SILENCE /ATENEO ADMISSION ESSAY (2021)

Hello guys, I wanted to share this personal essay that I have written for my application to Ateneo. Sadly, my results came out this week and I got WAITLISTED. Maybe this essay will serve as a guide on what to avoid when writing a personal essay. Nevertheless, here is the essay. good luck!

 SILENCE

Written by: Geomari Miguel R. Dominguez

“Silenzio, Bruno.”

A memorable line from the Disney film “Luca”. The character aims to silence “Bruno”, the voice in our head that feeds negativity, fear, and insecurity. That line touched a special place in my heart — my silent journey of self-healing from depression, which taught me the value of listening, the significance of exploring, and the power of inspiring.

When I was in 6th Grade, I was part of the “Pilot Section”, where all students who were assigned there were recipients of the academic excellence award from the previous level. My classmates were all gifted with intelligence, talent, and determination contrary to my happy-go-lucky personality.

The “Bruno” inside my head whispered that I am mediocre compared to my peers. The fear, pressure, and constant comparison from myself, my teachers, and my parents were the turning point of my depression.

The personal battles were then followed by family problems. I have to deal with my mediocrity, my depression, and my struggle with family.

My own “Silenzio, Bruno” came in the form of a poem entitled “Footprints in the Sand”. The beautifully written poem tells the narrative of a person running in the sand with God. In the good days, there were two sets of footprints, and in the bad days, there was only one set. The person asked God why there is only a single set of footprints in those bad times. God’s answer gave me consolation in those trying times and I quote:

"My precious child, I love you and will never leave you.

Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Mother Teresa once said, “ God speaks in the silence of our hearts. Listening is the beginning of the prayer.”

That moment taught me that in the silence I prayed to Him to help me, to comfort me, and to love me. In the event when I remembered the poem, came the realization that it is important to listen. The value of listening taught me that God’s answer has always been there waiting to be discovered.

In High School, I began to process self-healing. I recollected and reconnected to my old optimistic self. I gave myself the chance to explore Volleyball, Teatro, and Student Council. 

I played volleyball for Intramurals in 9th Grade and 10th Grade. I made friends, learned new skills, and improved my sportsmanship. 

I also joined the Teatro Filipino Club in 10th Grade. We performed two plays namely: “Kasali ang Lahat, Lahatay Kasali'' and “Himig ng Lipunan”. Both of which tackled social and political issues. It opened my mind about the issues like the Oplan Tokhang, the abused farmers, and the struggles of the LGBTQIA++ Community.

At that same level, I was asked to run for the position of Vice President. I was enthusiastic during thecampaign and Miting De Avance. I may have lost, but that opened the opportunity for me to be part of the committee. As a part of the committee, I was assigned to host the two programs of the Student Council which are: “Kislap High School Dance” and “Christmas Party for the High School Department”. Because of that, I found a new side of me that I love hosting.

I have read a quote that said, “ Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show." That showed me the significance of exploring, which allowed me to discover possibilities and opportunities that made me grow as a person. The once self-deprecating and mediocre view disappeared for

I immerse myself in the world to learn, to develop, and to progress.

There is a saying by Nelson Mandela that goes, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” In life, I learned that my goal should be to inspire other people that they can overcome and win the silent battles and struggles they are facing. It does not end with journey I experienced — depression, self-healing through exploration — I have to share it to inspire other people to have a positive outlook, a strong faith, and a good attitude in facing life.

I was privileged to host our class’ Outreach Program to the elderly in the Home for the Aged in Provident Village, Marikina City. It was for our celebration of our Patron Saint: Saint Francis of Assisi. My classmates and I shared our experiences and stories with our grandparents. I got the chance to chat with them and bond with them as an “apo” during that day. I learned so much from their wisdom and their life experiences.

I have the habit of writing letters to my friends and family members. I write whenever it’s their birthday, or it’s Christmas, or just a normal day. I give it to show my love, care, and affection to them that I cannot express verbally.

February this year, I started my blog with the name “Kasibulan”, which means spring, growth, and youth. My main objective in starting this blog was to share my experience in poems, short stories, and anecdotes. I hope that I inspire someone who experienced the same and be the source of hope to overcome their struggles.

The “Brunos” inside our heads hinder the growth and development of our minds, hearts, and souls. When we let it consume us, we become the slave of our weakness. However, hope is always present. We can overcome our struggles and battles as long as we find time to reflect and contemplate in silence. In that silence of our hearts, we learn and grow. And, I grasped those life lessons — the value of listening, the significance of exploring, and the power of inspiring — when my depression happened. 

For light is seen when all is dark, and His voice is heard in the silence of our hearts.

“Silence is the greatest source of strength.”

-Lao Tzu