THERE'S a dreamer inside every one of us but only some can dare to beat the odds.
For this week's feature, we have 23-year-old Tsim Valencia, share about her musings on chasing dreams while juggling responsibilities.
This Mindanaoan model already graced the national scene a number of times. Still she decided to stay in her hometown, Davao City.
"I was starting to make a name in the modeling industry in a bigger city but there's just a lot to shed off, to sacrifice if I leave Davao City for my dream," Valencia explained.
In 2012, she joined Supermodel Philippines and sashayed her way to the Top 3. Modeling agencies as well as other friends in the industry have been persistent in making her stay in Manila as huge clients await the winners of the competition. But Valencia, who at the time was in third year college, cannot risk to put her degree on hold for 'possible opportunities'.
"I could just continue with modeling after I secure my degree - that's what I said to myself then," the Dabawenya said.
Her parents, who are businessmen, have been very supportive of her although they did not fail to remind her as well how different is it to live in another city only by herself.
"That was after college. I was weighing things but then I also got sick. I took it as a sign that maybe the universe is telling me stay here (in the meantime, at least)."
She proceeded to help in the family business as Corporate Secretary while doing modeling sidelines every time there's an invitation.
After all, she's already a big deal in Davao City, so bookings knock on her door often. Hint: she also won Ateneo de Davao University's Foto Modelo Ateneo in 2013 and recently joined TV5's Philippine's Next Top Model which just came to a close this year.
Right now, she's taking things slow while balancing her modeling with her responsibilities.
"I get to help my parents and see them every day as well while I also get to do what I want: modeling. So, for me, it's a win-win situation," Valencia added. "I may not be there yet but I am happy with how everything works right now."