"An Unexpected (and Lucky!) Opportunity"

I almost would not have gotten into the exchange program because I only passed my requirements at the very last minute. The whole time I thought that if I hadn't been accepted as a delegate, it wasn't such a loss of opportunity. You see, that had been manifested in how I deliberately didn't pass the initial requirements for the first screening without cramming it.

Though I have to admit that receiving an e-mail about an interview was pretty exciting and really a refreshing take on my usual activities of going to class, going to the library then going home. The interview had no doubt tempted me about the ten-day trip to Japan, mostly because I had only been outside the country once, not to mention only recently, and aside from the opportunity to sit in an actual classroom in Japan, the country we know that naturally excels in the field of science and technology, there would also be immersive activities on Japanese culture and traditions. I felt though that I had a chance because one of the requirements in the screening was our research proposal. Fortunately, I had been working on a personally exciting topic about renewable energy in space. And with so, I had been pushing to make the topic into an actual research paper but even then, I still didn't see it as a loss of opportunity if ever I didn't get to pass.

That was until I met one of our delegates from DLSU-STC in our trip orientation; he mentioned how difficult it was to get into the program. While didn't think it was a big deal, here was this guy who claimed that the screening process was a competitive one. No, I didn't think that the screening was easy. Instead, I realized how fortunate it was that I got in. Ever since that day, I couldn't stop imagining myself sitting down in a lecture room whenever the thought would pass by. It may sound boring to most but for me, immersing myself in a classroom in Japan is, to be honest, levels higher than sitting in a classroom in the Philippines. Don't take it the wrong way, it's not that I don't appreciate the educational system in our country. I'm only saying that finally getting out of the usual would definitely enrich my perspective on things.

Ten days! Ten days! This would be my first educational trip outside the country and I think I want to get used to it! You can tell I'm excited because two weeks before departure I've already started packing my things! After these ten days, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get back with a lot of changes, academically, mentally, personally, even financially! I just pray that I don't end up using my time in Japan sleeping in their nice weather!