I can hear the loud sound coming from the TV over at my parents’ room. A local TV show is “dramatizing” the life of the one-million peso winner of the Philippines’ version of Deal or No Deal. We usually have that show on the background during dinner and almost every time I get into an argument with my dad on when’s the right time to deal or not.

See, that’s when I realize how different am I with my father. He always shouts at the TV whenever a contestant turns down an offer worth more than a hundred grand. He always say that the attitude of wanting more only leaves you with nothing. I then would reply that it wasn’t yours in the first place, would it be so bad to take the risk? It’s like investing in the stock market or venturing into a new business. The possibility of failing might be high but a risky decision could possibly turn you into a millionaire.

Suddenly it all dawned on me, that’s what he’s been doing all his life. Always on the safe side. He has been working for the same company for over a decade, without any sort of step up the career ladder. I’m still a lousy driver now just because he’s not willing to risk the possibility of having his car scratched. I’m not saying he’s a bad father…I’m just saying I finally get him.

Taking risks, something that I should do more often. So what if I fail? Just chalk it up to one of life’s lesson and try not to make the same mistake again.

It might not be next year but I’m still enrolling myself to pilot school. It’s just that it’s going to be hard now since I’m going to save the money myself. I am not going to give up on that dream. Not ever.