Discovering my true north

As early as 12, I was a hundred percent sure of what I wanted to become: a writer.

Math was never my strong suit. I pictured myself working in the media industry, creating inspiring stories for people. When you’re in an academic setting, it’s easy to have tunnel vision of your goals and dreams, and the path to achieving them is clear. Get good grades, be consistent and structured, participate in extracurricular activities, and practice self-discipline. So, I followed these trade tricks religiously, joined campus journalism in elementary school, chose journalism as an elective in high school, and majored in communication arts in college.

While obtaining a degree that aligns with your desired profession may seem like a guaranteed path to your dream career, the reality is often more complex. I started working as a website coordinator. Through this experience, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of running an e-commerce store, from product photography to crafting compelling descriptions, providing customer support, and managing website operations. Despite my initial reservations, I came to appreciate the wealth of knowledge I acquired in this role.

Nevertheless, the heart wants what it wants. And my vision of becoming an entrepreneur seemed vague due to my lack of experience and ingenuity. After two years, I resigned to try my luck at writing. I attempted to get into a well known scriptwriting workshop but to no avail. I joined one of the most prominent writing contests in the Philippines, hoping my essay would serve as an access point to enter the industry, but I failed. These rejections made me realize that maybe I was destined for something else. After a few months of trying to figure out what I wanted, I returned to the retail industry. Survival takes precedence over passion.

At the height of the pandemic, I took the plunge and pursued higher studies. The usual question asked during self-introduction was, “Why Masters of Business Administration (MBA)?” Although most of us are after better career opportunities and high salary potential, my professors taught me that the pursuit of an MBA should go beyond the desire for career advancement and financial gain. It should have a deeper purpose that resonates with one’s values and aspirations.

During our leadership course, we delved into the concept of discovering our true north. The term “discover your true north” was coined by Bill George, a renowned author, and Harvard Business School professor, in his widely acclaimed book with the same title. Your true north represents your authentic personal direction and serves as a guide to becoming the best version of yourself. By uncovering your true north, you can discover your authentic self.

To truly find my true north, I took a deep dive into my life and reflected on the experiences that have shaped me, and my deepest beliefs, values, and principles. I asked myself some tough questions, including: If I only had three years left to live, how could I say that I lived a life well lived? What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind, and how can I make a meaningful impact on the world around me?

What was crystal clear was the desire to be a better daughter. My parents have always been there for me and their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. I hope to honor their sacrifices by being the best daughter I can be, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or grand gestures. I want to make sure they know how much they mean to me.

Similarly, I also strive to be a better sister. Growing up with my two younger siblings has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I want to continue being a source of support and encouragement for them and to always make sure they know how much they are loved.

But my true north also points me toward the desire to create opportunities for the marginalized.

For nearly a decade, I have been on a professional journey that has taken me through various industries and roles. From brand management to marketing, from merchandising to e-commerce, I have explored different aspects of business and learned valuable lessons along the way. As I reflect on my career path, I realize that these experiences were not just about earning a living or climbing the corporate ladder. They were about discovering my passion and purpose and understanding how I can use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.

Perhaps it was destiny that led me down this winding road, exposing me to different perspectives and challenging me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Or maybe it was simply my own curiosity and drive that compelled me to seek out new opportunities and experiences. Whatever the reason, I am grateful for each step of the journey and for the people and mentors who have supported me along the way.

My journey from a passion for language to a newfound love for numbers is an unexpected one, a path that my 12-year-old self would have never foreseen. While life may not always steer us toward our desired destinations, I am convinced that our predetermined destiny will undoubtedly find its way to us.

Here’s to discovering our inner compass, our true north!

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Hexene Jenine D. Daya, 29, works as an assistant brand manager for a private company and is a student during the weekends.