It’s been a month since I started the new job and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it. A lot of friends and family have been asking how its been. There’s challenging days and the good days. I felt overwhelmed for the first week and sometimes I still do. Everyone in the firm is super nice, and it is such a relief and blessing how helpful and supportive everyone is. Work from home offers schedule flexibility. I’ve also met a colleague from up north that knows one of my friends from Arizona because they played against each other during college days. I think the main thing I miss about college is having less responsibility and an easier schedule. I don’t miss assignments and lectures, and I still feel nostalgic at times. But what I have been feeling a lot more than usual lately is a lot of gratitude and joy. As I’ve been looking back and reflecting on the days prior to my 9-5 life, Im glad I took on chances when I still had the time. During undergrad and even in high school, friends always asked how I managed to travel or why I traveled so much. And the truth was, I always feared the day I wouldn’t get to do it anymore or get to do it as often. I was scared if I didn’t go now, I would never have another chance. And even when I was getting my study abroad papers ready, the advisors always said, while you list your problems, try to list the solutions. I remember when I was studying in Beijing and we were planning on going to Shanghai for a couple days, the group was in unison with, “I would rather be broke than say I never got to do it.”
My parents kept me busy every summer and as I grew up, I kept myself busy every year. Italy, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, New York, California, China, Qatar– I would do anything right now to relive those times.
I remember spraining my ankle right before a trip to Chicago and the thought of possibly having crutches as a hand carry made me scared. I remember being hospitalized 2 different visits while in the Philippines and just wanting to be back on my feet again, because if there is one thing that money will never be able to buy: it’s time. And I’m thankful for the places I’ve gotten to see and the people I’ve met. Everyone knows I miss it more than ever: the early flights, telling the stewardess to wake me up for food, the airport chaos, new cities, new food and the adventure itself. And if and when the day comes back again, Mom and Dad, we are in full competition to get the most passport stamps. (I will never beat them. They will always have more than me no matter what. I just say compete, because it gives me hope.)
You know when I look back at my summer session in China, I still remember picking between that and Germany. When it came down to finances, China was the most convenient. But I also wanted a challenge. My university offered great choices for study abroad and some choices were more popular than others. I knew what I was getting into when I had to show pictures and use Google translate at restaurants. Or that the transportation system over there is literally like New York City except the stations and stops are all written in Mandarin. Adapting to another culture is what prepared me for my job with EY– learning how to be quick on my feet and how to problem solve.
Today, while I am working from home, doing church volunteer work and grabbing any moment to see my friends, I also have added Camp Gladiator to the mix. While it looks like me just standing in a dark parking lot at 5 AM, it means a lot more. I never thought I could do any of the exercises let alone wake up to go. And because I said yes and I was willing to try something new, not only am I striving for a healthier lifestyle, but I met a wonderful community with lifelong friends. On days where I am scared to go because I know it will be hard, that’s when I know I have to go, because facing your fears is the only way you overcome them.
Since COVID-19 has impacted our lives, I just hope if an opportunity arises that will positively impact your life, you won’t say later but you will grab it while you still can. If you got to see it on Facebook late December, the reason I asked Father Rafael to do a fundraiser for Lily with me was because I wanted the sweet girl to be able to have financial support during her chemo treatments. Time is so precious, and I only wish and pray Lily get’s to be cancer free and get’s all the extra time with her family and friends. Lily reminds me to make every moment count. So my friends, don’t ever be scared to take on chances. Be scared of never getting them back and not being able to do any of the things you ever wanted to.
Jamie Vergara 