5 minute read
Lacsonian Narratives | Echoes of a Calm Sea
PHOTOS AND WRITTEN BY O/S KARL STEVEN MARCELO DUCASI
Plain. Simple. Ordinary.
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If I would look for a perfect description for myself before I entered the portals of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, those three words above would come to mind.
Bearing the pressure, coming from an average family, I have nothing in mind but dreams that are yet to be fulfilled. JBLFMU-A is one of the prominent and known universities in Iloilo. Here, young men and women come together to fulfill their dreams of becoming a seafarer. Unlike those who actually want to become seafarers— to cross the vast seas and travel to different continents —I enrolled at the university halfheartedly because deep inside me, I wanted to become a business man. With much thought, I pursued a course which was far from what I had wanted—bearing the pressure of not disappointing my parents.
ACHIEVER. Mdpn. Ducasi proudly showcases the fruit of his hard work despite all the setbacks.
Practicality.
Growing up with a practical mindset sure is difficult for I need to weigh every single decision that I make and the consequences that they may bring. But what are the odds? I think being a seafarer was really meant for me because, by the time I was pondering and praying hard for an answer, good news came. I passed the medical examination.
Looking back.
Sleepless nights and countless days, my parents had faced yet another problem of where to find money for my tuition. It was a really tough time for I will not be permitted to take my preliminary examination if I am unable to pay the fees required. My parents eyes were filled with worries and they felt helpless. It was a situation I never wanted my younger sibling to experience. To help my parents with our financial struggles, I looked for some scholarships offered in our university. I was beyond blessed when I was chosen as a PTA scholar for this will surely lessen my parents financial burden.
Battles I conquered.
I conquered every obstacles that had come my way when I was in JBLFMU. Every day was a battle against sleep, my growling stomach, empty pockets, subjects I know little about and grades that are to be maintained to keep my scholarship from being discredited. All of these trials pushed me to do better and persevere in everything I do. So from time to time, I try to recall that situation to find motivation— to do well in my studies, to do well in everything.
New school, new environment.
Enrolling at a totally unfamiliar university, I met different kinds of people with different personalities, views and perspectives in life. When I was still in my freshman year, I joined different clubs and organizations to find something that would suit my capabilities and interests. The next year, I boldly ran as a senatorial candidate for our student council without any experiences or idea of how to handle programs and activities. But with my ‘I can do this.’ mantra and with the help of my seniors and council mates, I became eager and determined to serve the student body.
FINALLY. O/S Ducasi poses on his hard-earned spot after conquering all challenges.
Showering blessings.
Time passed by, all were good and things are going according to plan. Our former president had approached me and asked me if I am willing to run as a president of the student council. That day, I felt scared. Running for a president is no joke. There are piles of paper works and lots of other things to do. But I took courage and decided to hold the banner under ‘Pwersa Marino’ and with the support of the students, I won. Winning as a president was a blessing from above—a lot of opportunities had come my way since then. Meeting with the university CEO, administrators, board of trustees, and of course, I was given a hundred percent scholarship.
Balance.
My student life was challenging for I need to juggle my life as a student and my life as a president of the council. A lot of things to cope with such as lessons, examinations and deadly dues of projects and research papers.
To fight or flight?
Things get rough and out of control sometimes and I admit there were a couple of instances when I wanted to give up. But when this happens, I always think about the hardships I had gone through just to reach this far. I had this thought instilled in my mind. And so, graduation came, I saw both of my parents cry, shed joyful tears because their son finally received the diploma they all longed for. And so my fight was all worth it.
Reality outside the four walls of the classroom.
Months after my graduation, I ventured the unfamiliar streets of Manila, I visited every shipping company and agencies that comes into mind disregarding what other people may think of me; the only thing that I had in mind was I needed a job to help my parents with our financial needs. With my continuous search and perseverance, my journey as a seafarer started when I joined the NYK company. But just like any other jobs, it was not a walk in the park. I shed buckets of tears, wanting to give up.
The truth behind a seafarers smile.
Before I boarded the ship, I thought a seafarer’s job is just a cinch, because I have seen them travel the world, take pictures on different land marks and visit fancy restaurants. But guess what? I was wrong for thinking this way. I never really knew what a seafarer’s life is. I have come to experience this hardship first hand and questioned if this is what I really wanted. As I am not born a quitter, I chose to face my hardships head on for the benefit of me and my family as well. I am proud to say that I am a seafarer and I am proud of my job. I am a proud son who helps my family and a happy person who gets to travel around the world. May this serve as a reminder to many that: You should not let your financial struggles limit your dreams. Do not let anyone determine what you can achieve. Dream bigger! Take chances, risk or lose, make use of these opportunities to learn and grow.
