What makes you stay

The week that passed was too heavy for me. You see, my best friend from only time could remember has left the country to pursue higher studies in her chosen field. To be honest, I am happy for her as she will be gaining new knowledge and new experiences that she couldn't get in our own country. But on the downside, I'm sad that she has to leave for two years or more.

I couldn't help for the tears to fall down my cheeks as I counted the hours down to her actual flight. What made it harder was that I was in another place for work. I couldn't see or send her off before I could never see her again. It was a heart-breaking moment. Tear after tear that I shed made me question a lot. My mind was filled with mixed, wild emotions. It was a turmoil in my own little world but as they said, if you love someone you have to let them go.

It is now hard to quantify what makes one person stay in the country. A family could be a reason and the friends that come along with it but the opportunity lacks more than ever. That is why others opt to leave to have a glimpse of what it is to be in a developed country. For the longest time, we are a developing country and it continues to be it until I don't know when. Somehow we long to have a new and advanced country.

The question is, can we attain it? I couldn't say for now especially with the change in administration. A six year run wouldn't automatically change things although we all wish it should. There will be conflicts: environment versus development, economy versus the environment, and so on. There is no more than a loose thread that holds every modern Filipino to the country.

Unlike for some who opt to help out in whatever way they can. I guess that's where the secret lies. With a few more weeks to go before the inauguration of the new administration, I wish we could also take an oath to give our all-out support so that people would not have to leave.

It will be until wishes for our education system to improve and our socio-economic chain to have a significant change. That is why some pursue higher studies abroad. Imagine giving allowances and the opportunity to work at the same time for people who are taking their master's degree, who wouldn't be persuaded at that? It is a win-win situation not only for the student but for the institution itself. An investment in knowledge is the best investment there is. It is the only treasure that couldn't be taken away from one and could be useful to almost everyone.

But slowly and surely we will get there in time. I envision universities of top caliber just within an arm's reach. There will be more who will be given the chance to study and use it for the dear country. My heart for now is slowly mending the pieces making sure to keep my head focused on the game. My choice is to stay here for good and be part of whatever change that is yet to come, or is coming. I just wish it is worth it.