Navigating the Unfamiliar: From a Faraway Province to the Unknown Streets of Manila

It was never my intention to pursue my University degree in the bustling metropolis of Manila but still, it was given. It was a combination of uneasiness, excitement, and fear. The mixed emotions were overwhelming to the point that I questioned whether fate carved the right path for me. But as someone who is seeking independence, it is an opening opportunity to venture beyond my comfort zone even if that means leaving behind the tranquility of my provincial town and going to somewhere unfamiliar.

_{A photo captured by me and were edited using Canva}

I remember the day when I was awakened by the booming sound of my alarm clock which displayed it was 2:00 in the morning. My class usually starts at 7:30 a.m. That is the first scheduled day of my in-campus classes. I do not know at that time how long exactly will take to travel from my provincial home to the university which is why waking up early is considered a must. I finished preparing myself after half an hour and I went to the bus terminal at exactly 4:00 a.m.

It was my first time to travel alone. The cold air coming from the air-conditioned bus I was in added to my ongoing anxiety. There are a lot of thoughts coming into my mind but I push it back aside. Overthinking things will only lead to some unnecessary stress and confusion. When the bus started to move, I got my earphones in my bag, inserted the jack on my phone, plugged it both into my ears, and played random music to make me relieved. Even though I wanted to continue my disrupted sleep, I was not able to do so. With that, I leaned on my seat and looked outside the window slowly watching the sky illuminated by sunrise.

It took me about 2 hours in total to arrive in Manila. Compared to our rural-urban province, Manila is indeed a change of scenery. As I made my way out of the bus, the city slowly began to rise and awaken. Manila is indeed a busy city, despite the time. There are a lot of commuters going side to side, vendors are preparing their stalls to begin selling, and numerous cars are roaming to gather passengers. Although I expected this kind of activity in this city, I was still in awe. All of the people including me are driven by a common objective: to seize the chances the city can offer.

I have time to chase and watch, so wandering in the unfamiliar streets of Manila should be done at another time. I immediately went to the LRT Doroteo station and from there I went to Recto station by crossing the bridge. Riding a train is one of my goals and I was delighted that it would be an experience. I purchased a single journey ticket from the counter going to Pureza station, stored value cards or beep cards, at that time were difficult to find. It was always sold out and unavailable on their ticket machines. Luckily, I was able to get two beep cards when I went to university last time. One for me and one for my friend.

I got my beep card in Doroteo Station around 9:30 in the morning (different date), imagine my happiness and relief when I got my first beep card! I told my friend about it and she said that I should also buy her one. Sadly, I was already boarding the train when she told me. But I think I was lucky that day because beep card is also available in the machines in Pureza station.

Seeing the train station brings back funny memories, I remembered the very first time I rode a train. Do you know where the tickets should be tapped on? I tapped my card in there multiple times not knowing what to do next. I was having an internal battle with myself, the sound of the train coming doubled the panic I was feeling. Then my friend came to me and said it is done you just need to get through. Ignorance of things will make you lose your sanity, I was lucky I was not alone at that time.

Going back, when I arrived at Pureza station I searched for the exit. From there, I have the option whether to ride a tricycle or walk to the university. I chose to walk. I am confident that I will not get lost because there are students like me around and second I have my friend who is Google Maps. While walking, I encountered a lot of streets. I familiarized myself with the directions until I saw the entrance of my university. Approximately I spent 10 minutes walking. I was a little bit sweaty but I am proud that I was able to manage travelling all alone.

Being scared is normal, and being exposed to things that are completely new to you is normal but having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take risks is extraordinary. It is challenging and a nerve-wracking adventure but it is also a rewarding experience.

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ALL IMAGES in this BLOG are ALL MINE unless stated otherwise