Success

Thirty-three across, "to be unsuccessful." When doing a crossword puzzle, the correct word doesn't always come to mind the first time. I usually go through and fill in the words that I know are definitely the correct answers, then go from there. There is obviously more than one word synonymous to being unsuccessful, but filling in the other squares will give you little clues as to what the word could be. Finally you realize that the only word that could fit there is "fail."

Don't we all run into this in life? Where you're doing so many things to come to one conclusion, just to end up in failure? Have you ever studied hours on end for a test only to receive a failing grade back? It will always amaze me how hard we all have to work and how many times we have to fail in order to work to the pinnacle of as little as one amount of success, whatever units that would be measured in. A successful relationship? A three-figure salary? Fame? A bonus?

As successful as I may appear to be so far in life, I have failed so many times. I've failed tests, failed to be that girl a guy was looking for, failed my dad when I've lied. I've gone through so many failures just to pick myself up again and continue on the path hoping that maybe the next event will be my success. I haven't found that success yet. What if it isn't worth it? Once you reach that point, you'll know. I'm waiting for that moment when it rushes through my veins and I think to myself, "It was worth it." So when you feel like everything in your life has failed you or you've failed it, pick yourself up and keep climbing the pyramid of success. It doesn't matter that it's mostly made up of failures, the top is really the only thing that matters because it means you've won the game.

Perspective

My trip to the Philippines overall was boring, I have to admit. I accompanied my dad as he participated in the Asian Poker Tour and was lucky enough to be able to be in the room watching everyone play. During the times when we were able to leave the hotel and explore a little bit, I was disappointed. The Philippines is definitely not known for their clothes or food, that's for sure. The third largest mall in the world was located right next to our hotel, initially making me think this vacation was going to be amazing. I was in for a surprise. Let me just start with the food. I have never smelled something so nauseating in my life. Upon entering the food court, the musty air smelling of fried butter just made you want to vomit. I don't even understand why they had a food court, it's all the same food in every stand: fish heads, rice, fried seafood, fried vegetables, I wouldn't be surprised if they had fried butter hidden in there somewhere because that's the only thing I smelled the whole weekend. I didn't even want to eat the only thing I liked: lumpia. But I doubt that it'd taste the same as the way my nanny used to make it, who was Filipino.

In order for me to fully enjoy vacationing there, I'd have to take on a different perspective. It may be rude to stare at people according to our customs, but in the Philippines, every single person does it. I have been stared down 50 times in one day, by men and women, old and young. At first I was insulted, but then I realized it was a different country with different customs. Did you know Filipinos also eat with their hands? Everything: rice, fish... It's almost disgusting, but probably not as disgusting as certain middle-easterns wiping themselves with their bare hands. Can you also imagine that I was taller than 95% of the people I've seen!? I felt mighty! Filipinos are also probably the nicest people in general. Now, I hope that's not because I was staying in a 5 star hotel where it's kind of required to be nice to high-paying customers, but they really take their jobs seriously. I think it goes as far as their personalities in general. They ALWAYS call you ma'am and sir. They make sure you aren't just happy, but enthusiastic. Humanity isn't doomed after all. America just needs to sharpen up.

With all the traveling I've done and all the different customs I've experienced so far in my lifetime, I've been able to take on different perspectives and adapt. It helped me to become more well-rounded and overall a better person. What saddens me is that there are people I've met in the States that haven't even left the country, much less the state. I cannot even begin to imagine what kind of person I'd be without the knowledge of the world I have today. So to sum up the trip in general, I still say it was boring. It was an experience requiring me to adapt, something I do and have done everyday. I'm used to it by now, but I'd rather not live at all, than to live a life of ignorance.