Dolly de los Reyes

“Why are there bad people?” I asked a 3 rd grader in one of my English classes. “It is because they do bad things,” was his immediate answer. “Why do they have to do bad things?” I probed. “Maybe it is because they really want to have or do something. But for them to acquire or experience it, they have to pass through the process of being bad”. He responded with much confidence that you’ll think this 9-year-old boy already had a glimpse of what life is at present. I had been so upset before I asked him that question. I needed to vent out my frustration. I desperately wanted to say uncouth remarks to someone but I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t have done it if given a chance. What an unhealthy way to live the day, hearing with bleeding ears made-up stories against me. That was the least I wanted to hear but in my every move, it seems that speckled eyes followed me. Why did I have to ask this innocent child? It was a fraught attempt to see the world in a different view. A child lives in th

It was barely three months when I experienced a loss, or to be more appropriate, a failure. I remember myself eagerly applying for a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Optimistic as I was, I faced my doubts squarely. Come examination time, my mind just turned blank. I was groping for words, desperately trying to extract the creative juice my mind could best offer. Well, it didn’t come out that way, and true enough, I flunked the written examination. Well, you must have imagined the disappointment I’ve been through. Looking back, I was used to winning and achieving what I wanted. My numerous triumphs in various areas in my life led me into believing that I was favored by God. I was a consistent honor student (#1); trophies and medals I brought to my Alma Mater for competitions won; and the beam of pride I continuously marked in my humble parents’ eyes. I continue dreaming. My friends and acquaintances look up to me. They regard me as someone atop them; someone so blessed and fortuna

Experience teaches you the hard way. Very hard. I remember the life I had ten years ago. I was a fresher in college then, taking up Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English. Things changed somehow when I turned 18. I shifted to General Science as a major. Since then, everything became smooth-sailing. That's what I thought. I would always admire my group. They called us young scientists , intuitive and adventurous as we were; we always proved them right. My future was set then. I would rise to the top; I would do better than my batch mates; I would enroll in post graduate courses, and be one of the best science teachers in the country. When I was absorbed by my Alma Mater, I stood grateful and happy for helping me take the first steps towards my dreams. I was good. I’d often receive positive feedback and thumbs up from my mentors and school head. My board rating was high and most importantly, my students learnt from me. I didn’t see it coming. When I transferred to my curre

I grew up with the promise that I’ll abide in God no matter what the cost. At an early age, I learned to love Him and long for Him. It never occurred to me that things will change somehow. I’ve witnessed the not-so-good transformations of some people around me. Angelic faces turned devilish. Hearty laughter turned into malicious giggles. I even had a glimpse of what we call “immorality”, not to mention the turmoil inside my being. Growing up wasn’t easy then. It was a struggle. To remain unstained. To be pure. To be holy. Later did I realize that I had it all wrong. So I attended seminars, recollections, retreats, and a series of spiritual formations. It was then that I matured, gradually, painstakingly. I learned about the real meaning of spirituality and yes, it is a lifetime lesson. As long as we are here in this world, we are never exempted from the spices that life has to offer. How should one be spiritually mature then? Or when does one become? Is there any other living bein