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During my teenager years, I have been in awe of people in uniform serving our country. They look like a superhero to me, especially in their complete battle dress attire (BDA). I could say maybe it's run in our blood as two of my Uncle are a member of the Philippine Army. 
When I started studying in college, I was supposed to take a BS in Criminology because I wanted to be a policewoman. Still, due to financial issues, I chose another course. I was a working student back then. 
However, what caught my interest that made me see hope was when the Reserve officer training course (ROTC) was offered under National Service Training Program (NSTP). This is required in the first year of college. Without hesitation, I chose that and even applied to be an officer.
Once an officer, you will have ROTC subject for three years instead of a year only. The training was not easy, and I needed to pass theoretical and physical exams. 
It may not be that rigid compared to military training for members of the Philippine army, BUT it was closed to it. There were 21 days of training for all the officers in the military camp. Agility, endurance, intelligence, and even attitude were tested. That was my first time living in a tent for the whole duration of the training.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lhes/23u62oYZeGTcreCMio4XuepG7sBz9KhKJJtoi5NhV3TBpTB69j5wn5eiTCfnZC5FLZi6E.png)

Screenshot from our training posted in YouTube. [Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roW7JT1Wryo&t=218s)


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This is my photo during my college years and ROTC days.

Let's take a shortcut. The moment I graduated from college, I planned to apply for Probationary Officer Training Course (POTC). ( Once you successfully underwent this training, you had a reserve rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Then applied for active duty in the military with that rank for two years). I was determined, and our Group commander, who was in the military, was willing to support. I was also confident I could pass the training as it was my passion. It was my DREAM!
Yet, things didn't go well as planned. I was madly in love back then, and my boyfriend didn't like the idea. He wanted me to pursue my teaching career instead. I being a submissive girlfriend, chose to give up my dream.
However, things again weren't in my favor. That boyfriend and I broke up after four years of relationship. He fall out of love.
Devastated and trying to divert my attention, I planned again to continue applying for POTC as my best friend, who was already in the military, kept pushing me. I was almost ready to take the second chance, but sad news broke my heart for the second time. My best friend died. Not in war, but due to a motorcycle accident!
I got demotivated after and just decided to focus my attention at work. Working in the office, sitting eight hours in front of my computer desktop, might not be my dream job, but I didn't regret it. WHY? It may sound cheesy, but this is where I met the love of my life. *The one thing I will never regret in my life is MARRYING HIM.*
Our love story started because of a [pet name](https://peakd.com/hive-168869/@lhes/we112-it-all-started-with-a-pet-name). Even though our marriage was somehow in a rush, as I told @wittyzell earlier, I never regret it.
We didn't have that traditional church wedding ( we are, of course, still planning). Though he had already given me a ring and asked me to marry him, it was supposed to be after two or three years. We are only supposed to have a vacation in my province. While we at the airport waiting for our flight to be called, he suddenly says, " Why not we get married during our vacation." Funny as I was also thinking about that.
So the moment we reached our home and introduced him to my family, I told them our plan. Glad my family is supportive! 
The next day, we went to court, and through the help of someone, we knew our marriage was scheduled for the next day.
No fancy dress, no reception, and even crowd. Only my parents and one of my sisters. Just two people madly in love.

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This picture was taken four years ago. 
Sometimes we laughed as we didn't even have a decent photo in during our wedding day. So we kept documenting as many memories as possible, not to share on social media but as a remembrance to reminisce .

I may not get the dream career I wanted, but I don't have regrets. I believe being in AFP was not my calling. I was redirected to where I am today as God wanted be to be.
I may be fascinated, but I am unsure if I can handle " THE LIFE." As I read the ***Military professionalism***, being a soldier was never easy. My highest respect to all the men and women in uniform.

Hello Hivers, this my entry for @galenkp WE114, weekend-engagement.
> Finish the sentence (option one)
Below is the beginning of a sentence which you need to finish. Explain what the thing is and why you answered as you did.
"The one thing I will never regret in my life is..."



Author: Lhes
Date published: 08/14/2022
Place: Manila Philippines

Lead image edited via canva