14/11/2024
I did not throw away my shot.
Honestly, I don’t know where to start or what else to say because I’m still feeling the exhaustion from the relentless journey over the past two years—lectures, assessments, commuting from Epping to Wollongong, working two casual jobs (previously three before restrictions), and everything in between. I tried keeping up with life by levelling up my extracurricular activities—concerts, therapeutic dinners with family and friends, and stepping up as the tour guide for my Filipino friends visiting Sydney—just to stay balanced and sane
I’ve wholeheartedly given my all, pouring blood, sweat, and (so many) tears while conquering my fears. Now that it’s reaching to an end, my emotions are all over the place as I try to soak it all in. Grit. Realising that this isn’t just for Celine today and in the future, but especially for Potpot and the dreams we share. I am made of everything my younger self had to endure, and I dedicate this to her—for holding on, believing, and keeping the faith through it all.
Potpot, I want you to know that our dreams—our hard work—have finally grown into the blessings we prayed for. We’re beginning to reap what we’ve sown, and I promise I won’t let you down and will continue to show up, just as you did for me—running through the streets of Manila drenched in the rain, stuck in Makati traffic, bravely starting a life in Carmona, living away from home during the first year of the pandemic, and so much more. I am here today because of everything you went through.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance, staying behind hoping that one day you could be better, and ahead of yourself. Thank you for earnestly showing up and weathering all the seasons. You had to grow up quickly so I could savour moments and embrace a slower, more intentional life, chasing what we’re truly passionate about. You had to leave home, miss moments, grieve silently, be on your own, traversing all these changes and challenges—and sometimes they all came at once. You had to be tough so I could learn to be soft. You had to accept all the givens in life; you sucked them up, complained and ranted a bit, but still gave your 110%. You had to live through discomfort so I could have the opportunity to grow. You did it afraid, so now I have courage. You learned the significance of resilience and robustness in Supply Chain, but you took it to heart, and you made me resilient too.
Despite racing through life, I want you to know that your efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Potpot, you have not been just a face in the crowd as you always thought—you belong, you matter, and together, we will always be in this life. I hope and pray that I don’t mishandle everything we’ve built and that I impact others who are also passionate about pursuing their dreams.
And to you who are reading this, carry on. We will continue to persist, and we will succeed.
This was once just a dream, and now it’s happening right before my eyes. Thank You, Lord.
Celine Araullo Lim
Master in Supply Chain Management
University of Wollongong
