Whenever there's a family gathering, a celebration with relatives or familiar faces, the conversation always finds its way to the same place — where are you in life? Still studying? Working yet? One question leads to another, and before long, they've already judged your choices and pitied your path without ever asking how you truly feel.<o:p></o:p>
I am one of the graduates of a Technical Vocational program at well-known school during the pandemic, a full scholar of big company in my city. But opportunities in my field were hard to come by, so I chose to continue and pursue a fourth-year degree.<o:p></o:p>
When people find out I graduated from that school and scholar of that company, the comments come quickly. Why didn't you just work right away? What happened? I know someone who went there too,' 'they already have a stable job, even went abroad.' And then the one that stings a little more. 'You shouldn't have taken TechVoc.' 'What a waste of years.'<o:p></o:p>
Every time it comes up, same reaction. Same words.<o:p></o:p>
But I carry no regrets.<o:p></o:p>
Not for a single moment, not for a single choice. Yes, there were days I nearly gave up. But never once did I think my effort was wasted, or that my time meant nothing.<o:p></o:p>
Because in those years — studying, surviving, showing up — I learned more than any classroom grade could measure. I learned how to stand on my own feet.<o:p></o:p>
I was once someone who couldn't go anywhere alone. Someone who always needed another person beside them just to take a step. Shy to the bone, afraid of my own shadow.<o:p></o:p>
But during that time, I faced the things that frightened me most. I learned to move alone, to decide for myself, to be independent, to be stronger than I thought I was. Realizations that quietly shaped me — and that I carry with me still, everywhere I go.<o:p></o:p>
They don't know how grateful I am for that season of my life. No job came from it, maybe. But something more lasting did — a foundation. A way of living that is entirely, honestly mine.
And that is never a waste. 🤍
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