WEEK 7 - Reflection

 PART 1:

1. About RESPONSIBILITY: Are there things that I have done that were irresponsible? How did I/can I correct those things so I will not do it again in the future?

We can never stray away from being irresponsible at times for it is a part of growing up. Since I was a consistent honor student, my family always expect that I am always at the top of our class. The pressure brought unto me made me feel conscious, especially with my grades as it felt like I needed to please them. Another factor that made me feel pressured was that they would always compare me to my mother, who was an academic achiever up until college. When I started studying in Quezon Science High School, the pressure doubled as my family, especially my grandfather, expected me to become a top student because they see that I am “special”, and just like my mother. However, there was a time that I wasn’t able to carry anymore pressure, which made me lash out on my grandfather. I was triggered by what he was telling me, as if he was extremely disappointed that I wasn’t as tough and good as my her. I knew then that what I did was wrong, as it crossed the line. After that incident, I apologized to him and realized that I should’ve been more open to him because he would’ve have understood what I felt. As time went on, I learned from that mistake and realized that I should start becoming responsible. 

Even at this time, my mother still gets mad at me at times for being a little irresponsible. I still forget to do the little things she asks me to do, such as fixing the bed after waking up, throwing away my garbage inside the room or just putting the lid back to the jar of cotton buds. There was a time where she was fed up with these things that she gave me a whole lecture about it. I felt embarrassed that I always forget them or that at times I get too lazy to do them, so I tried my best to remind myself that I need to remember all her chores. Although I still forget it at times, I am not as lazy and forgetful as I was before, which made my mom proud of me.

Mistakes are essential in growing up. I’ve seen myself grow and become more responsible as I learn from these mistakes. I saw that reflecting on my previous wrongdoings help me know what to do in the future. I think that being more organized, keeping track of things will help me avoid being irresponsible. With this, I always keep in mind that I am always accountable for my actions, so that it will help me know whether my decision to do something is good or bad. 

PART 2:

1. Describe Lea Cervantes. What was her life like?

I would say that Lea is a people-pleaser.  She was always determined to live up to everyone’s expectations. She was also the breadwinner of the family, as it was implied when she had to turn down a scholarship for a job to help her family. Despite all the appreciation and achievement she gets, she lived a lonely and tiring life.  Looking back, Lea I somehow like Kevin, the guy from the previous video. Both have been struggling to find the validation they wanted, even though they’ve gotten so many achievements in their lives. Her dissatisfaction and resentment forced her to always seek other people’s approvals.

2. At some point, can you relate with her especially about the challenges she faced in her life? Why? 

I can relate to Lea in terms of academics. Growing up in a family of overachievers, I was always expected to follow in their footsteps, especially my mother’s. Although I am still an honor student up until now, my family still expects a lot from me. I also became grade-conscious because of the pressure, which causes me to push myself too much to the point of breaking down whenever I struggle to finish a task. Despite all the praise I get from my family, the look of disappointment whenever I get low marks outweigh them, making me more scared of making mistakes. Despite wanting to slack off at times, I unintentionally do it, which scares me as it can affect my chances in getting into a good college and getting a scholarship.

3. What led to her transformation that made her life of struggle, resentment, bitterness, and hurt to a life of success, contentment, happiness, and joy?

Lea’s life turned around when her friend invited her to a worship service. She heard Pastor Peter saying, “It is not by good works that men are saved but by the grace if God through faith in Jesus Christ alone”. This had impacted her, which became her turning point. Lea’s realization was similar to Apple’s, the woman from the previous video. Their stories helped prove that God loves us even despite our flaws, and that He treats us all equally.  

4. What is the key lesson/s that you learned/realized from the life of Lea Cervantes? How can you apply it to your life? Explain.

Just like what my grandmother used to tell me, God will always be there for me, He’ll always be there to accept me and love me for who I am. This relates to what Lea told, where she said that she didn’t have to “earn God’s favor to be loved”. I realized that God looks at us equally regardless of who we are and what we believe in. Although I am still on a journey on finding my inner peace, with or without Him, I am grateful that if I ever do come back to God, He would welcome me without hesitation. I can apply the lessons I’ve learned from Lea once I find the courage to reconnect with the Lord. In my journey for finding the inner peace I’ve always desired, I hope to find the connection with Him that I’ve been searching for, for a long time.

SCORE: 20/20