Dear Atty. Agrupis,
Girl, you’re getting old. I hope by now you’ve climbed Mt.
Pulag and have done a marathon already. But more than that, I hope you are
staying true to our agreement of becoming a lawyer to help the needy. I hope
you still visit our relatives in Cagayan; I hope you are still taking part in
giving hope to the poor. Many things must have happened in the last five years,
huh? If anything, I hope it made you stringer, braver, and fiercer in life. I
hope you are still growing in love every day, I hope you always reflect on why
you are doing what you are doing.
I cannot really give much advice to you. What do I know, I
am just the incoming second year law student part of you. I cannot give you any
advice because by now you’ve achieved more than I did. But listen, because even
thou I am far from where you are now, I am still the one who made you. As I go
thru everyday of my life, I am molding you and forming you. So if along the way
you lose sight of your track, talk to me. Because right here, right now, I am
sure and I know who you want to be and who you’re supposed to be.
Remember the summit you went to in Ha Noi when you were
twenty-two? Remember how that summit thought you about service and leadership?
Yeah, so go back to it. Go back to the basic. You are more than just a public
servant, you are a servant leader. Stop being so caught up with processes and
procedures and politics, but focus on the people – because they are the ones
that matter most.
Remmeber how much you appreciated human connection and a
sense of belongingness when you talked to random strangers in the Old Quarter.
When was the last time you addressed their needs without any other motive than
to help and be of service?
You are in a position of influence right now with so much
potential and opportunity to make an impact to other people. Let me remind you
where you get your joy when you were twenty-two: by touching people’s lives.
When was the last time you felt that joy, Arla? Your title and position amount
to nothing to me if you lost this part of us that made waking up the next
morning meaningful.
You’re good at failing and making mistakes, and trust me,
that’s one thing consistent about you. But what makes me really proud is that
we manage to pick ourselves up every damn time. You’re humility to accept your
mistakes and to do something about it is something that strengthens you
throughout the years. So if you don’t feel the joy right now, or feeling lost,
wear your good old t-shirt, flared jeans and slippers, and reconnect with me.
Better yet, go to Givral Café behind RMIT in Ha Noi. Have a cup of coffee at
the second floor, and start all over again. I’m right here, waiting for you.
