See You in America

I remember when I was in high school, my friends and I used to talk about life in other countries especially in America. We found that place very interesting. We actually dreamed of going there someday.

That was our high school dream. A dream that seemed impossible due to limited financial resources, but we were hoping that this dream would come true. After all, life is full of surprises. We never know what’s in store for us. Who knows, one of these days, one of us will be there?

After high school graduation, my friends and I were discussing our future plans as to colleges or universities where we would pursue our studies. Some of us stayed here in Laguna while others went to Manila. Caryll and I enrolled at Letran-Calamba. I was about to take Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, but then I decided to take Accountancy, the course which Caryll and Anne took before I did. After the first semester, Anne shifted to Psychology but Caryll and I decided to finish the course. We remained classmates in college.

It was 1997 when she told me that she’ll soon leave for Chicago. I tried to convince her not to go there because she may find it difficult to adjust to a new environment and find new friends; but since she’s fluent in English, I’m sure she can easily communicate with the people there. But the real reason why I was convincing her not to go is that I never want to loose my BESTFRIEND. I have been her best and Dark Artist, and she has been my Great Wall. I wanted to stay that way. She has provided me a shoulder to lean on and she doesn’t hesitate to help me when I need it.

It has almost been a year since she and her family left. We managed to keep in touch through phone calls, letters and e-mails; our friendship remains despite great distance.

Now, I’m hoping to graduate this coming April, with a degree of BS Accountancy, I owe it all to her. In the midst of confusion, she enlightened me, pushed me up, encouraged, and supported me. I made it because of her. I promised her that I would finish this course. A few months from now, I’ll be able to tell her that I finally did.

I still have several units in my curriculum this year because I’m a working student. I decided to take another degree course to fill up my time and focus more on my studies. My batch mates had graduated last April 2001. Busy with their chosen career, I rarely see them. I feel lonely and alone.

It was the Colegio’s Foundation Day celebration. I went to the library and spent some of my time there while my friends and classmates were busy with their graduation practice. In the library I saw Kyle, a classmate in Filipino. I remember he used to receive special treatment from our professor because he’s an American citizen.

We developed a best friendship. We used to call each other as “kuya”, and we treated each other as such. We became best friends and shared many things in common, yet every time I remembered that he’s an American citizen, I can’t help but think that he would soon leave me… Again!

It’s difficult for us to part ways. We used to share happy moments together and that’s because of real friendship. In the end, we have to accept that nothing is permanent in this world. We may not see each other after graduation but we promised to keep the friendship in our hearts. I’m going to stay here and Kuya Kyle will soon live in California. Another good friend is about to leave me.

At present, I’m very busy with my college life, with my affiliations, and with my work. I have so many plans after graduation – take the board exam, be a CPA and work abroad particularly in America.

I am very lucky to have so many friends who form part of my dreams. Wherever I go, never did I forget that they are the best collections in my life, the best ART I’ve ever painted by reason of being real, true, and worthy to be treasured forever. If my dreams will soon come true, I just want to send a bagful of thanks for the support and pieces of advice they had given me.

Caryll and Kuya Kyle are just two of my best friends. I am happy here in the Philippines with my family and other friends. Time will come that we’ll soon see each other again. I have no doubt that someday; somehow, our roads will cross and meet again. Maybe not here in the Philippines. Who knows, by God’s grace, I may see them in America. (The Knight, 2002)