BARBIE STEF P.

ALBAO BSPH-1A
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHARMACY IE II

“Echoes of Faith: Navigating Shadows Towards the Light”

They say, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all," yet despite this affirmation, I
often found myself enveloped in shadows, questioning the very essence of His presence. Was
God truly real, or was my inability to perceive His light a reflection of my own shortcomings as a
Christian? These questions, like persistent echoes, haunted me as I navigated the winding path
from devout Catholicism to a state of agnosticism, only to eventually find myself slowly,
hesitantly, rediscovering my faith in God.
Childhood, with its innocence and endless curiosity, now feels like a distant memory. My
family faced many struggles—financial problems, sickness, and tension between relatives—but I
held onto my faith, believing that if I stayed devoted, God would help us. So, I went to church
faithfully, sometimes alone, which worried my parents.
I always followed my parents' rules, but deep down, I had dreams and wishes I never
talked about. Because of money issues, my parents often focused more on my sister's dreams,
which made me feel jealous and like I wasn't good enough. Doing well in school became my safe
place, where I hoped to get the recognition I craved, but even there, I felt ignored and unfairly
compared to my classmates.
When the pandemic started, my faith was tested even more. Doubts started to creep in as I
struggled with tough parts of life. Talking deeply with my brother about religion made me
question everything, trying to make sense of what the Bible says compared to what I was
experiencing.
But in the middle of all my confusion, two teachers from my school, Sir Boco and Sir
Louigi, stood out as guides. Their passionate talks and strong belief in God light a fire inside me,
renewing my fading faith. It felt like their words cleared away my doubts, pushing me to
reconnect with God.
Looking back, I realized that my suffering didn't break my connection with God; I turned
away from Him. As my Christology teacher once remarked, the existence of God transcends
empirical evidence—it is a matter of faith, of embracing divine mysteries beyond human
comprehension.
In the end, my struggles made me stronger. Straying from God's path only deepened my
despair, underscoring the importance of unwavering faith. Despite life's trials and tribulations, I
now stand firm, anchored in the knowledge that God's presence is an unwavering beacon of light,
guiding me through the darkest of nights and the brightest of days.

BARBIE STEF P. ALBAO BSPH-1A

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHARMACY IE II

“Discovering the Essence: Embracing the True Nature Within”

Since my earliest memories, I've been on a determined journey of self-discovery, driven

by an unstoppable curiosity to unravel the intricate layers of my existence. It's a quest that has
taken me through the diverse landscapes of life, presenting me with countless experiences and
encounters that have shaped and reshaped my understanding of who I am.
As I journeyed through this world, I've been captivated by the kaleidoscope of human
expression, witnessing individuals embracing their true nature with unabashed authenticity.
Some have been celebrated for their courage, while others have faced criticism for daring to defy
societal norms. Intrigued by this difference, I found myself drawn to explore various ways of
expressing myself, from the arts to academia, in search of my own authentic voice.
In my pursuit of validation, I excelled in academic endeavors and cultivated talents that
garnered admiration from those around me. Yet, despite the external accolades, I grappled with
an underlying sense of emptiness, a nagging feeling that something essential was missing. It was
in these moments of introspection that I began to question the nature of validation itself, realizing
that true fulfillment could not be found in the approval of others alone.
This important realization prompted me to delve deeper into the essence of who I truly
am. I embarked on a journey of self-exploration, peeling back the layers of societal conditioning
and external expectations to unearth the core of my being. It was a journey fraught with
challenges and setbacks, but with each obstacle overcome, I grew closer to understanding the
true nature of my essence.
Now, as I stand at the edge of a new chapter in my life, I am keenly aware of the
importance of embracing my authentic self. No longer shackled by the chains of external
validation, I am free to chart my own course and forge a path that is true to my nature. It is a
liberating realization, one that fills me with a sense of purpose and empowerment as I navigate
the complexities of the world around me.
In the end, this reflection serves as a testament to the transformative power of
selfdiscovery. By embracing the essence of who I am and honoring the nature of my being, I can
live a life that is authentic, meaningful, and true to myself. As I continue this journey of
selfexploration, I am filled with a sense of hope and anticipation for the adventures that lie
ahead.

“DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE: EMBRACING THE TRUE NATURE

WITHIN”

“ECHOES OF FAITH: NAVIGATING SHADOWS TOWARDS THE LIGHT”