A Well Written 'About Me'

January 15, 2008. I just sifted through my old files chilling inside my computer and I came upon my previous blog posts. I just thought that it's not only a treasure of entries but a picture of what I am in college during my UP days.

Looking back, I know I have somewhat improved my social skills. I gained new friends at GMA-7 and I have high hopes in my career. Nevertheless, here's my not-so-optimistic 'ABOUT ME' posted in my Friendster profile:

ABOUT ME

DISCLAIMER: I’m still getting to know myself so please bear with me as the following information may abruptly change from time to time. Also, I am leaning towards the technical writer versus the creative writer so the following narrative may be too serious for you. Nevertheless, it may be a lively prose if you’re interested to read it. The testimonials in my Friendster account complement this so please do read them.

I am Elijah John. The former means ‘Yahweh is God’ and is used as my nickname since college. Some say my name sounds like a girl’s name. (I pity them for they do not know the Bible or Frodo of LOTR.) Some say “I like your name” while others say “Where did you get your name?” Well, whatever the reaction is, we just have to thank my mom and my dad for it.

I lived a life of an intellect, doing the “brainy high” since kindergarten up to high school. Everyone looked at me as smart and talented. A churchmate even told me that I’m a jack of all trades. In high school I entered into a lot of ‘intra-school contests’ such as speech contests, with the usual quiz bees in different subject areas. The prime of my high school life was during my 2nd year, winning a weekly championship in the LG Quiz. During those days, I made sure me and all of my classmates are in good terms. I like to befriend everyone I know and I don’t want anyone to be mad at me. I almost knew everyone in school and gave a smile to everyone who greets me. I was so active back then and all of my ‘social activeness’ was translated into memory when I entered college.

UP culture has trained me to be an independent, loner when I entered Diliman territory. Block sections were gone and every freshman has to go on his/her own. I had a few friends during my stay at Computer Science yet the pressure in academics pushed me out of Computer Science and into LIS. Well everyone outside UP asks me, “What’s LIS?” A: Library and Information Science. As expected always, either one of two follow-up questions will be asked: “So gusto mong maging librarian?” or “Ano magiging trabaho mo?” A: A myriad of opportunities await LIS majors and we’re not confined in the premises of a library…

Like my mom, I have this liking for teaching and I may someday take units in education. It’s proven in church as I receive encouraging feedback from the kids in Sunday school. I like helping people in any way possible, especially with homework and simple reference questions.

During college, I learned to be a lakwatsero, finding the ways around the metro. You can easily spot me in SM North or sometimes in Megamall or Glorietta walking on my own. I also developed the liking for movies as I sometimes needed to do something in my spare time.

Right now in college, I am thankful to be in UPD but I still yearn to know more about friendships and relationships. I know I need some catching up to do to again build up my social network. Kaunti lang ang mga naging kaclose ko sa UP. I may bear a smiling face but sometimes deep inside I feel so empty. I may have some acquaintances yet I am still looking for true friends that will accept me as I am, like before in high school.

I may be talented (as the testimonials below say) but still sometimes I feel so insecure. I sing for God yet sometimes life’s trials pull me down (Jesus, [please] take the wheel…). I know I am just a regular person, struggling to live in this world and trusting on the One wise enough to answer all of my questions.