Once again, it is time for student council elections in campus. A season when certain people in our school walk with an entourage - some even with people wiping their faces; a time when certain people suddenly dress the same everyday with easily distinguishable colors; and a time when other students suddenly become so interested in your preferences, concerns, and ideas. I sat on the sidelines for the previous election years. A total of five years, that's how long I have stayed in the university. A long five years divorced from the politics of the student council elections.

As a younger student, I always tried to go on about my own larga. I pursued my interests, spent time with friends when I want, burned my time studying, involved myself socially, and bothered myself with thoughts about how I can still tap my full potential.

I know I must be good at something; I just haven't really figured out at what yet. I can't seem to find where to place my enthusiasm and energy, what a tragedy for it to be unused and what an even greater tragedy for it to be misplaced.

Come one day, a good friend of mine ran for student council. Even though I stayed in the sidelines, I am aware of the strain, the pressure, and the schedule can do to a student. I knew this was also in her mind after she came to me in hopes that I can settle a mind full of questions. I guess I never really knew what to say. I have never experienced it personally, and I can only construe it based on my other leadership experiences. Nonetheless, I hoped, believed, and prayed for my friend. Always.

I remember watching an astronaut movie with the female lead saying: "I was taught that people who took risks without fear were brave. Well, far braver are those who take risks despite their fear. Courage is fear that has said its prayers." My friend embodied this and once again, I would be a witness how elections change for certain people.

Weeks passed and I also got my call up to join something I have never really given thought about, I didn't quite know what to expect and what to do at that time, but the pacing of things really takes anyone by storm.

There's really the good and the ugly about this season. I realized that there are a lot of things I have yet to discover about my place in society, and how that place means to other people. The ugly thing about it, a reality that many still might not accept, is that people had to be afforded certain things in order to venture into the season. Most of those who really succeeded in these times were afforded fame and network even before their stints. It sure was a plus for being involved in a lot of organizations, especially large notable ones. People who also had the economic means had an instant advantage. Although largely unknown, parties that help students during election season rely on fees and other resources that members and candidates pay or "contribute". Aside from the human and material resources, the most important thing that those who run must be afforded is time.

The time you can spend pursuing a whole different thing, the time you can spend working instead, and the time that those who live with their families cannot sacrifice are all put to hold.

It's a quick journey, but it leaves a lasting effect on people who are in the light.

After the dust settled, I felt better ending my stay in the university. However, unknown to me at that time, I paid an even bigger price -something that would still run through my mind at times. I do not regret any involvement I had during the election season, but I sure believe I could have went through it better. This was a reminder to myself that whenever I try to exchange the things I am afforded again, there are more things out there.