BONJOUR, JE M’APPLLE, Anne! This is the time where we ask, “What is the purpose of being a butterfly?”
The author never gave a proper introduction of who she was and why she’s named Papillon, and this specific moment will be allotted for that.
“If there’s something that the author learned the hard way throughout the year, it is that, always and forevermore, be an advocate of the real story.”
A butterfly or a papillon in French has many symbols. But two things that struck the author the most are hope and freedom. She wanted to give a little sense of hope to the things that seem lost. Like an experience that needs to be written through a literary piece to serve as a warning or help in order to be a point of realization for others. Freedom, because a butterfly can fly freely while being adored, which means a butterfly can see and hear the things that are quite hidden or unsaid. Which is all connected to finding out the most necessary thing of all, the truth.
Dear reader, you may see this author as very opinionated and will give her two cents on real-life experiences, but this column is the only way to address some points freely and responsibly.
To cap off the year as Papillon wrote her pieces, each one was created from a point of view, rooted from her heart. Was it necessary though? Because she wanted to deliver a message across to her readers and to anyone in general.
The column revolved around current events, women fortitude, and life experiences because there would always be some things that were left unsaid or missed opportunities. This column served as the bridge to make it happen without bending the facts because, after all, an opinion column is still all about journalism, campus journalism to be exact.
Further, the author hoped—still hopes—that she was heard and understood, with the words that she used and how she laid out her piece. Papillon never meant harm nor gave ill will towards other people, rather, the author simply wanted to converse with the people. However, if the shoe fits? That’s a different matter already and may or may not be up for discussion.
If there’s something that the author learned the hard way throughout the year, it is that, always and forevermore, be an advocate of the real story. This author prays that you find goodness and truth in every story, because there is a possibility that not everything said directly to your face is the truth. It may only be a facet of the truth or not even close to what is true. Always be wary but not
Nevertheless, while this Papillon will make her exit from the winds of Mendiola, may the message, the hope, and the freedom continue to persevere. Simply because, anyone can be a butterfly. Be free to speak the truth. Have courage to rise above amidst surprises and ignorance. Be the voice of every Juana. Have faith that you’ll overcome your break or brake phase. Be strong to face any dilemma as an incoming senior or not and to surpass every crunch time. Have an open eye and clear mind as you make your last selection. And lastly, become a compassionate and conscientious Disney princess in the lives of other people.
It’s not an au revoir towards the next one, mon ami. But rather a sweet adieu from moi à toi, soyons heureux. Bonne chance!
Email me at thebedan_managingeditor@sanbeda.edu.ph