I was in fifth grade, my sister was a first-grader. I was running for student council president and making the rounds of our school corridors. My Dad thought up a campaign tagline I learned to say enough to sound believable: "Think Big! Think B for Burgos!"
But no one can deliver it with as much conviction as my little sister did. She made those rounds with me tirelessly; her size 4 shoes squeaking in the clean hallways, her hair tied into 2 braided pigtails, wearing her P.E. uniform and carrying a basket full of badges. She will chirp out the tagline and hold out the basket to everyone we meet.
There were times I felt like she was enjoying the campaign more than I ever did. I am sure though that without her, I would certainly be less enthusiastic about running for a post. Because in all honesty, I didn't care for it. I have no calling for politics, but it was there for me to win and I felt obliged to take it. I would have been happier in the school newspaper, but back in those days, my niche seemed to be in the student council and everybody agreed I was perfect for it. And my sister wholeheartedly believed I wanted to win, and so she keyed her whole heart and soul to the pitch of my ambition.
So if you want to know a secret, here is one: I did not want to be student council president. But I wanted my sister and Dad to be happy. It is a completely selfish reason, one that has nothing to do with service. But I did it for love, and in the process, I learned to love what I do, and who I can be when propelled by such overwhelming belief and support from people like her. It took me time to finally know what I want for myself, and when I did, I wasn't scared. Because I know I am loved and supported every time. Because there is my sister.
It is a comfort ever since, to know that some one, even if it is just the one, who will always believe in me. So to you, your pigtails and crinkled smile, thanks, little sis.
But no one can deliver it with as much conviction as my little sister did. She made those rounds with me tirelessly; her size 4 shoes squeaking in the clean hallways, her hair tied into 2 braided pigtails, wearing her P.E. uniform and carrying a basket full of badges. She will chirp out the tagline and hold out the basket to everyone we meet.
There were times I felt like she was enjoying the campaign more than I ever did. I am sure though that without her, I would certainly be less enthusiastic about running for a post. Because in all honesty, I didn't care for it. I have no calling for politics, but it was there for me to win and I felt obliged to take it. I would have been happier in the school newspaper, but back in those days, my niche seemed to be in the student council and everybody agreed I was perfect for it. And my sister wholeheartedly believed I wanted to win, and so she keyed her whole heart and soul to the pitch of my ambition.
So if you want to know a secret, here is one: I did not want to be student council president. But I wanted my sister and Dad to be happy. It is a completely selfish reason, one that has nothing to do with service. But I did it for love, and in the process, I learned to love what I do, and who I can be when propelled by such overwhelming belief and support from people like her. It took me time to finally know what I want for myself, and when I did, I wasn't scared. Because I know I am loved and supported every time. Because there is my sister.
It is a comfort ever since, to know that some one, even if it is just the one, who will always believe in me. So to you, your pigtails and crinkled smile, thanks, little sis.
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