I can imagine it. All the Disney princesses– Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella, all of them, their eyes looking at me, examining me if I am fit to be part of their royal squad.
I sat appropriately, lifted my chin and mustered, “I am El Joy and I came from a humble family from a far away island.”
They looked at each other at the mention of my name which I took as a cue to speak further. “My name is a blending of my parents’ names- Eliseo and Josephine. More than that, I like to believe that my arrival brought joy to them.”
Belle smiled at me. Now I’m wondering if she’s in awe of my name or if she remembered the image of her beast in me. I laughed at the thought. Being the book nerd she was, she asked me how’s college going on for me.
I answered, “College is wonderful. I am currently on my fourth year as an Organizational Communication student in the University of the Philippines Manila.”
They shot me all with puzzled faces. Ariel even started to google the course unfamiliar to her. I added, “OrCom trains students to be competent in the communication field in an organizational setting. We create and maintain relationships through effective communication.”
Phew. This isn’t easy. I am all poised and too nervous.
The princesses stood up. Merida held up her bow and told me that they will be out for a while. I was relieved.
As soon as they left, I approached the mirror and redid my brows. I posed as if capturing a selfie then talked to my reflection.
“You can do this, El Joy! Woooh! When they get back you’ll tell them this:
Choosing OrCom was one of the best random decisions I’ve made in my life. Although I was also clueless about the course back then, I admit it, the mention of it was magical to me. I liked it. I realized how much I loved organization and communication.
However, it’s not only OrCom that makes every second magical, but also the moments I spend serving God through teaching children in the streets. I love these kids! I believe that teaching both helps them and helps me embrace the unknown and prepare for the unexpected. Kids are the easiest audience but the job is to make an impact in their hearts.
Like all of you, my princesses, music has a very special place in my heart. I realized after two years in college that my life felt dry without an avenue for singing. So, I set off to a thrilling adventure– to join the UP Manila Chorale. UPMC taught me a lot from singing to managing life altogether. It brought to reality all performances I once thought of as surreal. I was able to perform in a musical play and become part of a concert that took place in CCP. I then realized that as long as I want something, pursuing it is always the first step. I might succeed. I might fail. A lot of things can happen but the last thing I want to happen is to live with the regret of what could’ve been if only I have tried.
Now, as much as I want to be like you, Moana, who sailed across seas to save the world, I could only travel so much. But, Rapunzel, what happened to you happened to me. I got out of my tower as I joined Experience Philippines. After few months of being their intern, talking to roadtrippers and collecting local experiences, I am now their Experience Development Officer working alongside Mr. Giancarlo Gallegos, the founder. I’m in love with their vision of changing the way Filipinos travel.
“Happy Best.” Do it if it makes you happy and if it makes you happy give it your best. That’s what I always live by. I want to chase my dreams like you did, Ariel, even exchanging your tail for a pair of legs.”
The princesses entered the room. I stopped. I think they heard everything.
Snow White then walked toward me and held my hand, “You are already a princess on your own. Welcome to the squad.”
