Whispers of the Moon: A Name Reimagined

 Since I was a child, I have had a special bond with the night. The silent stillness, the quiet gentleness of the wind, and the soft brightness of the moon have always created a sense of security and serenity within me. It's not a passing fancy—my affection for the moon has been something that's remained constant over the years, and when I thought about what name I would take for myself, one name was the obvious choice: "Selene".

Selene, a Greek myth name, means "Moon Goddess." It's a name that resonates with me on a deep, inner level, symbolizing not just the loveliness of the moon but the calm, serene energy it carries with it. There is something magical about the way the moon shines in the blackness, lighting the way where you least expect to find it. I'd sit in the window of our two-story home, looking out into the night, when I was a child. We were close to the ocean, so the ocean breeze was always mixed into the calming atmosphere. The glint of the moon, bouncing off the water, created a calming stillness that made everything. right.

Those quiet nights were my sanctuary. During those moments, I would be there, gazing at the moonlight and the soft breeze, believing that I fit into the world. Everything felt in harmony. It is not surprising, therefore, that the name "Selene" best fits me. Each evening I spent under that peaceful spell of the moon, I couldn't help but feel it was a reminder to take things slow, breathe deeply, and marvel at the loveliness around me.

If I had the option to rename myself, "Selene" would be my top pick. It represents the calmness, the soft beauty, and the peaceful energies I've always been drawn to. I do think that nature has the power to ground us, and for me, the moon is that grounding force. It's a name that reflects who I am, what I love, and the quiet moments that have shaped me.

But with all that, I do know that I already love the name Rafielle May. It is my given name that has been with me, shaped me, and has my family's love and history. However, if I were to choose just one, "Selene" would beautifully be the one that would symbolize everything that makes my soul at peace—the moon, the nighttime sky, and that mystique serenity that I have always loved.

A Name Forged in Love and Legacy

Names are not merely labels; they have stories, legacies, and meanings. My name, Rafielle May, is a lovely combination of my parents' love, their past, and a dash of timing, as simple as it can be. The origin of it is a loving one, with a bit of family influence and a personal touch to the month I was born.

My name's origin starts with my parents, Rafael Carlo and Michelle. My father, Rafael, a name that originates from strength and tradition. My mother, Michelle, a name that is indicative of her caring and nurturing personality. When they were getting ready to name me, their second child, they were sort of at a crossroads. Giving a child a name is not always straightforward—there are just too many things to think about. My parents both wanted something unique, but they also wanted it to represent a combination of themselves as individuals. At first, they were a bit stuck finding the right name. But suddenly, something really quite simple hit them. They thought of putting together elements of both of their own names, creating something wholly mine. My dad's name, Rafael, inspired the "RAF" in Rafielle, while my mom's, Michelle, gave us the "ELLE." Together, the names reflected both of them as well as symbolized the bond and connection that existed when they brought me into being.

But that was not the end of the story. I was born in May, a warm month of blooming flowers, and my parents had wanted my name to be named for it. They named me "May" as my middle name to commemorate the month of birth. The name was straightforward, but it gave a personal touch to my name, reminding me every year that I was born during a season of new starts.

When my parents were naming me, they were not sure initially, but as time passed, they found common ground in this lovely compromise. They had me, their second child, and even though they had trouble deciding on a name at first, they ultimately settled on "Rafielle May," a name that captured the best of both of them, with a special significance attached to the month I was born.

So, whenever anyone refers to me as Rafielle May, I listen not only to a name but to a tale of love, forbearance, and a splash of serendipity. It is a name with the heritage of my parents' origins and their bonding, and each time I think about it, I'm reminded of the family that raised me and the process that brought me into being.

In the end, my name is simple, yes, but it carries the weight of my family’s love and their hope for me, all wrapped in a meaningful and beautiful package. I’ll forever be grateful to my parents for the thought, the love, and the care they put into choosing it.

From Backup to Breakthrough

                                 

Deciding on a university and course is one decision that sometimes accompanies excitement, doubts, and in some cases, a hint of pressure. It wasn't quite as simple for me as following a passion or making the selection based on personal preference. Everything began with a plan B.

When I was searching for colleges to apply to, my mind was made up on studying Hospitality Management at LNU. I envisioned myself working in a dynamic field where I would be able to engage with individuals, make unforgettable experiences, and discover the world of hospitality. But life, as it is wont to do, had something else in store for me. My mother, who was very much supporting but had her own aspirations for me, had wanted me to take something else – something she thought would provide stability and satisfaction: Elementary Education.

I wasn't initially enamored with the prospect. The Education course at EVSU was not even my first choice; my first choice was LNU. Still, as much as I had wanted to do my own thing, my mother's desires were heavy on my heart. She was convinced this was the path to my future, and I, being the obedient daughter, agreed to let her try. After all, sometimes our parents' dreams are centered in love and the desire to see us succeed even when they don't exactly mirror our own.

And thus, I was at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) pursuing Elementary Education, not out of passion at the time but because it was my mother's ambition for me. It was bitter to accept, but I opted to have faith that somehow God had better things in store for me.

As the years passed, I came to realize that all was not as worse as I had first imagined. The atmosphere in EVSU was friendly and embracing, and the professors were truly passionate about their subjects. The program, even though it was not what I had envisioned for myself, began to take a hold of my heart. There was a feeling of satisfaction in reaching out to young minds and learning the art of teaching. Gradually, I came to enjoy the lovely experience I was having.

In retrospect now, I don't regret my choice for a moment. EVSU may not have been my first preference, but it has become the ideal place for me. The experiences, the people, and the learning I've acquired have been more fulfilling than I ever imagined. And though my mother's dream initiated the process, I now understand that it is connected to something far greater – a future where I am able to contribute to children's lives.

Along the way, I've come to trust that God has a plan for me, even if it's not readily apparent. He leads us where we don't always understand at first, but I now see that I'm precisely where I'm supposed to be. If Elementary Education was really for me, then God would find a way to show me the beauty and value in it, and He has.

Ultimately, this is not merely my mother's dream anymore. It's mine now. I'm enjoying molding young minds and seeing that I am building a better tomorrow.

Occasionally, the route we never saw coming is the route that will result in the most fulfilling experience. I thank the process, and I look forward to the future.