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Hello! I was given a name of Ted Antoine, a  proud Boholano native, and I declare that I am privileged to have this smile on my face.

Being social is not my forte, nor taking a 'selfie' and sending it as a message to a class group. However, when the Professor asked us to send one for identification, at first, I hesitated, but then, I realized and managed to question myself that "Why would I be shy? What do I achieve if I refuse to heed to such a request?".

At times like this, I usually despise finding answers to those questions, but that moment in particular have made me realize that it was an opportunity to change and elevate myself. A chance to become a more confident "me". This is the primary reason why I titled this post, "a smile of opportunity" because for a second time, I was able to experience an opening of class, despite being such in a depressing situation caused by the pandemic.

From that realization, I challenge every students to face their opening day with much enthusiasm as I am, for all of us should be grateful on even the smallest things.

For you, reader, smile, and take that opportunity to change yourself for the better!

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Life for me has been very promising. It was not all that ‘smooth-flowing’ when compared with a situation wherein one has decided on something, it is with certainty that it will be followed, at least not for me. It is trivial, but I must share that I was late in deciding my future. Coincidentally, several months before my senior graduation, I have learned that my father has participated in a few courses in Cebu Normal University (CNU) which has prompted me to finally evaluate my academic future. Knowing such, I delved down deeply into the university's nature and background out of curiosity. I have read an abundant number of promising remarks online which have sparked my interest toward such an institution. Also, by word-of-mouth, I was able to realize the socio-cultural impact of CNU to Cebu and the entire Central Visayas region of which I was truly astonished. As the institution has started accepting their applications, I took that opportunity and have submitted the requirements for my admission. Moving forward, I passed and because of that realization and the sudden appreciation I felt towards the institution and its history, I am able to write this essay to you, Professor.

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I seemed to have ruined the surprise about my place of origin, but, yes, I am from Bohol. The hills above? I have been there.

While this might have been the most famous site from our province, I kid you not, Bohol, has much more to offer.

As a Boholano myself, am I going to let you, readers, be deprived of such information? Well, no of course. From colonial coral stone churches, waterfall, to beaches, and delicacies, we have everything in Bohol. It is an identity that I will always be proud of.

Relinquishing such connection as I am now affiliated to a university from another province is ethically incorrect. For this reason, I brought with me the entirety of Bohol as I participate in classes, despite being just virtual in nature.

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With the pandemic running longer than expected, my sense of commitment has been challenged. I strayed away from the things I loved the most, and have been in solitude that facilitated a stagnated life.

In a matter of months, in 2020, I have been in constant dilemma in decisions regarding my social responsibility. I was confused and have been much in trouble in proving myself whether I am worthy or not. I grew distant with my social circle, but a sudden realization have struck me; I need to have a cause that I can consider as a responsibility.

For seven months now, I have been engaged in religious choral singing, and I have never felt more confident of my worth in life.

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How broad would you want your life be known to others?

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"Looks"

"Stares"

"Whispers"

In all honesty, I am afraid of judgements. For years, I struggled with mental health, of which I even did now know before. It has been a phase that took a toll on my identity as a person.

I have always been shy, but as I grew older,   I was able to realize that I have just tried to mask my anxiety with that "shyness". Somehow, it was able to disguise the fact that I am struggling. I used to cover up those things with the shyness I have felt that are more likely to be perceived by others externally.

With what my life has been performing lately, having all the inspirations currently as seen on the last four published posts in this padlet, I can say that my life has been performing well. I may still be anxious, but I know now that I need not to hide my emotions. Instead, I need to address it so that at the very least, it will be resolved because what matters to me the most is self-discovery.

I just hope that you can lead yourself in finding the correct path of opportunity, discovery, identity, and responsibility as well because there is no better award than self-fulfillment.

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This might have been an unusual autobiography, but it has narrated my experience well as if I am talking to a mirror.

I have never felt this way before, and to celebrate such feeling, I am sharing this intimate photo of mine.

An autobiography does end unless a person is dead. As I am clearly not in that state, I am pausing my story for a mean time. I would like if by the time I continue, a lot more will be added to these posts. But until then, my story does not end.

Hoping for a successful semester to my Professor and block mates!