I almost didn't notice the brief disturbing chills that ran up my spine while skimming through my high school batchmates' Friendster profiles.Was it nostalgia? It was indeed a long time ago. I suddenly recalled our graduation ceremony, complete with tears and hugs, almost five years ago. Just thinking about it made me shiver. 
There were those who clearly stood the test of time and continued to look as if high school hadn't passed. Some undeniably evolved judging by the changes in wardrobe and yes, the mature expressions etched on their faces. Back in high school, I dreaded my twenty something years, a time I once thought was old and scary.
I drew a picture of a high school version of myself, always caught in a web of fantasies, always talking of owning business empires rivaling that of Gokongwei's or Henry Sy's. I dreamed of owning magnificent mansions and fancy hotels, of founding lavish hotels and chic department stores. Such visions propelled my 16-year-old enthusiasm and made looking forward to sitting in plush leather chairs a breeze.
Year passed and my day dreaming surely went on. But then, I started trading my girlie uniforms for real life wardrobe and learned to plan. My visions transformed into a definite, realistic blueprint and my talks became serious discussions of attainable goals, and the castles I now tried to build are of rock - pure, solid, and measurable.
College changed me in ways unimaginable to my high school batchmates but justifiable to my family (hmm, if they knew better). I learned to swallow the big ego that I harbored for so long and accepted that anybody - young or old - could always beat me at my own game anytime. I was humbled, if not intimidated, and realized that people don't give a damn about my angst and personal issues. I could curse the world for giving me shit but the people around me, even those I call my friends, won't always be there to save me.
As some of my batchmates work their way to the top management of several companies, I remain hopeful for my anticipated graduation, praying that I pass the remaining 18 units with flying colors, or at least, just pass. Rubby's already a CPA and Joe's job in Arizona seems to be stable, Cheryl's adjusting well in Florida while Glim and Matt are making ends meet in Cebu. The rest are probably in Manila, Davao, and wherever God placed them, taking whatever board exams they're preparing for, reaping the benefits of their first jobs, or simply enjoying the company of their new families.
How I happened to click on my high school friends' profiles was nothing short of a puzzle but I'm glad I did it anyway.
Year passed and my day dreaming surely went on. But then, I started trading my girlie uniforms for real life wardrobe and learned to plan. My visions transformed into a definite, realistic blueprint and my talks became serious discussions of attainable goals, and the castles I now tried to build are of rock - pure, solid, and measurable.
College changed me in ways unimaginable to my high school batchmates but justifiable to my family (hmm, if they knew better). I learned to swallow the big ego that I harbored for so long and accepted that anybody - young or old - could always beat me at my own game anytime. I was humbled, if not intimidated, and realized that people don't give a damn about my angst and personal issues. I could curse the world for giving me shit but the people around me, even those I call my friends, won't always be there to save me.
As some of my batchmates work their way to the top management of several companies, I remain hopeful for my anticipated graduation, praying that I pass the remaining 18 units with flying colors, or at least, just pass. Rubby's already a CPA and Joe's job in Arizona seems to be stable, Cheryl's adjusting well in Florida while Glim and Matt are making ends meet in Cebu. The rest are probably in Manila, Davao, and wherever God placed them, taking whatever board exams they're preparing for, reaping the benefits of their first jobs, or simply enjoying the company of their new families.
How I happened to click on my high school friends' profiles was nothing short of a puzzle but I'm glad I did it anyway.
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