FLAVORFUL DISH

Life is like a dish. What we are as a person is a product of different ingredients mixed together to form our unique flavor. These ingredients in our lives come in various forms, through personal experiences, challenges, triumphs, and most importantly, our relationships. The people who have helped us reach who we are today – our family, friends, and, of course, our mentors. Ah, mentors. They are like the master chefs who guide us through the recipe of life, ensuring we don’t turn into a burnt soufflé.

Think of yourself as the main course at a five-star restaurant. You have your base ingredients – the core values and experiences that define you. But, let's be honest, even the finest dish needs a bit of seasoning, right? And that's where our mentors come in. They’re the salt, pepper, and occasionally, the unexpected dash of hot sauce that give us that extra zing.

In a fast-paced world and challenging times, I am fortunate enough to meet not just one but a bunch of mentors from different walks of life. And so today, let me share with you three key lessons I've learned so far as a mentee.

Six years ago, I was tasked to give an art workshop during a national conference for a Catholic Youth Community I’ve been serving for quite some time now. There were lots of workshops that day one of those is the Art workshop I was assigned to. Out of around 300 delegates, around 30 college students joined my workshop. From the conyos of Manila to the bisdaks of Visayas and Mindanao. Language was already a challenge for me. When I finished my workshop, I couldn’t help myself but nitpick on my awkward gestures, my countless stutters. I didn’t know about Ah-Counters then but I’m pretty sure I topped the list. I was comforted by my leader then, who’s also like an Ate to me, saying “okay ra man gud masayop”. Simple, yet reassuring words that indeed, mistakes are not something to be ashamed of. Mistakes are opportunities in disguise – chances to learn, grow, and sometimes even laugh at ourselves. Months after that conference, on my birthday I got a chat from a college student from Batangas who attended the art workshop. She greeted me and shared how she enjoyed the workshop and our conversations about art. She never mentioned about my mistakes. Overthinker lang jud ko. Indeed, ok ra jud masayop guys!

Fear is like that mysterious ingredient in a dish that you’ve never tried before. You’re not sure how it will taste, but with a mentor’s encouragement, you take a leap of faith and add it in. They show us that fear can be a powerful motivator and that stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to the most delightful surprises. Last March, our youth community was invited to facilitate a leadership summit for the school organizations of Indiana Aerospace. I had a small role that time. I shared that experience to my Toastmasters Mentor how my toastmasters journey helped me in carrying out some extracurricular activities outside. I shared how fearful I am about speaking in front. I’m scared of forgetting my lines and having to endure being watched by so many eyes. Ulaw kaayo matutukan guys! It’s encouraging to hear from a mentor that it’s okay to be afraid and that you are understood because being afraid is totally relatable. Fear doesn’t go away, you just get used to it. It’s a different kind of courage and bravery when you still do things even when you’re afraid.

Fear is like that mysterious ingredient in a dish that you’ve never tried before. You’re not sure how it will taste, but with a mentor’s encouragement, you take a leap of faith and add it in. They show us that fear can be a powerful motivator and that stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to the most delightful surprises. Last March, our youth community was invited to facilitate a leadership summit for the school organizations of Indiana Aerospace. I had a small role that time. I shared that experience to my Toastmasters Mentor how my toastmasters journey helped me in carrying out some extracurricular activities outside. I shared how fearful I am about speaking in front. I’m scared of forgetting my lines and having to endure being watched by so many eyes. Ulaw kaayo matutukan guys! It’s encouraging to hear from a mentor that it’s okay to be afraid and that you are understood because being afraid is totally relatable. Fear doesn’t go away, you just get used to it. It’s a different kind of courage and bravery when you still do things even when you’re afraid.