cross my mind that one day I will be like this - burnt. Should I blame my brain for not thinking ahead? I guess not. I’m pretty sure that no one did anticipate be- ing in this situation. Like, how can someone think about losing himself? Isn’t it somehow uncanny to think that one day will come, you will lose everything you have gathered, and worked for? Nevertheless, I am here, what can I do? Actually, great question - what can I do? I don’t know what else can I do now, I am not who I have been. Maybe I should start from square one again, reintroduce myself to myself. I should have a fresh start, maybe things will be in line this time,

and maybe this one will really be a plateau. I should get things started immediately, I am running out of time. So, what do I want in life which is not close to the one my past self chose? I don’t know, is there any? Maybe I should figure other things out first, we will answer that once I find who I am now. My friends were right, I am pushing myself so hard. I have been achieving so many things, why do I crave more? Am I being greedy? Maybe if I tried to slow things down, I might not be in this situation right now. Maybe if I am not clumsy, I should have not lost myself. Should I have been more careful and taken serious care of myself, perhaps I am not struggling right now. Why am I thinking about these things just by now? Maybe I am also pressured. Coming from a not-so-showy family, achievements are something to smile about and then immediately move forward. It is possible that this is a factor why I keep on striving, perhaps I am waiting for validation from my family. Another factor is maybe I am trying to fit into society. I am really fond of smart people, it amazes me how they can store knowledge in their brains just as big as mine. I would want to be like them, be also celebrated about. Writing this makes me realize, am I just an imposter? Am I not the person I am from those golden days? Maybe the pressure really comes from me, how I am expecting so much about myself that no one dictates about. I really lost myself. This is the plateau, however, not the plateau that I want. This, I realized, I don’t need to prove myself to anyone, even how much of a cringe it is to think about - I should be highlighted in the word appreciate. Besides, no matter how much other people tell me that they always got my back, it will only be me who will push myself. Everything that I am doing right now is for my own good. I know what I can do, I am not an imposter. Maybe yes, I aspire to 173

HIRAETH 174 be someone whom I am not, but I always believed that to dream is step one to everything. I should not be asking what I can do, instead, I should be asking why am I not doing it? I never exceeded what I can do, I only expand what I can do. I am pushing myself because I can, and I want to. I am not being a trying-hard by doing the things I am not used to, or some things that are beyond what I know. Life is a continuous process. We learn through experiences, and we will never learn if we don’t push ourselves to what we can. The validation will always start with me, only if I believed that I can and I will. Once I have recognized who I really am, I will never be lost again. Actually, I was never lost, I just forgot how to start feeling, and thinking. This is not the usual me, but I am still the brightest kid in the room, no one can take that from me. Our peak is every time we open our eyes, breathing and alive. We create our own hill. However, even though many hills we create, we will always be on a plateau, a good one or a bad one. We are up to more plateau, plateau-o more.

photograph by jan lance matias 175

HIRAETH 176 Ating Pahalagahan, Pamaavnellaah nmhgei dNe gauzkmaanraan S a panahon ngayon unti unti na ngang nakakalimutan ang kahalaga- han ng pagbabasa ng mga akdang pampanitikan. Wari’y napuno na ng kakulangan at kawalan sa pag-asang maibabalik pa ang interes hindi lamang ng mga kabataan kundi pati na rin ang bawat isa. Bakit hindi natin muling tanawin at alamin ang makasaysayang pinagmulan ng mga panitikang ito at ang libo libong dahilan na nagpapaalala sa atin kung bakit dapat natin itong tangkilikin. Ang panitikan ay nagsasabi o nagpapahayag ng mga kaisipan, mga damdamin, mga karanasan, hangarin at diwa ng mga tao. At ito rin ang pinakapayak na paglalarawan lalo na sa pagsulat ng tuwiran o tuluyan at patula. Ang salitang ito ay nanggaling sa salitang “pang-titikan” na kung saan ang unlaping “pang” ay ginagamit at hulaping “an”. At sa salitang “titik” naman ay nangangahulugang literatura, na ang literature ay galing sa Latin na littera na nangangahulugang titik. Nagsasalaysay din ito sa pamahalaan, lipunan, at mga pananampalataya at mga karanasang may kaugnay ng iba’t ibang uri ng damdamin tulad ng pag-ibig, kaligayahan,

kalungkutan, pag-asa, pagkapoot, paghihiganti, pagkasuklam, sindak at pangamba. Hindi maitatangging mahalaga ang panitikan dahil na rin sa samu’t saring mabuting epektong dala nito sa mambabasa. Una, ito ay nag- bibigay-saya. Iba’t iba ang pinapaksa ng mga panitikan na nakakatawang basahin ng sino man, mapa bata o matanda. Ikalawa, may dala itong aral na maaari nating gamitin sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay. Gaya ng nabanggit, may iba’t iba ang pinapaksa kaya naman iba’t ibang aral din ang dala nito, na maaaring makatulong pa sa mga isyu sa buhay ng tao. At huli, ito ang nagkokonekta sa isang bansa. Nakakatulong naman ito upang mas makilala pa ng mambabasa hindi lamang ang bansang pinag- mulan, kundi pati na ang mga kultura at paniniwala dito. Ngayong nabubuhay tayo sa makabagong mundo na nababalot ng modernisasyon, higit na nakakaligtaan na ng karamihan ang pagbaba- sa. Dati, libro ang ginagamit bilang pampalipas oras at malibang ang kabataan subalit sa kasalukuyang panahon tila taliwas an sa nakagawian o nakasanayan. Sa halip na libro, mas pinipili na ngayon ang iba’t ibang produkto ng makabagong teknolohiya. Itinuturing na isang pamana ng kasaysayan ang iba’t ibang akdang pampanitikan,. Ang mga akda sa Kanlurang Asya ay may hatid na iba’t ibang aral at mensahe na tiyak na kapupulutan ng aral partikular na sa mga kabataan. Mula sa pagbaba- sa ng mga akdang ito, tiyak na makakuha tayo ng mga impormasyon katulad ng kanilang mga tradisyon at kulturang nakagawian. Halina at magbasa ng mga akdang pampanitikan ng Kanlurang Asya. Huwag nang mag-atubili at mag-alinlangang makibahagi sa pagpapanumbalik ng pamang unti-unti nang nawawaglit sa kasaysayan. Halina’t magsimulang magbasa ng mga akdang pampanitikang nagmula sa sariling bayan, ipagmalaki ang kathang atin kaya naman mas 177

HIRAETH 178 lalo pa natin itong palawakin at linangin. Kung ang dating mga kabataan na nagsimulang magbasa mula sa mga munting aklat, sa panahon ngayon ay napaka- laking tulong na ang pagkakaroon ng teknolohiya. Sa tulong nito mas lalong naeengganyo ang bawat isa na magbasa at dagdagan ang kanilang mga kaalaman. Tara na simulang pagyabungin ang dapat ipagmalaki ng mga manunulat na may puso’t dugong atin. Handa kana ba?

photograph by shienna baldesancho 117799

HIRAETH 180 NORMALSEIZEkris anne mendoza I wonder what my college days would be like if face-to-face classes weren't prohibited. Will I still be bursting with tears for over laughing at the corny jokes of my block mate? Will I shiver in nervousness and have sweaty hands during surprise exams and recitations? Or do I still fear making friends? Or maybe not. I know that in this phase I would learn to be out of my shell, make connections, and possess a sense of ca- maraderie towards them, who knows right? And what I'm excited about is meeting new people with whom I shared the same passion and interests, and having chitchats with them - channeling my inner \"marites\". Kidding aside, learn more about their experiences and know what brought them to their chosen college program. Sadly, I couldn't say that I had the typical freshman experience. It was far from my expectations. Because I thought I would be able to go to university, wear a college uniform or like wear different clothes during

wash days, which I bought after being quarantined for almost 2 years, the beginning of my e-commerce life. Eventually, it didn't happen due to an unforeseen predicament. My first year of being in college which I was looking forward to ever since senior high school, turned out to be different. I've met my block mates for the first time virtually, there were screen barriers and it requires a lot of time before I get to know all of them. I admit, my introverted self hesitated to just simply say hi and approach them. Until the time when I'm writing this, I am not yet familiar with some of them. I'm quite good at memorizing but for some reason, I don't memorize all their names. It took me a while to adjust and get used to the new normal set-up. How I wish the pandemic did not even transpire, just so everything will go back to normalcy. But, it seems that we've been dealing with constant changes each day because we have to, and one thing that we can only do is to follow the path to wherever it would take us. So, I started accepting that online class is the best substitute for us to continue learning amidst tough situations. However, surviving in this kind of setup takes more effort and determination to make it bearable. Honestly, it was hard to keep up on every lesson. There will be unneces- sary problems that we need to deal with. Sometimes, you will just pray for a stable internet connection, for a power interruption not to occur, and most of the time, pray that your neighbor will not attempt to turn their radio on during class hours- funny yet, the background noises also affect concentration. It was draining too. Imagine, you composed yourself for an hour or so, and still, your brain couldn't grasp anything. As much as you wanted to focus, there will be moments when you will be lost and get tired at the same time. There will be thoughts of giving up as well, but my drive remains and pushes me to begin again, and it reminded me of my WHYs for pursuing my studies. 181

HIRAETH 182 Regardless of any hindrances, I managed to withstand all of them. I learned the importance of taking a pause, though some workloads were truly overwhelming. I just told myself, that this one only served as a long trial before I finally am at a university. And if that time comes, what I wished to experience being a freshman, will be more than what I just thought it would be when I step into another year. I already acknowledge this biggest transition in my college life, before, I feel like pandemic has stolen those times when students could have just enjoyed and grown from getting exposed to schools- to a different environment, and diverse kinds of people. But, what we've been through made me realized that I should be grateful for the privilege of having an education, still. Truly, the adventures that we thrived on weren't all smooth rides, all note- worthy experiences might not be in a real classroom-based, yet for sure, they won't be forgotten. Because it was proven that no matter how many miles you are away from your block mates and professors, no matter how poor the signal might be most of the time, the learning is still nurtured, and we've built a strong circle of friends that ease our lives. We've discovered people that have both wisdom and humor, making the class lighter and lively too. Giggles and fun are never-ending, it wasn't because of corny jokes alone, but for having group chats that were filled with memes- and sometimes funny commotions exist as well. The anxiety of exams and recitations remain the same. After all, my freshman year wasn't considered a waste at all, I was wrong for I thought it was. I guess I just have to seize this kind of \"nor- malcy\" that we have today, because when things are completely back again, this will be missed.

artwork by darlene lagman 183

HIRAETH 184 TO BE THAT GIRL WITH aveWllaHh mITheEi dCe OguAzmTan T ick, tock, tick, tock. Time is fleeting. Notable events can be life-changing. The experiences we have had can change our en- tire being. These encounters can be recollections that torment us greatly or recollections that we treasure until the end of our lives. These memo- ries are the hands that mold us into the works of art that we are today. As I try to recall the things that have happened in my past, different chains of recollections show themselves in my inner mind. These flash- backs help me to remember what I ought to apply to my actions and what I should make sure to never do. These great and terrible recollec- tions combine and create a pleasant sensation of being unified with the universe. At the beginning of my high school days, I met many people who influenced my school life. I felt something I never imagined I could, a feeling that grew and grew, changing me for the better and worse. I met many people who would make up a whole class if they were to be

grouped together. After all, these are and were my classmates. For the past six years since I became a high school student, I did not expect unexpected situations. I'm getting more responsibilities, challeng- ing schoolwork, and demanding tasks. Despite this, I remained optimistic and focused on my outlook on life. I've been through many time-consum- ing, brain-draining tasks, and I've made it through with the help of my family, friends, and classmates. Nonetheless, I must make tough decisions and deal with peer pressure and academic pressure. I accepted the fate of staying in a prestigious school, a science high school. Being called scholars every day as we cry ourselves every night with all the tasks, projects, and papers assigned to endless deadlines. Reminding each of us that excellence is not our goal; it is our standard to keep us motivated as much as possible. And for those six latter years of my high school life, I had made myself a better person than before. I believe everyone should strive for excellence and follow their dreams. I have always been an incredibly determined and driven person for everything that I set out to do from a young age. Medicine fascinates me because it offers the enthrallment of an elaborate and rapidly develop- ing science. A career as a doctor is demanding, challenging, and entails a lifelong commitment to learn and progress. By promoting the body's healing and prosperity, medication offers an actual sign arranged toward support- 185

HIHIRRAAEETTHH 118866 ing human nobility and the capacity to carry on with a satisfying life. Of course, as is often the case, there is much more to consider beyond the ideal. Accomplishing positive well-being results isn't just about consid- ering people to treat existing ailments; it is also about giving the proper care to the ideal individuals in the correct manner at the perfect oppor- tunity. Humanities might serve to comprehend the collaboration between social and clinical issues, as they are the foundation of present-day cultures. The hardships I've overcome in my life have epitomized the compassion, curiosity, and courage that are embedded in my per- sonality. Even a horrific mishap in my life has not changed my core beliefs and has only added fuel to my intense desire to become a doctor. The humanity that my high school memories have taught me that there is room as a future physician to contend with the issue intro- duced above. As historically, socially, and politically explored through a diverse curriculum, I have learned that not everyone is granted their due humanity in photograph by shienna baldesancho

the society constructed around us. I then saw the light again. I became one with the world once more. I have never seen such a place that I wished was my school. I do things a woman can feel, something a woman could, and dream of things a woman would dream about. I have a life, a mind, a soul. I exist to live and make a change. I knew I wanted to commit to a life in medicine by this point. I want to have the ability to provide care and treatment daily as a physician. Moreover, the hope is that the breadth of medicine will allow me to make an impact on a larger scale. The chapter that I am learning today will save someone's life tomorrow. Little by little, step by step, as I took the path on my medicinal journey, I knew one day I would become a woman with a white coat on my skin and a stethoscope around my neck. 187

HIRAETH 188 njeohwn jecstehr acapritngealr R andom thoughts always play on our minds if we feel uncomfortable. Random thoughts will bring us to decide as quickly as possible, es- pecially when we are at our lowest. This will break the happiness we have enjoyed for the past weeks, months or even years of our lives. Happiness is a feeling. Some say that the best way to be happy is to be grateful for everything you have and to let go of all your desires. Happiness is everyone's wish in their life. When you concentrate on what you have and are grateful for it, you will notice that your life improves. When there is happiness, we need to expect that there is also sadness. Sadness is defined by the dictionary as \"the state or quality of being sad.\" Usually, we feel sad when we do not achieve things that we exert a lot of effort. Also, we feel sad when we have challenges or problems we cannot handle on our own. We know that challenges always come to our lives that will strengthen us. Also, these challenges can be the root of unending sadness.

Life is filled with challenges. While some people see these problems as opportunities to develop new skills, others become discouraged and surrender to them. Some of us struggle to let go of a loved one who has passed away. Nobody can predict when they will die. Letting go of a person is always hard, especially when the person you are letting go of is a person that inspires you and loves you so much. “People come, and people also go” is the line that usually hits everyone’s soul when they experience loss. Sadness has always been part of our lives. We release an emotion to get rid of something, and it is natural. Natural in a way that we cry and cry until we realize that it already happened. When we lose someone, we experience grief. Grief can trigger our anger which results in guilt or frustrations. As time passes, we need to accept that we cannot see their smiling faces again, the eyes that stare at us when we are in sleep, the voice that we always hear before we sleep and sets to alarm us in the morning. They say that the best way to recover from loss is when you are looking back and treasuring the memories you shared with each other. Exploring the world with the people you love is memorable. From having at your side when you need a person to talk to. A person that cheers you up when you need to. A heart-to-heart conversation that will help you improve yourself. It is a big adjustment for everyone experiencing grief that always puts sadness in their hearts. Adjustments that they want to come as fast as they can. We have different ways on how to cope up with sadness. Some are busy with their hobbies. Some are going to a peaceful place to breathe and relax. Some may look for their favorite object or location to cherish the mem- ories they shared. People also hang out with their friends and 189

HIRAETH 190 loved ones. Recovering is not easy. It is a step-by-step healing process. Having a good environment where people always listen to you is also helpful in healing. Remember that sadness is always there to build up yourself. This will help you be more resilient in the problems you may face across the journey in your life. Life's road may not always be easy, but we must persevere and be optimistic. Life is the most valuable asset globally, and it must be protected in all of its forms and manifestations. Accepting the fact that their physical presence is already gone. Assuming that it has already happened and we have no power to return the time of their lives. Let all the heartaches be the source of strength. Have time to reflect and always remember that life must go on. You have to realize that life is complicated. Keep trying. There is always hope, even if in times melancholy. You can always find a way to improve things. Although sadness is a natural part of life, don't let it keep you from reaching your objectives. For various reasons, it is preferable to become self-sufficient and increase our ability to heal. Always remember that you have the strength to stand up and make yourself more resilient. Start a new chapter in your life. A new chapter that will lead you to the happiness you deserve. The satisfaction you already experience from the very start. “The most painful moments and memories eventually lead to the greatest strengths and growth in life”, Kemi Sogunle’s quoted. This is undoubtedly the most compelling argument to live life fully. -h-

meltdownjune martin del mundo 191

HIRAETH 192 a starrymenyniargdhcoltandiong the city

fiknrisaalnlnye mhenodomzae Love is fighting for the ones that you never wanted to lose. Fighting for those you've shared close ties to. And fighting for those who you spend your entire life with. But was it enough to make people stay? Was it worth fighting for still despite life's uncertainties and the need to free them? I was 17 when I experienced the most painful heartbreak in my life. And, if it was just a nightmare, then I would've asked somebody to slap me at that moment, just so I could wake up. But it wasn't. In reality, I felt numb to not absorbing things right. Maybe I wasn't prepared for it, or no one will ever be ready for an inevitable loss. In just a snap, home and life could be taken away. Sadly, my father's life was one, and I couldn't blame anybody. I've lost a father. I've lost an incomparable love. Sure, that it is the love that I will long for forever. For once, I questioned God why him. Do things 193

HIRAETH 194 happen for a reason? Or maybe he does not deserve to live his life, and he hasn't been a good man. But I won't doubt his existence. After all, he is indeed a good man with everything he has done. Many people he befriended could testify that he never failed to be a friend, a husband to my mother, and a father. I couldn't imagine how the lives of my family would be without him then. I know that I will be waking up and will no longer see him, I don't have to wait for him to come back home from work, and I will not be ending my day eating with him during dinner. Still, for sure, he will be with us anywhere, guiding and watching us over. Somehow, I remained stronger because I needed to; I had to. There were no days that I stopped thinking of him and begging God just so we could have him back. It was hard; until now, I would be lying if I said it's not. There's nothing else I could do but pray every day that he is at peace and happy. Yes, life is a bit unfair; sometimes, the good ones have to be the first ones to be snatched from us. People have to deal with grief and pure agony. Regardless, the only thing that remains in the line is acceptance before we come to an end, for us to heal and bounce back to the life that we forgot once. It might be too early for me to lose a father, but the universe had its timing. It is bound to happen. Perhaps, that's how life works- that's how God works. Eventually, we will be tired of fighting for the person now that they are gone. But is that enough reason to stop loving them?. Definite- ly not. The beautiful memories are engraved on our hearts still. We will be reminded of their faces, smiles, or voices. artwork by mike rhon vincent venerable

On the other hand, the circumstances that scar our hearts will haunt us every day and night. So, there's no way to escape from the world where they became part of it, mostly. This means we cannot remove the fact that they are also the ones who completed us. And that makes it harder to let go of the love- to let go of the one you love. It might break us entirely, but I guess the love must continue. It is a different kind of love because we are not only focused on them; instead, it will make us even closer to the ones we've bypassed while we are busy bumping into tricky roads, without realizing that life could be way too easy with these people. In the end, the presence of our loved ones is felt when we surround ourselves with those who brought solace on darker days. Yes, love is fighting for. Fighting for the odds to go away because you have already lost the ones you love. Fighting for a life that's been challenged just to triumph. And most importantly, fighting for the people, the people who stayed, lived and loved endlessly. My greatest heartbreak has taught me more than what a book could offer. No amount of pages could beat the number of times I cried over a loss. But, I was more than willing to endure the pain than close this chapter with regrets just because I did not take the proper healing process. Now, I am letting him go, not because I need to forget him but what's right is to set him free- \"And if paradise is where he will no longer feel the pain, but comfort and eternal happiness, then I guess now, he is finally home.\" -h- 195

HIRAETH 196

fun knowsshnieonnaagbaeldlesiamncihto 197

HIRAETH 198 tjorhnujeestefrrcaireinngadl People always wanted to have pets. Out of all the friendly animals that can be a pet, dogs always come on the first line to take care of. Dogs are considered man's best friend since they are maintained as domes- ticated animals. They are frequently devoted to one another and like being around people. What are the characteristics of dogs that lead them to become the most popular pet globally? Dogs bring security to their owners at all hours of the day and night, and they have different types of breeds. Common breeds known worldwide are Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. Based on the dog's physical characteristics, we can see that they have strong teeth that can tear off meat and crack bones. They have lovely eyes that always catch our attention whenever we interact with them. Body that is soft to embrace and legs to play with. Having a pet like a dog has many benefits for your social, physical, and mental health. Dogs can help reduce stress and depression. They can be your rant buddy because they are ready to listen to their owner. Dogs can benefit from physical factors, especially when a person has difficulties breathing due

to asthma. Why? They interact with them and run in open areas, allowing them to exercise their lungs and improve their aerobic fitness. Though dogs are said to live for about 10-15 years, they become memorable to their owners, like when the dog did something unforgettable. They can be a rescue dog or even a dog that seeks a bomb. They are beneficial to humans. To welcome his owner, he will rush out the door. He is willing to put himself in danger rather than see his master get hurt. Getting so much closure to your dog is like having a relationship with someone. All it asks for in return is the owner's love and care. The dogs are energetic and joyful pets. They are full of vitality and passion. Dogs can be adopted or can be bought. The advantage of buying a dog is it will develop beside you. You will see their growth from being a puppy turned into a mature dog. But buying a dog is very expensive. On the other hand, dogs can also be adopted. It might come from a loving and caring owner or an abusive one. It will most likely depict a dog's behavior due to its adaptation to its surroundings. Dogs can be vicious and will attack anyone because of their traumatic pasts. This describes the dog named Royal. Royal is a poodle that loves to play with his owner. He is cute as a toy. He loves to eat dog biscuits after running with his master. During his meal, he always wanted to have a cup of dog food mixed with vegetables and meat on his plate. Just like other dogs, he is very clingy. He is just like a stuffed toy for real with his brown eyes, heart- shaped brown nose, and brown curly fur. This dog is a stress reliev- er and always smiles on the faces surrounding him. This is how dogs are a real man's best friend. artwork by mike rhon vincent venerable 199

HIRAETH 200 jarmaobelflahmaonpe M any people say that life is beautiful. But life, for some, cannot be summed up with words or just one phrase. With various meanings, interpretations, and perspectives coming from different people, I can say that life is a long journey to live and survive. One thing that is integral in life is existence. In this world, we are not just existing because every one of us is doing our best to shape our future and figure out what we want. But life is not the same for everyone. Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but some used to look upon them while wishing to be in the same situation. In a world where there is no fair fortune for everyone to get an education, some who do not have proper shelter to stay with food placed on their plate are very challenging. In other terms, life is a mixture of laughter and tears. However, choices never present themselves in the easiest way. Because luck can take you only so far, the rest is entirely up to you. It is about the amount of effort you put into something, how you handle difficult situations, and your ability to learn from your mistakes.