Detours from home: Through the internet, the world became my stage

[Editor’s note: Detours from home is a Rappler column where readers can share about the new things they have been doing while in quarantine. In this essay, a student shares how the quarantine allowed him to return to hosting. You, too, can share your own Detours from home story.]

I was in second grade when I discovered public speaking. My mother and I practiced every afternoon, so I can earn the right to represent my school for an oratorical contest. Unfortunately, I failed to advance to the final stage of auditions.  Even if I didn’t get the part, I still had the chance to watch the competition since my alma matter hosted it.

While I was at the covered court watching the performances, something peculiar happened – my hands were shaking and my heart rate was beating faster than usual. In my head, I felt like a contestant who’s about to hit the stage and recite the piece. I knew that it was an adrenaline rush that will lead me to something in the future. Your time will come, I tried to calm myself down by repeating this phrase.

Seven years later, the time for me to finally step on the stage has arrived. I was assigned to host the Buwan ng Wika celebration in my high school, something that I have not done in my primary school in the barrio. Despite the fear that my accent may sound strange to others, I accepted the challenge. 

Since then, I had hosted major school events until my senior year. I made sure that every time I stood before a crowd, I would always follow my mother’s advice: “Iti kalaban mu ket bagbagim, isu nga lalaingem kanayun.” (Your only competitor is yourself, do better every time.”)

When I entered college, I lay low for a while to prioritize my studies. However, I never rejected opportunities that came knocking. I have spoken not only for myself but also for the causes close to my heart. During fundraising events or student orientation programs, I encouraged people to get tested for HIV or avail of the free mental health services in our local hospital. I would always make sure that I leave something more substantial than witty punchlines alone. However, during the remaining days of my undergraduate studies, I convinced myself to set aside this passion so I can start planning my future career. After all, I knew I’ve already accomplished my purpose as a public speaker – to speak about issues that matter.

During the early days of the pandemic, the decision to temporarily set aside my passion became final. I then kept myself busy doing other things like creating resumes, seeking part-time jobs online, and supporting my friends’ businesses. The suspension of mass gatherings also helped me in reaching that decision since I thought that school or organizational affairs wouldn’t push through anymore. However, the lack of physical events forced people to go virtual. Unexpectedly, opportunities came one after the other that my heart can’t afford to say no. 

Through Zoom meetings, I continued to pursue my passion from home. The first one was the online miting de avance of my University, where I got to be part of the panel who asked challenging questions to some aspiring council leaders. Last June 19, I also co-hosted the introduction of MovePH’s webinar on fact-checking together with fellow campus journalists in the country. I’m grateful that I became a part of a discussion that encourages people to be more critical of the information they see online. Recently, I hosted Cagayano Care Camp, a series of online seminars that aim to engage the Cagayano youth in activities on mindfulness, self-awareness, and self-care. In times when physical gatherings aren’t allowed, the world became my stage through the power of the internet. 

There’s not a lot of a difference when engaging in public speaking online compared to a physical event. I still get excited and nervous at the same time, especially when I’m about to open the Zoom link. The fear that my internet connection would be lost anytime adds to the adrenalin rush. I also don’t need to worry about getting a perfect outfit anymore, since wearing a presentable top is already enough. It’s also a bonus that my parents can finally watch the events that I’m part of through Facebook live. Above all, I get to meet more people coming from different backgrounds: activists, journalists, yoga advocates, and organizations that aspire to create a difference during these trying times. 

For creatives, the pandemic seemed to have paralyzed the physical platforms where we share our passions. Fortunately, the internet has created a space that still allows interactions to be possible. We have seen drag queens, local bands, and actors performing online; may they inspire us to continue doing things that spark joy in our hearts. Remember, the key to the world stage is just a click away. – Rappler.com

Vincent C. Verzola, 21, is the outgoing Managing Editor of The Louisian Courier. He aspires to be a Certified Public Accountant and a storyteller someday.