On Being First

I got a text message Thursday night that says Angel is the First Honor in the first (of the four) Recognition Ceremonies at St. Paul. I was elated but had to convey my congratulations to my eldest daughter via Facebook. I wasn’t home that time for an Official Business that would last until the afternoon of the following day, a holiday. I may have not seen the expressions on her face but I was pretty sure she was smiling ear-to-ear upon hearing the news.

Being first was Angel’s goal since the beginning of her primary schooling years. The spot doesn’t come handy as she had to compete with equally deserving pupils of her age who are much strategically positioned to get the top spot. By strategically position, I mean the access to an after school tutoring service which I can’t personally afford. Part from the cost, I would rather have her and her brother play with the rest of the kids than confide her in a room with all her books. Absence of a Tutoring Service brings out the independence and discipline in her as she finished first all her home works before he goes out to play. There were instances though wherein she waits for my “advice” on assignments that deals with numbers; it’s a relief on her part but an agony on mine.

Angel has always been a good competitor by nature, a trait she probably got from her mother. I remember the time where she would seek for my approval for her to join the School’s Majorette Group back in Grade 2. Of course I said fine but she didn’t make the cut in the final screening. Last month she was at it again, and finally she was part of the group and her first exposure was during the Lingo ng Wika parade. She kept her eyes on the target and works hard to get there. I just hope this latest achievement doesn’t diminish the fighter in her and strive even harder to stay at the top.

Being first is not an achievement in itself. It is in fact a challenge one has to face. The real triumph comes from the consistency of keeping oneself at the top and successfully defending the crown against other competitors who are out to take the glory away from you. Angel has just won the battle but not the war. Nevertheless, she deserves BIG Congratulations and from what I understand, a BIGGS treat was given to her last Saturday courtesy of her Lolo and Lola.