Starfish Thrower

Man will be graced by different events and experiences in his lifetime. Some happen because Heaven willed them to happen. Others are those that come to us by reason of our hard and passionate efforts. Then there are those events and experiences that occur because of both faith and action. These define us, moments that capture who we really are.

One such defining moment, event or experience that I had is being part of the 14th Ayala Young Leaders Congress, the country’s most prestigious youth development program, a covenant of responsibility and servant leadership, a family of dedicated and passionate young leaders.

Truth be told, I found it quite a dilemma, articulating what the congress was for me. It's not that there was nothing to share, but it's precisely because much is to be said of it. Given the profound feelings I had for those four fateful days of reflection and transformation, it is no easy task to write an essay, or a piece narrating those special moments I had. 

I remember how after submitting my application online, I wrote on a green sticky paper the words, "I WILL BE ONE OF THE 14TH AYLC 81 DELEGATES", and posted it on my cabinet. I remember how since then, I woke everyday uttering those words and doing the same every night before I slept.  I remember how I continued that when I learned that I was to be interviewed at Makati, and of course, even after the interview. The same words, the same paper.

I remember how one day, I woke from a bad dream, a dream that almost tore my heart apart, a dream about how I failed an interview, a dream how I failed to be part of AYLC 2012 batch. I remember that very day, when I received a text message telling me to go our Office of Student Affairs and Financial Aid. I remember how our OSAFA director showed me the fax containing the names of those who made it to the congress. I remember how I saw my name, and how I ran and jumped, laughed and smiled.

I remember how one day, I found myself saying, "I AM ONE OF THE 14TH AYLC 81 DELEGATES".

I remember forgetting the tiredness I felt after a long drive from Angeles, upon seeing the towering structures that dominated the Makati skyline. I remember how excitedly we, Cheska and I, rushed to the meeting place and saw TatayMonch, Ate Ika, Ate Lis and the other members of the AYLC family. I remember seeing and greetings other delegates, delegates who were still waiting for the AYLC alumni who generously volunteered to be our hosts, alumni who in a sense, would adopt us for the day.

I remember smiling after seeing the previous batch dancing and waving us hello. I remember how I went to find my room and see all these wonderful gifts waiting for me. I remember how I immediately took the jacket and tried it on, how I felt a certain sense of joy and pride, of worth and achievement.

I remember how I woke up every morning enjoying the greetings of the cool winds, the freshness of the air, and the warmth of the sun. I remember how I would wake hearing different voices and sounds, and yet enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility.

I rememberwalking to the dining area, and seeing the tables beautifully prepared, how we would flock to the buffet table and wait in line for us to taste the sumptuous meals prepared. I remember how we were greeted and invited by friendly and warm executives, heads of the country's premier conglomerate, and just have that rare opportunity to talk basically about anything that the light touches.

I remember how some of us, me included, would try to set their sights on that special someone/s, and luckily find them doing the same to us.

I remember how I would sit in awe as I hear the stories of our speakers, how I would listen to the thoughts and opinions of 79 of the country's best and most promising youth leaders. I remember how I found similaritieswith the opinions and perspectives they shared, and how I learned to respect and appreciate the uniqueness of the differences we had.

I remember those four days clearly. I remember those four days affectionately. I remember those four days passionately. And now, as the veils of reality are again raised, I find myself dumfounded as I recall one of the greatest and most significant chapters in my life. A defining moment which allowed to me to rediscover that flare for service and renew that passion for servant leadership. An opportunity to learn and share insights with like-minded individuals and forge bonds which will last for a lifetime.

Words are not and will never be enough to encapsulate the extraordinary experience the 14th Ayala Young Leaders gave me. But I do hope that through these words I've so sincerely crafted, one may have a sense of how I truly feel. I am Abriam Josh D. Esteban, a dreamer, a champion of the Filipino people, a starfish thrower.