Lacsonian Narrative | Into the Rough Seas of Life

PHOTOS AND WRITTEN BY 3/O MIKKEL DAN ARENGO

I consider myself an average student when I graduated high school. I wasn’t at the top of my class. Everybody knew me as the happy-go-lucky of my batch. The one who is always loud and proud. I didn't have that many achievements also. I was just happy volunteering at every event and if there were some opportunities that I know I am capable of, I join.

When I graduated high school, my mind wasn’t actually clear on what to take up for college. I had a lot of thought about it. I wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, a teacher and the least was actually becoming a seafarer. It was the least because I have been only encouraged by other people to consider it and I did my research. Being away from home, vast oceans, rough waves, heavy weather, physically demanding work, and a mentally stressful environment. Those were the things that I read that made me say “Sige na lang kamo na lang to seaman.” But one day, summer was almost over and the opening of classes was nearing and I still haven’t made my decision. I actually said, “I will see and seek guidance from God. He will give me a sign. (at this point abi ko gaan ko ni God sign ma seminaryo) Hahaha lol,” but it happened. Not directly, but it was that one day I saw and felt something when I thought about “ma seaman nlg ko b? Try ko lg.” Because at the moment, I thought this will help my family, make us live a comfortable life, and I get to go to different places around the world. And it happened, I enrolled at JBLFMU- Arevalo.

I was actually nervous on my first day at school. It was my first time being in a different environment. But I just braced myself for what’s to come. In a mass gathering of people wearing plain white shirts, maong pants with shined buckle and belt, all in military haircut, I was thinking “Is this the place that I'm meant to be? Where do I belong?”

Moving forward.

I have met and made a lot of new friends. We have been taught in class that this profession is not easy. Hearing stories from our professor, the trials, challenges and also the good stuff about it. And actually, I was enjoying my time being here, I thought. Learning new things, having a fixed goal at an early stage. There was one point where I said “maybe this is really where I was guided to be.”

One day, I saw a door of opportunity. Our teacher invited us to join the screening for the Unit Model Cadet Selection. I didn’t know what was a model cadet, how big it was, and even the responsibilities it has. I just decided okay I will try for the plus points.

On the day of the screening, I was asked a question that made me think for some time and I gave an honest and sincere answer. I was asked “Why do you want to become a seafarer,” I told the judges honestly that I actually didn't want to become one. But when I entered the school I had a feeling I am at the right place and look at me now I’m enjoying my studies with regards to preparing for the future.

Being one of the Model Cadets of that year opened a lot of opportunities for me. I learned that being one, I have to continue the legacy of those who have come before me and uphold the Lacsonian values. I was given the chance to represent the university in many competitions, seminars, engagements, and many more. I gained a lot of experience and knowledge which I can use for the future and of course bringing pride and honor to our university. I have continued my trait as being the happy-go-lucky person and I believe all the people at school knew that. All the faculty and staff, students, department heads were friends of mine. I get to see all these people daily and in my mind, why not give them some break and have joked around to lighten up their day because all day they are working hard, and so I did. I can say I have made a bond with all the people who made a good impact on my life.

My student life for the past years was a roller coaster ride. I had to cope up with a lot of missed lessons, school works, and even exams because me being away most of the time. I remember also my teachers and classmates saying, “Ay ari ka sbg?”, “Ohh present ka sbg ba,” but they understand that my being away is for the school also, and that's why they help and guide me to whatever I missed.

Fast forward.

Graduation was nearing. And I had a feeling it was gonna be hard to say goodbye. It was! I got too attached to the school, my friends, dorm mates, classmates, faculty and staff. On the day of graduation, everybody was saying goodbye and taking memorable photos because we don’t know when we will all be seeing each other again. All of us will take our separate paths to reality and be away. In that gymnasium full of cadets, a lot of friendship has been made and the strong bond with each other will even cross the vast oceans and maintain still. I had the chance to say goodbye also to all my teachers, staff and other people in the school community. I went to say my farewell to each and everyone and told them that I will be back from time to time even if I have already graduated.

THE FACE OF EXCITEMENT. Then-Mdpn. Arengo smiles as the doors towards his career open after his graduation.

Another skip.

I was already preparing for my first assignment as a cadet. Literally excited and nervous at the same time. The thought of finally the dream is starting and being nervous because you still dont have the idea of what’s it gonna be like. My first ever joining was literally across the world. I had to travel 25hrs in total just to go to Brazil and join my first vessel there. When I saw the ship i was literally in awe because my dream, the reality of becoming a seafarer has already started. Was it fun? Was it all good? At first, honestly, no. Working in a mixed nationality crew was a challenge. And also being a first timer I had to cope up fast with the normal operations. I was at a point where while working I was crying because I asked myself, “Why am I here?”, “Is this really what I wanted,” I was having a hard time. They said it was normal because you were still adjusting and it was true. I was treated as a nobody, I didn’t know anything. But that didn’t stopped me. I had people guiding me, helping me, motivating me to wipe off all the tears and do what I must. I learned a lot of things, I experienced a lot and it made me stronger more knowledgable.

After completing a year of being a cadet, I actually had thought to stop sailing. Because our opportunity to be accepted again in the same company was lost. But I thought why not I just keep going and try to apply back? So I prepared for my exams and a few days before the exam, the lockdown due to COVID-19 happened. I was just in my house contemplating what was the next move. Should I pursue another path or keep going. Days passed by and I was thinking let's just keep going. Let's wait for the opportunity to finish all required and return back. I took the brave step of traveling to Manila in the midst of this pandemic and managed to finish all requirements. I really struggled at this part because we were taking precautions on everything with regards to my health and doing my best to study.

What happened after?

The company that said they will not accept us anymore opened up opportunities and I was accepted. The excitement and nervousness was there again! I was going to be promoted and at the same time my first time as an officer was gonna be a rough one. And it is. I was literally the least experienced guy on board but I didnt falter. The crew I was with was very open to helping and guiding me while I was taking my baby steps. I got to cope up quickly, familiarized myself with the duties and responsibilities and act accordingly. Days passed and I was already comfortable with where I am now. Having this responsibility on my shoulders was challenging but I treated it as push to move further. I always keep a good, fun and positive outlook everyday and everything went nicely.

I always tell other people that no matter how hard it gets, you have to never give up on chasing your dreams and ambitions. These challenges are always there. The low moments, sad parts, and even the thought of giving up. But let it fuel you to go more. Be more. Keep moving. All of the trials will one day become a happy memory for you, and you will think that you have passed that phase in your life, and you are a better, stronger person than you were before.

To all my fellow Lacsonians, may you be a student, a teacher, a staff, and alumni, may my story serve as an inspiration and reminder that all of us have struggles and problems in our everyday life. But all of these are normal and what will matter most is our decision to keep moving forward. Padayon nga sabi nila and we really should. Our dreams, ambitions, and goals will come to reality in our time, by our decisions. It is a long and rough road but always remember that the joy, happiness, and success will be far greater than the trials. I am Mikkel Dan Sinoben Arengo serving as Third Officer at Maersk Line.