Proudest Achievement

I could feel everyone's eyes watching my every move, I became hyper aware that what I was about to bare my soul to everyone.

Standing in front of my peers, allowing myself to be judged was the scariest experience of my life — and the most freeing.

I never once thought I would have the confidence to run for an elected position, but exactly one week ago I was standing at the podium ready to fight for the position of secretary.

After a night of drinking some liquid courage I impulsively declared my candidacy to be Akbayan's next years secretary.

Fast-forward two weeks and I was a nervous wreck constantly questioning if I was good enough and if I deserve the position.

Everyone was telling me they believed in me, but I couldn't bring myself to believe in me.

After talking with some friends and mentors, I finally sat down and began writing out my thoughts.

The more I wrote, the more I realized how badly I wanted to give back and improve the organization that gave me a second home.

I was determined to see this whole thing through no matter what it took — I could never live with myself if I backed out.

A weight began lifting off my shoulders as I prepared for debates and wrote out my speech.

I set all worries and doubts aside and thought to myself it's okay if I don't win, as long as I try as long as I give it my all.

As I stood at the podium in front of everyone looking straight into the camera to be live-streamed, my heart was pounding and hands sweaty.

I took a deep breath, looked at my notes and reminded myself others believe in me so I should believe in myself too.

I won't know if I get the position for another week, but I'm proud of myself either way.