Believe in your dream

I have dreamt of becoming a doctor since my early elementary years, as inspired by my mom who is a pediatrician. I was strongly influenced by the perception my dad had instilled in me: that society has a high regard for doctors. Furthermore, as I was growing up, I enjoyed my mom’s usual perks, like 5-star-hotel accommodations during conventions, sponsored events, and giveaway stuff. I confined myself to this dream, believing I was bound only to this profession even if I did not excel in my science subjects, except physics.

After completing my primary and secondary education in Tagbilaran City (Bohol), I was sent to a highly reputable university in Manila where I took medical physics as a premed course. College was not easy despite my strict study habits. I strove to keep up with my blockmates who were high school honor students, scholars, math wizards and science enthusiasts. I neither cut classes nor went out for late-night gimmicks. Yet for four consecutive terms since I started college, I failed one subject per term. The first was algebra, then zoology, then analytic chemistry, and lastly, mathematical methods of physics. I flunked in the major fields of science.

I considered shifting to another course but I feared it would become a habit. I decided to stay and just keep going. I took more than the regular subject load in some terms to make up for my back subjects. When I finally got the confirmation that I would graduate on time, I immediately called my parents and broke the news. They were so happy that I felt like I was graduating with Latin honors—clearly a manifestation of their pride in me.

As I was going through a challenging college life, I forgot about my childhood dream. I was not able to take any entrance exam for medicine proper because I was too preoccupied with hitting the passing marks in school. I knew my brain needed a break, so I did not even try looking for a suitable medical school after the completion of my thesis.

I graduated in June 2005—and the real world started to hit me by surprise. As a physics graduate, I did not know where I would start building my career. I knew I needed a master’s degree to work in the academe, in hospitals, or in science-related government agencies. I was in a dilemma.

I had always thought that when one graduates from a highly regarded school, looking for a decent job would be relatively easy. I applied to the top local pharmaceutical companies, hoping I would be assigned in research-related units. One had no vacancy, while the other could only pay me a monthly gross amount of P8,000, which was not enough for my daily expenses. I began to realize that my course was too technical and highly specialized.

In one of my job application ventures, I met an acquaintance and she asked me if I wanted to send our CVs to banks over lunch while waiting for our interview schedule. It was already August and I was desperate for a job, so I agreed even if I was not familiar with the banking industry. Luckily, I passed the entrance exam and the interview portion of this international bank. The post offered involved making collection calls to delinquent local credit card clients. I was hesitant to accept the job because it was not the career I had aspired for, or probably, I had too high expectations that were beginning to fall apart.

It was my dad who convinced me to give it a shot, pointing out that the offer was coming from a reputable international bank. So I took the job. As to why, I did not know. I just took the risk.

I officially started work on Oct. 10, 2005, a few days after my 20th birthday. Everything was so new, considering that I did not take any business subject in college. I remember crying to the training officer after the new hires’ induction program session. My batch mate and I told her that we felt this kind of job was not for us. But she encouraged us to try it for a few months before deciding to quit. (Thank you, Ms Karen Marcelo, your advice meant a lot!)

Unexpectedly, I did well. I was even chosen as one of two representatives of our department to serve as delegates to the bank’s Second Personal Financial Services Conference. (Thank you, Sir Arnel Torres, for the recommendation!) After a year and five months, I was promoted to the post of supervisor, and after two years and six months, I was a manager.

One of our employee benefits is a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in business administration. The bank will shoulder 50 percent of the tuition as long as one has made the required performance grade and completed a 3-year tenure. In November 2008, exactly after three years, I grabbed the opportunity.

I wanted to do something new before boredom set in and to be productive at the same time. Working for an MBA was another challenge. I had to learn by myself the basics of the various fields of commerce and business management. Literally, I read the textbooks from cover to cover. I put in the same dedication I had in college, although I was now working full-time. School was very demanding, but I am glad I found a good friend who was also full of determination.  (Thank you, Connie Hernandez! I cannot think of a perfect MBA friend than you!)

Three months ago, I got my MBA. It felt good that all my efforts had paid off.

It was not an easy journey. I had my share of depressed moments but I took extra care to overcome them. I know I am no genius but I am eager to learn, and that is what matters most. I dreamt of becoming a doctor but the universe did not conspire with me to make it a reality. Probably, it was not written in my stars. God has put me in a better place now, so who am I to complain?

I believe everything starts with a dream. That is why when you dream, you should dream big. Do not limit yourself because it will limit your options, too. But be flexible because you might not be destined for what you thought you will be. Accept fate but do not settle for mediocrity. Never. When you dream and it does not come true, do not stop dreaming. Continue the journey, continue the search. When you reach your simplest dream, reward yourself. You deserve it. When you are torn between two dreams and you choose one, do not look back with regret.

Dream because it is the only way to reach for the stars. Believe because winning a battle starts with believing in one’s self. Conquer because a dream will remain a dream until you start working on it. When you dream, make it happen. Dream. Believe. Conquer. The world is so beautiful and it’s out there waiting for you, for everyone who is ready to face, dare and defy.

Maria Kristina S. Gatal, 26, graduated from De La Salle University and Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She is now a bank manager.