I once became so passionate and focused on a certain goal way back in college, when I was given a chance to be the team captain of our Mechanical Engineering student quizzers in joining inter-university contests. Those days are still clear in my mind: when I choose self-review rather than playing games and having fun with friends; studying even during summer vacations; finding vacant rooms or going to the library during class breaks; getting up early and staying up late without watching TV and taking any food. Thank GOD, I was able lead my team to national championship even without formal coaching from my instructors.
Another good thing is, I was able to utilize those things I learned in contests for my studies, so I didn't had a hard time for my major subjects and even during my review sessions for the professional licensure examinations. I realized that I love what I did, and achieved what I REALLY wanted. Actually, I just aimed for the cash prize of PhP5,000 in the national level. A small sum, but that was all the motivation I needed, aside from the thrill I feel in testing my knowledge under time pressure.
With all honesty, I didn't know what course to take in college. Because engineering is the best course available in the university near our residence, I made a deduction on what particular engineering field to pursue. Anyway, I love science and math subjects. So I ended up in Mechanical Engineering, and graduated with flying colors, all with the help of GOD, and the pursuit of my passion.
Now, let's try to make things simple...
How did I use the process of elimination to choose which engineering course to take?
I had quite a fear of falling, so I won't take Electrical Engineering, where I most probably will end up climbing high voltage towers and posts, aside from the fatality of electrocution. The population of Electronics and Communications Engineering students is one of the highest in our college, so I foresee myself ending up jobless after graduation. Civil Engineering was of no interest for me as I hate manual drawing (no talent for that at all). Mechatronics Engineering was still newly-introduced at that time in our university.
So here I am, a registered mechanical engineer of the Philippines and ranked second place among the 2007 board passers.
My younger brother took my parent's advice to take another engineering course like me, and he chose electronics and communications engineering, which is definitely popular. He was able to finish the five-year program but unfortunately, he never experienced summer vacation because of failing grades, and never had the guts to take the licensure exams.
So this time, for my youngest brother (we're three in the family), I chose what course he should take, and not my parents.
My brother loves playing computer games, especially online stuffs. DotA (stand for Defense of the Ancients), Ragnarok, Counterstrike; he tried them all. He was frequently scolded by my father as he spends more time in those things than in his high school studies. Lots of money were also spared from that addiction of his. So I decided that... He must take an Information Technology (IT) course. And he agreed with that.
So where's my brother now?
Currently, he is doing on-the-job training in a reputable company in Makati as part of of his course requirements. Computer programming is his forte. He never had failing grades even while continuing with his cyber games. Their team always win the monthly tournaments and each one of them takes home around PhP4,000 - PhP5,000. So my brother already earns monthly (while being a student) what I earned in a year from participating in quiz shows. He's also been to Singapore (where I've never been) to represent the country, with his team, in Dragon Nest championship, a fast-rising internet game worldwide. And best of all, he is now applying for Visa so their team can represent again the country for a world championship to be held in China next month.
That addiction didn't interfere with his studies, but rather, it even boosted his IT learning. You should have seen how fast his fingers strike the keyboard without having tried those keyboard typing lessons. It's also easier for him to understand programming languages. No conflict was created between education and play. Not in his wildest dreams will he be going to another country just because of doing what he loves since childhood, playing computer games. My parents changed the way they view my brother's favorite hobby.
Do what you love, and not just what you like. No excuses; no regrets.
So what are you passionated about? Please share your experiences and insights in the comments section below.
The above post is brought to you by Jezreel Magbanua, who loves helping people MAKING things SIMPLE. Click here to get to know Jezreel Magbanua better. Thanks and GOD bless!!!
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