Chapter 3

New Life. . .

"Alezandra, could you pass the brown envelope, please? The one inside the cabinet."

"Ms. Walsh, have you already finished compiling the documents I gave you earlier?"

"My gosh, Ms. Walsh! Such a clumsy woman!"

"I'm very sorry, Ms. Walsh. We don't have anything we can do to keep you. Your last salary and separation pay will be given to you tomorrow. Thank you for your service."

"Your rent is due, Ms. Walsh. We have to pull out the strings, and we will give you one week to find another place to live, we are very sorry."

At the age of 18, I stood with my own feet. Using the money, knowledge, strength, and skills I built living in the Philippines, I lived.

I'm still here in Sicily, Italy. Young, dumb, and broke.

I ran away from my family, fame, luxury, obligations, responsibilities, and dreams.

Pero hindi ko yon pinagsisihan.

In my four years here in Italy, I learned to live in my own. I learned to become thrifty. I learned to work harder. I learned to live alone, to live without maids, without brand new bags, luxurious cars and sandals, shiny clothes, expensive jewelry, and fame.

And because of that, I met the true me.

Yung taong marunong makisama sa iba’t ibang tao. Marunong tumayo sa sariling paa. Nakakayanang maglakad ng ilang kilometro makapunta lang sa paroroonan. Matulog ng hindi saktong 8 hrs at nakahiga lang sa magaspang na sahig. Kumakain ng instant noodles araw-araw. At pakikipagsapalaran sa ibang uri.

At the age of 22, I became who I wanted to be. Independent and brave.

I’m slowly achieving the things that used to be just dreams.

Dahil naniniwala akong good things takes time.

I'm now a ballerina coach. Earning six digits per month. Hindi kalakihan, but I am content. I was now able to pay my bills on time, eat what I want but in moderation, and live my life to the fullest.

"Focus, one step at a time." paalala ko sa kanila

Yan ang bagay na palagi kung pinanghahawakan. Na itinuturo ko rin sa mga estudyante ko.

I am Alezandra Fiadh Walsh, a ballet dancer and an international award winning coach.

And I thanked the man I met four years ago for giving the name who I am today.

“Feel the music. Trust the movement. Keep your balance. Control your breath.” saad ko

"And that's all for today, lovely dancers. Jenica, don't forget to practice and master the mad scene. Francesca, the coppèlia?" I said while helping them remove their Pointe Shoes.

"Always remember not to be stiff. Just relax and feel the steps." I said while executing Act II, The Spirit Forest in Giselle.

After I danced, my students were amazed.

"You know what, Ms. Walsh, you're such a great dancer! I want to be just like you!" Hilary said

"Oh, Hilary, you don't need to be just like me." I laughed and sat beside her

"Each one of us embodies each difference. Just like me and you, we shared different fates but the same dreams, which is to become a great dancer! Just be you." And I smiled

After a minute of our conversation, their parents are starting to arrive.

Isa isa na silang nagsisi-uwian dala dala ang mga ala-alang kanilang naranasan sa araw na ito.

Kung paano sila natuto, kung paano sila bumangon sa pagkakadapa at pagtanggap ng pagkakamali.

And their parents seemed to be proud of them.

Hindi ko man naranasan ang mga nakikita ko ngayon, at least I got what I dreamed the most.

And that is freedom.

That I would be forever grateful for.