Lessons from the field

GROWING up, I was always told by adults that the only way to a successful life was to get into a prestigious school, earn a degree, and work as an engineer, doctor or lawyer one's whole life; that dreams begin after university living a profession. I've disagreed with it at a certain point, only coming back home to realize that they were right, not because that is the only way but because you learn so much from it. You learn the value of working hard for what you want. You learn to be grateful. You learn to sacrifice your time with family and friends, sacrifice sleep and energy, and to persevere despite the many failures that come your way just to live the dream you've always wanted to live. Though times may have changed, the lessons I have learned on the field while wearing many hats as a journalist, conservation photographer and explorer, still remain relevant and true. Today, I share some of the most valuable observations and lessons throughout this journey.

1. We need more storytellers in the Philippines. Our country is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, natural resources and valuable culture that we need to be proud of. We have so many stories of inspiring people and important creatures that need to be shared to question our past understanding of who we are and what we ought to be as a nation. Only when we can give justice to these stories of both our past and present can we then see the way forward to our future.