Hello everyone! My name is Kwon Hyuk Lin, I’m half Korean & half Filipino, 19 years old, and I’m currently a trainee at Green Village Philippines - LP4Y. Over the past five months, this experience has been a journey of transformation and self-discovery.
Let me share a bit of my story and how I ended up here. From a young age, I was full of ambition. When asked about my dreams, I often said, “I want to be a teacher,” even though my true aspirations were different. I feared judgment and negative responses, and so I settled for a safer, less authentic answer.
Why did I think this way? It resulted from my own experiences and the opinions of those around me. I was told things that made me doubt my abilities, confining me to my comfort zone. Opportunities to showcase my talents were often met with self-doubt because of these ingrained beliefs.
Reflecting on those experiences now, it’s clear how they shaped my perspective. It’s ironic how the same people who held me back later pressured me to achieve more, which only fueled my anxiety about the future. I envisioned a different path —one where I’d move to Korea with my mother. But life had other plans, my mother died, making our plan to be postponed. I tried finding a job and faced job rejections due to lack of experience led me to return to Calauan, Laguna, where my aunt suggested I join LP4Y.
Initially hesitant, I eventually agreed. When I arrived and saw the bamboo structures amidst nature, I was surprised and intrigued. Meeting the previous trainees and hearing their success stories inspired me. I realized this could be a chance for me to grow.
Joining the program has been eye-opening. I’ve learned not to be confined by my fears and have started to embrace new experiences. Despite my initial struggles with being perceived as too serious or organized, I’m learning to adapt and grow.
Through my time in LP4Y, I’ve connected with many people, overcoming my fear of social interactions and public speaking. Each step forward has been a testament to the power of facing fears and seeking growth.
Even though doubts still linger, my goal remains clear: to reach beyond these uncertainties and embrace the light of opportunity. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner.”
Despite past disappointments and the feeling of lost opportunities, I remind myself that not all is lost. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. I focus on the present and the future, understanding that there are endless opportunities for new beginnings if I remain open to them.
Embrace your past lessons, heal from disappointments, and keep moving forward. Remember, you hold the power to shape a better future for yourself.
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