Nowadays, I'm satisfied with the way my life is going on. I am happy that I am able to atleast go back with my "normal" way of living.
Since August started, I became busy with my practices for the Korean Speech Competition, the events of UP Arirang, and of course, my studies. After class, instead of heading for the language center, I would go to the Korean-Filipino Cultural Foundation in Makati in order to practice my speech. I tell you, it wasn't 100 percent fun. There are days when I would go home feeling like I'm a big crap. I felt that I don't have talent for such speech competitions mainly because of the fact that I practice together with a yopung Korean girl who was said to be a "master" of such craft. Oftentimes, I felt that we are being compared...But later on, I've came to my senses and realized that I shouldn't feel that way. I have accepted the fact that I'm not really a professional public speaker and that Korean is still a foreign language to me...So I started to have fun and enjoy the fact that I'm giving a lot of efforts for something which I am interested at. I adapted to the way our couach wanted us to deliver our speech, with intense emotions,a loud voice, and gestures...It was difficult but I've realized that if that's the traditional and "proper" way of doing it..what the heck? I should disregard the fact that I'm having sore throats, colds, and cough and just do what the coach is saying!! I actually wanted to thank my coach because he was able to teach us in a way that we weren't really that boring during our speeches. We all spoke or shouted with audible voices, and sometimes we seem to be angry...but it's really the way other native Koreans (from other categories)delivered their speeches too..
I was not able to get the grand prize.. Of course...since all the grand prizes went to Koreans...hehehe
But it was really a learning experience for me...
I've learned to trust God and to trust myself.
I had a traum,atic experience during the dinner party when I've met all the other foreign contestants..Oh! They spoke Korean very well..and I think their level is much more advanced compared to mine...I was almost teary-eyed thinking that I'll be a shame to our country...I wanted the dinner to end and just crawl in bed and cry...
I send a text message to my Korean prof and told her about how I feel..Thank God that I was able to resolve how I feel and gain the confidence to deliver my speech infront of the crowd.
I was not even nervous while I was delivering my speech..I enjoyed..it was surprising that I wasn't shaking.
I'll never regret joining this competition...It was a good opportunity for me to meet a lot of people who share the same interests for Korean culture.
I've realized various things about myself..Now, I'm pretty much sure that I ought to study the Korean language after finishing my undergrad in UP..I will be happier if I'll do that instead of just study law..
I'm happy and fulfilled.
I want to do a lot of things and I know that I can do it as long as I give myself the chance... I won't be scared...I promise!

happy happy day

I'm happy right now...a lot of new things have happened in my life....the speech contest was such a learning experience....
now, im trying to enjoy life and balance my responsibilities as a student, as UP arirang's president and as a tutor.
i'm so fulfilled..

Hanbok