Why I Chose to be a Literature Major?

          Once, two and a half years ago, I attended a Course Placement Orientation at the university. Honestly, I never envision myself being in the teaching field much to dream of it. I really wanted to become a journalist; a correspondent in the field, gathering news for the Filipino people to read. But resources and circumstances would not allow me to continue to desire for it, which I do not want to go to any further because it’s another story. What was clear to me was that I do not want to add to the chain of bookkeppers in my clan who all ended up without any success stories for our next generations. I guess, if half of my bookkeeper relatives are business tycoons now, I would be the first in the line to join their boring assembly.

            Change.  A breakaway from the monotony. Be different. The ideas kept messing my head. Choosing to become a teacher was the nearest possible stepping stone I could take (taking into consideration the resources and circumstances of my life, but then again, it’s another story) into reaching my desired career. I do not want a life of accounts and ledgers. I aim for a life of action, of dynamism, and of pressure. To go away from the usual, and expected career path of my family served as a key for me to unlock my door to liberation and to growth. It allowed me in hoping to break the twisted chain of poverty that continues to reign in our family.

            Going back to the Orientation at the university, I heard educators battle it out in advertising their programs. But I have made up my mind. English. I would take up English. It’s marketable even in abroad, which my mother assumes to be where I will soon be. Since I already dumped Biology (even though I love it), because it’s quite risky to still go for it.

            Then, there was this well-poised woman ascending upon the rostrum of the center stage. She was like an apparition illuminating rays from her aurora, a motherly love. I have always been attached to the old stuff, I do not know why. I guess its filial piety, or was it because of my grandmother’s influence inflicted on me, but it’s also another story.

            Who was this woman? From what department was she? I do not know. Until I heard from my classmate that she was from the LBEL department. From what? LBEL Department? LBEL? What does it stand for? LBEL. Back then, I really have no idea what LBEL was about but the aura of the woman talking just keeps on enticing me to listen to her. LBEL. LBEL. LBEL.

            “ You will have the opportunity to become Highschool English teachers.” I wonder was it just like taking the English Specialization. So, why put up a program with a different sounding acronym with the same description.

            But then, came the music to my ears that finally rocked my decision. I heard it loud and clear. Not too loud and not too soft, subtle is the word to describe it. The apparition played her golden lyre of words that a beast like me was tamed by the harmony. “ You will also have the opportunity to become editors of textbooks, columnists and writers.” Columnists and writers. Columnists and  writers. Opportunity to become an English teacher.