Dream as high as the sky.

I arrived home super later than usual today because my officemates and I waited for four hours for this pastry store to open. I was so full and so tired afterwards that I planned to sleep as soon as I got home. I was about to sleep when suddenly an unknown landline phone called me on my cel. I had this urge to ignore it (just like what I did the last time) since I was thinking that it could be another call center wanting to hire me. But no. I recognized the voice, that English in recognizable Visayan accent, who called me the last time to inform me of my examination requirements. Just there and then, I knew that I made it. Of course, who calls an examinee after she failed an exam, right? And I was not mistaken. After asking for my name, she then said the magic words, "Congratulations, Ma'am. You passed the Air Traffic Service Qualifying Exam...please secure the following...." I wanted to savor the moment but then she immediately told me to list down the medical requirements that I need to pass, and the schedule of the interview if I passed the medical test.

It took me awhile to process everything. And then my eyes welled up with tears. I then called my mom and told her that I passed. Afterwards, I opened the CAAP website, just to make sure that I wasn't really dreaming, and to know what my score was. Yipee, my name's really on the page. When I scrolled down though, I was surprised even more to see this:

Nationwide ranking...and see where I'm at! Unexpected!

The examination was held on June 15, and this was held simultaneously in 6 chosen airports in the country. There were a total of 834 examinees, and only the top 10% will qualify to take the medical evaluation.

I don't wanna brag but this is something, as in really SOMETHING. I swear this exam was harder than the Civil Service one. I remembered that time when I had to walk a kilometer under the scorching heat to and from the airport just to complete my exam requirements. I haven't had any sleep that night before the exam since I was at work. I remembered that frustration of not knowing the answers to almost all questions about computers when I am a Computer Engineering graduate. And that feeling of panic when I had to answer all 40 questions in two hours and I was still at #14 and an hour and a half has already passed. It was all worth the stress!

I am just so happy. I'm just worried if my boss will know about this because she will surely get mad at me (I actually posted the photo above on FB but kept it hidden from my workmates). Of course, I don't want to jeopardize my work and my working relationship with her. But whether she'll understand or not, this is an opportunity that's not to miss.

I will work up there soon! :)

I know there's a lot more to go. Medical evaluation, final interview, and I guess the next one is the grueling 10 months of training in Manila. I'm still at step 1 but I have made a great leap. I don't know what lies ahead, but after all those blessings and guidance that God has given me, I believe I don't have much to worry. To God indeed be the glory... and I'm really hoping and praying that someday I will reach the sky...like literally. :)