NON-CHANGE

​I met my high school classmate in 2010 after less than two decades.

She was sitting beside me in the airport terminal awaiting our flight to Kuala Lumpur from Manila.

I saw her and I knew this was Victoria, the girl I had been friends with during high school.

Victoria, myself, and two more classmates bonded together because we were not popular. 

We were part of the 'out' group because of our uniqueness and that we don't conform to the latest craze or trends dominating high school life.

Victoria saw me and recognized me instantly. 

We had a short chat and we talked about our work and lives after college or school.

She never changed. Her appearance, her hair, clothing were still the same.

There's was no smugness in her demeanor despite her achievements. She was as I remembered her back then.

I knew that about her because she was a genius but also a good person.

Nobody appreciated that about her except her family. I hung out with her with ease. Plus, we always sat beside each other because our surnames go together, Manzanal and Medina. 

Was it good or bad? I knew that this world will not appreciate someone like Vicky who's really her own person. Vicky's staying the same is definitely what makes her special. 

Change is good when you become a better person. Outward appearances do not need to be changed or polished if you don't need that extra effort to be successful, famous, or respected. For some of us, they have to contort their bodies and personalities to become this 'persona' to be successful. The closest you are to your core person is the best way to show up in this world.

There's no amount of cosmetic surgery, branding, and reinvention will make you successful if your being is wasting away in the altar of public validation. Vicky is one in eight billion people and nothing can change her.

​God bless Vicky!