YMWB Experience: Nasuha Ranain

"An aspiring architect in the making", it isnt the usual introduction I would make for myself but today its where I stand. My name is Nasuha Hyrene M. Ranain, LBFI has known and called me Nas through the years. I come from an Islamic community and I've been with the foundation for 10 years now. I was  born in the City of Davao, but have grown in Taguig for most of my years. I am a daughter, a sister, a partner, and a friend for everyone.

I met with Liwanag ng Buhay Foundation back in February of 2009 in a Leadership Training in Taguig National High School during my Senior Year. I didnt know it at the time that it would change a lot in my life. Back when I was 16 year young, all I ever thought of was graduation and college and getting a job and giving back to my family. I thought I already know alot about myself. I went to competitions, seminars, trainings as part of my student experience. I didn't really understand what learning and development do to one's being and how it affects perspectives. I was a happy kid, interested in all learning schemes. I always thought I go along with older people because I think differently. I was often misunderstood or not understood at all despite the understanding I was willing to extend to everyone. Thats why I've often done the listening. People think I am smart and they usually let me lead and do the talking because I always knew what better things to say. I guess we are all not perfect. Because beyond my maturity I never stopped seeking further understanding in life.

Being a part of LBFI's Young Minds Without Borders, they didnt just opened up two doors for me. During my first days in it, the first thing I did was ask all the questions I held back in life because I didnt know anyone whom I thought could answer them. In the goodness of Mr. Bart Coors, he has given me answers and changed my beliefs for my own good. Here I have met people I never thought I would go along with and made great friendships. Every seminar and workshop I went through changed the way I see myself. I learned more of who I was than who I wanted to be. I learned about why one's development mattered. Purpose, one we seek in life which many people do not simply find. Some even lose most of their years looking in places just to find it. Each time I listened  to Ms. Estrella Coors with an open heart and mind, I learned piece by piece what I am and who I was and what I was becoming. My weaknesses, my strengths, my goals, where I truly find peace and where I wanted to be. I learned of how far I can extend myself and what my existence could ad up into this world. I found another "Purpose". One I wanted to share with all the others.

Now that I have seen the world and have walked through many roads, my ups and downs, happiness and failures, sadness even depression have and continues to shape me. People who I have met and those whom I only watch from a distance or came across in the streets changed my everyday. Learning that each day that I live I get to learn. I became more open than I ever was. And my years in this life have humbled me. I am better today and I have made it one of my purpose in life to share what betterment I have been blessed with. I wished to share to everyone how important it is to understand who you are. Even with adulthood and old age, there is still so much to learn in life and so much to share with world. Kindess, understanding, giving, learning, caring, loving, even simply time. There is just so much that could change the course of the world. One simple decision, one choice begins with you. Taking a part of yourself and sharing to someone who is missing a part of his. Being a part of this foundation has enlightened me. And being one light is just the beginning. Imagine what street lights do to our community. They show us the way. They provide us with security. They have been  a part of our lives unnoticed. I have been someone who has walked that road blessed with lights. Now I get to become one of the lights hoping to stand with humility and purpose. And It isnt just exciting but fulfilling to see the youth grow up and learn about themselves, to watch them see what life ahead the may have and the possibility to enlighten others too. Other than my career and my loved one's happiness, the Great God has blessed me with such opportunity to become something no employment can ever compensate. Today, with so much gratitude at hand, this has become my passion, my peace of mind, a happiness in my heart and it hasnt just changed me, it gave my life a better and a more joyous meaning!