The joys of getting published again on PDI's Youngblood! =)

The number of Likes, Shares, Retweets, and Recommendations were very overwhelming! Thank you to all of the readers of Youngblood for sharing this very important piece of my life's journey. Thank you for the wonderful compliments as well! ♥


‘Quarter-life’ musings
9:33 pm | Friday, October 21st, 2011

When I was much younger—yes, in my teenage years—I was convinced I was meant to do great things before I reached the age of 21. I planned everything according to my desires and dreams. I already had a clear vision of what I wanted to be. In high school, I saw myself going into my dream university and finishing my dream course and graduating at the sweet age of 21. I didn’t expect things to turn out differently, and I didn’t see the need to have back-up plans. But time has this funny way of derailing well-laid plans, and I found myself heading toward a different direction.

I wanted to take “the road less traveled,” but the road I found myself in turned out to be more difficult than I had imagined. Every time a plan went amiss, I’d get frustrated, more so at the thought that I was growing older with no real, big achievement yet.

I wanted most of all to go to UST for my college (my dad being an alumnus of that school) and take Interior Design. But much to my dismay, I failed the entrance exam. It was far more painful than my failure to hurdle the entrance exam in another university. Yes, I also did not pass in Ateneo, and even if I did, I would have regretted taking Economics since I never really liked the subject.

From those mishits, I came face to face with the painful reality that dreams are harder to achieve than to imagine. But then I got something that I didn’t really expect or think about much: I took a late entrance exam at Assumption and passed, getting a slot in the Interior Design course. Actually, I had another choice, enrolling in a computer school, but Assumption looked more attractive.

However, after a year and a half, Assumption’s tuition fee had become too stiff for the family, and I didn’t want to burden my Kuya with my schooling. And so I decided to apply for a slot in the Clothing Technology program of UP Diliman. Out of the 20 applicants in the summer of 2003, I was fortunate enough to get one of the five slots. I was then 20 years old. Yes, 20, with only one more year to hit my target of graduating at 21. But I was no genius, and I was still unsure as to what I really wanted to do. So another target was about to be surely missed, another “mission” had become impossible.

Yes, at 20, I was again a freshman. With most of batchmates just 16 years old, I felt old, but I persevered. After four-and-a-half years, I graduated. Yes, at age 24, and three years behind schedule. But I was grateful because finally I had a degree—from the country’s premier state university at that. God truly works in mysterious ways.

I was offered employment right after my first job interview. But I was choosy and I didn’t seize the opportunity. I was later employed by a fashion company. I moved to another one later. But after two years in the industry, I became convinced that fashion is not my passion. So I resigned.

In those two years, I went into making fashion accessories on the side, and made a small extra income. But that venture eventually became just a hobby to which I turned for occasional diversion. I also got into video production, working for my cousin. He got me to write scripts, to work as his personal assistant—as a video transcriptionist, as a wardrobe stylist, and as a marketing officer for his 2010 indie film. Projects here were not a regular source of income, but I was grateful whenever there was some work for me. But I knew the film industry wasn’t for me.

At age 26, I decided to venture into online freelance writing. In this present job, my hours are flexible, and I work from home. I also enjoy writing about a variety of interesting topics, and I am satisfied with the pay, which is comparable to the salary I was receiving from the company I last worked with as a regular. And this I earn for writing 15 hours a week, 60 hours a month, as against the 45 hours of work—or 180 hours a month!—in my last employment. But still, I don’t feel secure in my job. I know this is not a stable arrangement at all, and “What if ‘my boss’ decides to end the ‘project’?” is a question that constantly haunts me. I know that if that happens, that would mean goodbye to my weekly income! Still I’m thankful for the present, and I tell myself not to worry too much as to what the future will bring. So what I do is save every peso that I can spare.

I have come to realize that I really love writing, and I believe I would feel comfortable to have this as a full-time career. But I also enjoy event-organizing for my family and friends, so I’m considering going into this business. But then I love traveling as well, and I have applied with several airlines to be a flight attendant (FA). For now, I’m focusing on my writing, and on those FA applications. I’m sure God will be with me and guide me to where I will fit best.

Where I am right now, doing what I am doing, was never a part of my plans. But God has led me through interesting paths. I just have to continue trusting in Him, as He’s sure to spring on me a lot more pleasant surprises than I can ever hope for.

At this point in my life, I have come to realize that age is just a number. But as you age, you grow wiser. Age may become at times a hindrance in an endeavor, like finding a job. But one should never be disheartened. Remember that God has bestowed on you many gifts. You just have to keep learning about yourself to be able to know what you’re really good at. From there, you will succeed.

Mylene Flores, 27, is a freelance writer. She also owns a travel blog that talks about cheap travels.


Explore & Be Free!
Mai

P.S. The actual posting of the article can be viewed through this link. =)

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95 comments

  1. Hi Mai, I'm wondering if you would also like this verse: (I'm sure you do.) 
    Jeremiah 29:11
    "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Keep the faith burning Mai. God bless.

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  2. Wow! I'm so proud of you to have been published in Youngblood, it was actually one of my dreams when I was younger, but I never really submitted my story, hehehehe!

    Just keep on doing what you love to do. Sooner or later, you will find yourself in the perfect spot made specially for you. =)

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  3.  Pangarap ko dati mapublish sa Youngblood ... galing mo naman. Inggit ako. Congrats on that achievement. It truly is one.

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  4.  Loved your INQ entry. I can very well relate to your story as we are in the same boat, only that I don't travel. Indeed, freelancing at home can be exhausting even with the good pay, but like you I've also been processing my papers for working somewhere else. Goodluck to your FA endeavor. Bloggers who can express their sentiments to the world should do well wherever they may be.

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  5. I envy you because you really do have the talent of writing.... :/

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  6. Congratulations on your piece, very heartfelt. ;)

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  7. God has a plan on each and every one on us. If God leads you in what you are doing right now because that God wants you to go in that direction. So let's be thankful to HIM because God has plan on us.

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  8. YES! It was all part of the great plan God has designed for you!!!! Kudos!!! - published writer ka na!!! galing!!!

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  9. Self-surrendering to GOD is really the key to success. What we are planning for ourselves worth nothing without His permission. 

    Congrats! Allow me to leave this:Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my GOD; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

    GOD bless you forever.

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  10. congratulations!
    young as you are and as talented, you deserve such honor.
    just keep on dreaming and pursuing them at the same time.

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  11. Wow. This is a milestone. I have always dreamed of having my work published in National dailies but I gues it will just remain a dream. Good job in here. 

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  12. aw, i would want my daughter to read this post. your journey towards realizing your goal is beyond amazing.
    I get frustrated because she didn't made it this year's graduation at UPB. She's 19, she left early this morning to trek a mountain off nueva vizcaya in preparation for her thesis.
    keep dreaming your dreams, girl :)

    http://www.clarizzatomacruz.com

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  13. yay! congrats te mai for this published article at PDI! :) this was once one of my dreams before, na makapagpublish, but my mom disagreed. ;) pero OK lng din..hehehe..


    anyway, you're very true..dreams are really hard to achieve than what we think of.. ;( and up until now i still having hard time achieving my most 'ambitious' dream..ahhihihI!! at least sa yo, you still made it kahit you weren't able to hit it dun sa kumbaga 'ultimatum' mo na age..lol.. ;)

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  14. travelona ShoestringMarch 28, 2012 at 5:44 PM

     Excelsior! You deserved the honor Miss Mai

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  15. With all those experiences your resume' will be a long one. Rich. Keep on dreaming.

    P.S. I didn't know UP had no age restriction. Glad to know they don't.

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  16. very informative, keep it coming!

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  17. congrats sis! its actually nice to see someone so passionate like you.
    and I agree, as you age, you become wiser.

    again, congrats <3

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  18. You've traveled so much, in life and in many countries. Take the lessons well and use them! 

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  19. congratulations. i also want to get published but i'm not a good writer.  

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  20. wow.... so happy for you on this one... congrats!!! cheers to that!!!

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  21. Thanks Robi! =) That helps a lot...

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  22. Thanks Swexie! I'm sure of it.. and it's never too late to send your story. This is actually my 2nd published youngblood piece. =)

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  23. Thanks Kathy! It's never too late to send your story. =)

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  24. Awwww.. I appreciate your thoughts Itin. =) Thank you for sharing a piece of your life story with me. =)

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  25. Salamat po! =)

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  26. I agree, Noel. Thank you for reading my Youngblood entry! =)

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  27. Hehehe.. Thank You Gemma! =)

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  28. Maraming Salamat Dong! I appreciate the kind words and verses. =)

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  29. Will do, Marri! You're also an inspiration. =)

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  30. Why not try this time? NOthing to lose naman, Enzo.. =)

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  31. Hello po! I think the best way one can live one's life is by experiencing those several bumps on the road on our own; and coping well through these along the way. I can attest to this. I've had so many rejections for the past years, but have had a good balance of opportunities. I'm sure your daughter is hardworking. Soon enough, she will fulfill her dreams as well, in God's time.

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  32. hahaha! ate mai talaga noh, Gagay? I shouldn't have posted my age! Lol! And why not write now? Galing mo kaya magsulat. And try mo lang.. malay mo mas maging proud pa mom mo once you get published. =) And hindi naman ambitious dream ang dream mo kasi I'm sure you will pass it with flying colors! Chicken na lang yan for you. =)

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  33. Salamat Cha! =)

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  34. Hey Hazel, may age restriction din ata sila. Di ko lang maalala til what age. Ang grabe naman, I was still at a young age when I applied sa UPD. =)

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  35. Thanks Ms. Airra! =) Good luck pala sa new job sa Myx. =)

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  36. Thank you Chan! =) I will, promise. =)

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  37. Hey RC, you think so? Why not try. I mean, PDI has good editors. Believe it or not, my original article  was like EDITED! I was just surprised when I read it na sa newspaper, medyo may words na nawawala, pero pinaganda naman nila yung content ko. =) Try ka lang... =)

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  38. Maraming Salamat AXL! =)

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  39. WoW!! Galing..  Congrats Mai.. sana mg guest post ka sa blog ko :P

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  40. Uy! Why not? It would be an honor. =) Travel related pa din ba? =)

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  41. Galing galing!! Congrats on this. ;)

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  42. Thank You Trisha! =)

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  43. Congrats! keep it up! hope you will be one of the regular contributors of PDI :)

    http://legazpifabmoda.blogspot.com

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  44. congrats! I hope I can achieve something like that next time too!

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  45. wow galing congrats... sana tuloy tuloy na yan :) 

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  46. You will Stacy! TsinoyFoodies is already an achievement on its own. I'm learning a lot from your blog when it comes to food destinations. =)

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  47. Hello po! Minsanan lang tong writing gig for PDI, pero salamat po sa compliment! =)

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  48. Wow thank you for the heart warming words.  You're so humble! =D

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  49. Congratulations Mai! You deserve such opportunity and I am hoping that you will see more permanency in this field if you so desire.

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  50. It's been quite a journey and glad you persevered and eventually found your niche. I did want to write for Youngblood when I was a student but never found the right topic for it. When I was in my 20s, I was busy establishing myself in working in 24/7 job as an auditor and eventually as a grad student. By the time, I remembered that goal i was above 29 and no longer a young blood by the columns definition. I'm still glad though that I rediscovered my love for writing and being able to write for my blogs and for magazines now.

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  51. BOW! What a story you have there. I like it, especially what you have said there about age: "AGE IS JUST A NUMBER",you are truly right. Way to go girl...and always asks GOD guidance and every path you're going.

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  52. Congrats! Ang galing mo naman! I have yet to submit an article.

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  53. A very inspiring story. Ang galing mo, you sustain your will power. go,go,go, girl and aim high.

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  54. Amazing and congratulations as well. You should continue sharing your thoughts and inspire young Filipinos like you to write as well. Gambate!

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  55. Congratulations! Bigatin ka na tlg. twice to be featured, that's somethning. Keep it up!

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  56. I am looking forward to read more of your stories on PDI! Malay mo kunin ka nilang contributor in the future rin :D

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  57. well, congratulations my friend :) keep up the good work :)

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  58. This is really inspiring... taking those journeys and finding what you really want in life, accepting missions that didn't happen as planned or facing the reality that we will break our hearts sometimes - then moving on and finding out how things turned out for the best and realizing how the pieces just fit. :)

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  59. Thank you, Ms. Tess! :)

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  60. Youngblood may only be a step.. But know that you've gone way farther. I actually dream of contributing for more magazines.. so I'm glad that you've been having that opportunity.. as I really aspire for more of those chances, Franc! :)

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  61. Thanks Pal Raine! :)

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  62. Thanks Sir Donald! :)

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  63. I really hope that I've touched and inspired at least one person. In that way, I will be able to say that I was able to help out someone who was or is still experiencing life's trials. :)

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  64. Hehe.. thanks sis! :)

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  65. Hehehe.. ok na po PDI.. mas gusto actually magsulat for Travel Magazines. Although I really thank Youngblood for giving me an opportunity to share a bit of my life's journeys. :)

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  66. Exactly! I didn't know that I could shift from being a fashion design graduate to a freelance writer now. The irony of ironies is much too sweet.. I only thank God for these 'blessings in disguise'. =)

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  67. I'm sure we'll get more chances Mylene. By the way, this was the first time I knew that your complete name is Mylene.

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  68. I used to envy you with your travel stories and logs, but I envy you most with this opportunity. When I was in college, I've been sending entry to PDI for young blood, but no joy. I guess I will try again.

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  69. very inspiring.I got to know more of you, you and all the hardship you have been through. Finding our purpose in life is all we need and follow your dreams. Nalungkot naman ako sa post mo ,affected bigla, like you my family was into the financial situation,7 kaming magkakapatid and my father was an ordinary laborer only , but through hardworks and determination, my family back home(siblings and parents) owns a family business and life better.

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  70. Your story is really inspirational. Is PDI's Youngblood something to be read online only?

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  71. Thank you for your heartwarming response, Ms. Tess.. =) Actually po, it was my own view of things.. my Kuya, generous and hardworking as he is, he had the means to pay for my continuous education in Assumption. But it was really just me who decided to change schools.. Other than the fact na sobra po akong namamahalan sa tuition at school supplies dati, I didn't want to burden my Kuya for it na..I decided to try for my 2nd dream school, UP Diliman. Fortunately, natanggap po ako. Feeling ko po mas napagaan ko lang yung finances ng kuya ko kasi from a P40k+ tuition (minus school supplies), P7k/sem na lang po binabayaran ko noon sa UP. Not only were we saving a lot of money, I was getting more quality in my education. Kaya sobrang thankful din po ako sa generosity and understanding ng Kuya at pamilya ko.. :)

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  72. Hey Shirgie! Wag ka mainggit.. try and try lang! :) Wala naman mawawala. :) Sinuwerte lang din cguro ako sa twice kong pagpasa ng articles sa kanila. :)

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  73. Thanks Sir Mark! And hindi lang po online.. the articles get published din po sa actual newspaper.. tapos sabay din pinoPost online. :)

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  74. I envy you for being focused on your dreams at such a young age. As for me, I didn't have one and just let life take me where ever it leads me. Regrets? hmm... maybe yes, maybe no. I really don't know. Haha! And now as a mom, I hope I could lead my kids and encourage them to dream big!

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  75. Maybe your life long dream was to actually be a mom? But you never felt it yet until you were lead to that path. :)

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  76. Hahaha.. I rarely use my real name.. it sounds so formal! Lol!

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  77. You have a long way to go Mai. You have a lot to experience by your travels and you have so much more to learn about LIFE and how will you live it to the fullest not by your own happiness but by sharing yourself to the world that will embrace your kindness.

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  78. "Remember that God has bestowed on you many gifts" - My favorite line in your publication! All too often, a lot of us forget this (myself included, and plenty of times) and experience moments of low self-esteem or unfairly compare ourselves to others whom we see as "more successful". This is a cool reminder to us, your readers, to always remember that we have been beautifully made. God didn't make us to be average!

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  79. "God didn't make us to be average!" This would have to be my fave line from your comment, Jason. :) I really appreciate you sharing your sentiment with me and everyone else. :)

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  80. Yes, Ms. Marri.. I know that I have a long way to go.. I do hope God gives me plenty of time to learn more about the life that he has bestowed upon me. :)

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  81. follow your heart, that's where your happiness will be. good luck in whatever endeavor you will take.Yahweh bless.

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  82. THank you Sir Ralph! :)

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  83. it is never to late to start something..all it takes is faith, trust and courage. Stay positive!

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  84. Thank you for the positive words, Ms. Maritel. :)

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  85. I just realized I should just wait another lifetime to be able to write for High blood.

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  86. Wow! Congratulations on this article :) I have no courage no submit my posts even in local newspapers! Lol The Budget Biyahera deserves an applause from all of us!

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  87. This may have been published years ago but my congratulations are in order. And to say, this is something that i can relate too! Last November 2012, I resigned as a project manager and decided to to stay home, blog and help my parents. And months at a time now, im starting to believe what other people thought about the decision i made. But in life, there are decisions that has to be made and if it doesn't come out great, living the consequences and learning from it is the best way to go. And i agree, God has bestowed on us so many gifts and talents. And all we have to do is to discover it on our own. :) PS. Your PDI article is very inspiring.

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  88. Congrats on your achievement. You are on a roll Mai! Great!

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  89. congrats on your achievement.. all of your time effort etc are not wasted..

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  90. Congratulations :) Keep it up because you deserve all the appreciation that you've been getting.

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  91. Age is not a barrier to reach for your goal anak. Just keep the faith and have confidence on your abilities. Congrats nga pala at na-feature ka ulit. Ako kaya kailan? LOL

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  92. Congrats for this achievement ate Mai! ;) I had a similar story as yours. I guess nobody really grows up the way they planned to. ;)

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