A letter from May 15, 2025

Dear Maj, Happy Birthdaaay, Maj! I'm not really sure where you are or what you're doing by the time you're reading this, but let me tell you what I did and where I am now. I recently quit my job as a teacher at Golden Link College, although I'm not certain if that's the right thing to do, but I want you to know that I did because I wanted us to start healing. Something tragic happened that left me traumatized, and I believe that pulling myself out of that environment would allow me to heal. I am not running away, nor am I choosing to ignore my calling or my passion; it's just that I'm not my best self, nor the teacher I would want. I am not the teacher that my students deserve. I believe that a new place or a change in my system would help me progress. Maj, I don't know how things will turn out, but I'm putting myself on pause. I'm doing this not because I'm scared, but because I am brave enough to move forward despite everything that happened, to let go of the people I love and care about, and to seek freedom and peace. It must have been the hardest decision I have ever made, and I hope it will make you say that "I'm glad I did that". You know what's the hardest part? it's leaving Justine behind. To be honest, I wanted him to ask me to stay, but he didn't, and we both know why. He didn't say goodbye to me either, it hurts, but I guess the price I have to pay. Hindi pa malinaw sakin ngayon kung ano ba ang gusto kong gawin o kung saan ba ako dapat tumungo, isa lang ang alam ko, Maj, gusto ko ng kalayaan at kapayapaan. Sana matagpuan ka ng liham na to kung saan ika'y malaya at payapa. Kung mali man ang aking naging desisyon, I'm really sorry if I ever caused you pain. I hope this letter encourage you to continue moving forward. Sana patuloy mong piliin ang iyong sarili. patuloy na inaaral kung paano ka mamahalin, Maj.