While I was still studying, I was the type of student who excelled more outside the classroom—talk about extracurricular activities.
When I was in high school, I was active in various clubs, won a seat in the student council, was contributing writer for the school paper, part of the school’s usherette and joined various contests and even a beauty pageant once.
College was no different.
My friends even nicknamed my degree as BS Org or Bachelor of Science in Organization for I was juggling five organizations all at once and not to mention that I was part of the council in my dormitory, too.
I thought I was weird or different because I easily get bored during class discussions.
Also, I used to have this itch to go outside most especially during Math or Science classes.
It was a good thing that I have managed to overcome that for I believe that in order to effectively learn, one must sit down, listen, make notes and absorb everything.
I have also realized that I am not alone in dealing with this battle.
As they say, there are different kinds of intelligence and you cannot tell if a person is smart or not by simply basing it on his/her performance in school.
A boy may have poor grades but he is amazing in sports or music.
A girl may be average in school but she can cook mouth-watering dishes or pen down inspiring articles.
I never considered myself as someone who is superbly intelligent or a genius.
But someone who is street smart and sensible?
Definitely.
Anyway, even if I was swamped with extracurricular activites, I was able to graduate from high school, got my Tourism degree and am now training for the biggest and grandest 6-star integrated resort in the country.
During the second day of our training, our managers came up with an amazing activity.
A piece of paper was taped at each of our backs and all of us must write the best adjective that we think best describes the person who owns the paper taped to his/her back.
At first, everyone seemed awkward and lost.
It’s just the second day of training and we hardly know each other.
So when all the 30 of us have finished writing at each other’s backs, we snatched the papers from our backs and hurriedly scanned among the adjectives.
To my horror, someone wrote that I’m shy and serious!
My golly, right then and there, I wanted to laugh so hard that I end up rolling on the floor.
Of course I didn’t do that for fear that they might write weird or psycho instead.
But you know what’s the most awesome part is?
That is apart from being witty, confident, friendly, having a smiling face, helpful, etc. is the fact that around 7 of my co-trainees think I’m SMART!
Someone even wrote INTELLIGENT.
Wow.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that among the adjectives listed from which we have to choose from, being smart counts the most for me.
I’d rather be a woman who knows what she wants and runs after them than someone who is contented of what the present can offer.
I’d rather be independent and driven than someone whose source of happiness and inspiration comes from outside of her.
I’d rather be someone who can see things through and choose the best option than concede to the wants of the majority.
I’d rather be known as someone who makes sense and not just a pretty face.
Because for me, being called dumb would be one of the greatest tragedies.
For one, I consider myself smart for going outside my comfort zone.
At age 16, I went away to the city to study because I really wanted to pursue the desires of my heart and not be stuck in the province and take up Nursing which was selling like hot pancakes back then.
For 7 years now, I have lived all by myself and although I got hurt, bullied and annoyed by the harsh realities of the city life, by the grace of God, here I am, still standing.
I am now laying down stepping stones toward my big dreams–this I’m afraid I won’t be able to do if I stayed in my sleepy, cozy and comfortable town.
I consider myself smart for saying “No” to the wrong guys.
I find it amazing that people’s eyes would pop whenever I tell them that I’m single.
And their jaws would drop…wait for it…when I tell them that I never had a boyfriend.
Man, you should have seen their faces!
Yes, a city girl who never smoked, never went on a drinking spree, never tried drugs, never got pregnant and chose to remain single.
Oh, believe me when there were instances when I was tempted to say “Yes” to a suitor because he is so good-looking, he seems nice and sweet and he is godly…maybe.
But I thank God that He has been saving me from further heartaches.
Every time I pray and discern about a particular guy, God’s guidance never fails.
I thank Him that He grants me the grace to say “No” to Mr. Alright-For-Now and wait patiently instead for Mr. Right-Forever.
Right now, I have a lot of time on my hands to do the things that make me feel happy and fulfilled.
I am enjoying a clear conscience, inner peace and confidence of a modest woman.
I am smart for believing in myself and choosing the best dream team.
At this age, I came to a realization that the farther you go in running after your dreams, the more people will be there to put you down.
There will be bullies who don’t want you to soar because it would make them pale in comparison.
Good thing God gave me the sense to choose the right set of friends—my dream team.
They have been my cheerleaders, supporters, raving fans and would listen intently whenever I tell them about who I want to be and the things that I want to accomplish.
They don’t laugh at or mock me but instead, look me in the eyes and tell me that with God, nothing is impossible.
I am smart for choosing to follow Jesus all the way.
He has been my superhero, the lover of my soul and the most profound definition of love.
Surrendering my life to Him was the smartest decision that I ever made.
I have never been this happy, at peace, contented and loved.
Words are not enough to describe how powerful and intoxicating His love can be.
Oh, I can go on and on about the smart decisions that I have made but at the end of the day, it is through His grace and guidance that I have made it this far.
His wisdom is for all of us 24/7.
It’s free, readily available (bible, holy mass, mentors) and easily accessed (prayer).
It’s just sad that not everyone avail of this wonderful free gift.
So come on!
Be smart.
It’s yours for the taking.
Iola Refendor 