Beyond Eighteen & Infinity
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light. I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.
- Sarah Williams
Who would have thought that a timid, chubby girl before will spin and sway to whatever song plays without a care in the world as she celebrates the age of her maturity and liberty? Yes, I did.
I never thought that the best day of my life has just perfectly happened as I dreamed of, not because some prince charming rescued me nor true love’s kiss saved my life but because the enchanting day has finally came for me to be no longer called a girl but a true lady that I’ve been always wanted to be. Honestly, I did not expect that it would come quick. I might have thought of being 18 with just one snap, but no, it happens only in fairytales. But my very special day is certainly not a fantasy but a blessing. Moreover, that very day, I know that things will be quite different and I am about to write my own story in a new chapter of my life.
I really don’t expect to have a grand celebration on my debut but my cousin, Ana Gonzales, made everything brilliant far more than I could imagined. She help me with the suppliers and all the stuffs just like all I need to do is wait for the day and own the night with a beauty queen’s smile. And I did, I owned the night proudly and boldly.
In my debut, I had a galaxy themed party as it symbolizes my endless aspirations and represents the assembly of brilliant people in my life. The concept also incorporates my favourite colors like blue, silver and violet. I made it that way by not having a fairytale type party or me as a princess-like because I want it to be sophisticated and mature yet dreamy. I like to express my perpetuity as I have been very fond of the stars, moon and the galaxy.
For my guests to have fun during the celebration, I had food booths, photo booth, live band and mobile bar so they can have something to enjoy not only just sit and watch the whole program. I want them to feel special as they are in me. It felt really magical seeing all the amazing people whom I loved the most, rejoicing the day I was born and the day I become on my own. I was bursting into tears when they started to share their life’s experiences with me and I was filled with love as they gave their wishes and messages for me. The night was filled with joy, cheers and love and I am indeed blessed to have this kind of celebration.
As I enter a new phase in my life, I will never forget what I had and learned. With my years of experience, I have gone through tough situations, but I have made a positive outlook to what I have run into. Whenever I hear unkind words, I take it as an opportunity to grow. With overwhelming expectations, I challenged and stretch out myself beyond prospects. Every time I stumble and fall, I choose to take stand and continue the race.
I thank God for the people who have been there throughout the years. My family has been ever compassionate and loving and my parents who have molded me into a person with respect and integrity. My very malambing cousins “bibis” who have been always supportive and my friends who loved me from moon to back.
And most of all with that is within me, I learned to always kneel down and look above with faith in the Lord who is the source of my strength. And this made me who I am now; a lady of courage, a lady of endless aspirations and a lady of infinite faith.
Sarah Mae G. Salido