As the title of this blog post goes, I am going to talk about how blessed I am during the recent events that happened to me. And I know that I haven't been as active here as I planned. However, this blog still has a special place in my heart and I want this to be sentimental to me.

So.... let's start off.


My last blog post was on November 12th. I can't seem to forget that moment because that day gave me hope, happiness, and self confidence. Well, on that day, the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) . I have mentioned in my Blogger profile that I have been joining that competition (and winning) for the past 3 years in the elementary category. But this year, I have been chosen to represent my school in the same area, which is science writing, but in the HIGH SCHOOL category. I was so nervous because I am still a grade 7 student and I competed against students from higher years. Thus, when I entered the contest room, my self-esteem immediately went down because I was intimidated by the other contestants, who were so tall and they looked like they were geniuses and confident to win the writing competition. With their height, it is so obvious that they are older and more mature than me.

I became really sad. Then, I asked myself these questions, "What if I lose? What if my world ends? What if everyone from school wins, but me?"

Yes. I became pessimistic. But, I just kept this quote from Harry Potter, "What is life without a risk?" And it came to my mind that the biggest prize that I can take is the experience that I'll make.

I took the risk. I competed. Of course, I also prayed to God and asked for His guidance. I told Him that I respect Him. I told Him that whatever award I'll get, I'll offer it to Him for He does things for my sake and for my betterment. I ALWAYS trust Him.

Then the results were in. They already called the 7th placer, and I haven't heard my name. They called the 3rd placer, which will compete in the regionals, and my name still wasn't called. At that time, I knew that my co-writers and school paper adviser already lost their hope that I'll win. Even I, myself, lost hope. I was already praying to God, thanking Him for the wonderful opportunity that He has given me.

I wasn't listening to the results anymore when suddenly, the announcer said, "First place..... from NDDU-IBED Lagao..... Mariela Anya Soriño."

WOW. JUST WOW.  I never expected to win.

Two weeks after the DSPC, I competed in Koronadal City for the Regional Schools Press Conference. However, this time, I did not win. Although, I personally know the winner since she was one of my colleagues when I attended the regional training for the national qualifiers (NSPC qualifiers) for the past two years, with me in the elementary category and she in the high school category. And I know that she is a good writer who has potential,  chances in winning, and can give pride to our region during the nationals.

Opportunities like this do not come easily. You have to work hard for it. And of course, ask for God's guidance. Maybe, I did not win the regionals because it is still not my time. He has plans for me and I'll win in His perfect time. I can still join next time. Actually, I can still join three more times because remember, I am still in the 7th grade.

Even if I did not win this time, my efforts were not wasted because my faith became  stronger. I also made several memories. As what I've said earlier, "the biggest prize that I can take is the experience that I'll make."