They say, you must dream high and fulfill your dreams when you can—then why does it feel illegal and selfish to picture a scene where I wear a uniform that resonates with my passion?
Growing up, they have always asked what profession I wanted to take—almost every kid gets the same question, and being the brave kid I was, I confidently and always answer, “I want to be a doctor someday!” Well, I suppose it’s a usual answer for a child that is expected to always excel, fly high, and aspire for the bigger picture because they say this profession grows money in your pocket.
That mindset captured my mentality for almost the entirety of my life—you must take a profession that will help you financially, because realistically, it is real—you will seek to find a job that pays you decently. My mindset is locked into it; I will work in the future to pay back what my parents sacrificed for me for the years I needed their financial support and provide me with all my essential needs in life—that’s one of the goals.
But in the process of studying basic education, it came to light that finding your purpose during this stage as early as possible will help you to shed a light to knowing yourself, to start burning the sleeping fire inside you—with it and through it, a confused and clouded mind settles.
Before, I was not aware of the word “passion” because of it, but unexpectedly I uncovered something that sparked a thing inside me, and in one snap of a finger, it changed my views and altered my brain. In an instant, I want to listen to what my heart is screaming—CHOOSE THAT PASSION OVER PRACTICALITY.
That little me who screams his dreams of being a doctor of physical health turns into a dream of understanding human behavior—psychology. It may sound easy at first, to just do what you want and follow the path you want, even if it costs you everything. In a country where government spending on mental health is at 0.22% of total health expenditures with a lack of health professionals working in the mental health sector.
You build a concrete road that follows your own path—life is not a race—it’s a mission you bag to the fullest.
Despite the challenges posed by choosing passion over practicality, I must continue; life must go on, not because I want to but because it’s the only choice laid in front of me. It may not be the dream I picture for myself, but it can guarantee enough to fill a stomach. Passion doesn’t end with a delay—it fuels a growing desire to keep going.
I may not walk the road to fulfill what my heart beats for, but I instill a virtue that time will always have its way to reveal YOU—what your genuine heart needs and what you seek to achieve in life.
A redirection is also a direction you must follow; you must go on.
Life doesn’t end when you entertain a short period of your life with a bit of sacrifice. Sacrifice for the future you hold dearly. Accepting redirection doesn’t always mean you give up to pursue finding a beat to a gray heart whose passion differs from the reality and present.
I’ve finally found that purpose, and it’s not the easiest thing to find.
Choosing practicality feeds a mouth—choosing passion feeds a heart. Building and living a life to love and enjoy will always be there for us to fulfill. It’s a matter of following YOU and nothing else.
If choosing practicality means surviving—I would choose to survive with the hands that lingers in me rather than to live with regret of not looking back to the hands that protected, guided, and loved me.
Written by Chalton Sean Ramos, Insight PH
Chalton Sean Ramos, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
