Master of My Fate, Captain Of My Soul

Growing up in the vibrant culture of the Philippines and later finding my way to the welcoming embrace of Michigan has woven a tapestry of experiences that shapes my unique perspective. Pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of San Carlos marked a pivotal chapter in my life, one defined by academic challenges, cultural exploration, and the foundation for the entrepreneur I am today.

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,   
  Black as the Pit from pole to pole,   
I thank whatever gods may be   
  For my unconquerable soul.   

In the fell clutch of circumstance 
  I have not winced nor cried aloud.   
Under the bludgeonings of chance   
  My head is bloody, but unbowed.   

Beyond this place of wrath and tears   
  Looms but the Horror of the shade, 
And yet the menace of the years   
  Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.   

It matters not how strait the gate,   
  How charged with punishments the scroll,   
I am the master of my fate:
  I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley (1849 – 1903)

In the realm of entrepreneurship, where challenges are inevitable and success demands perseverance, I find solace in the philosophy embedded in the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. The verses of “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” resonate deeply with my conviction that life is indeed what I make of it.

1. Master of Fate, Captain of the Soul:

My journey exemplifies the first crucial lesson of “Invictus” – the acknowledgment that I am the master of my fate. Despite external circumstances and unforeseen challenges, I’ve embraced the power to shape my destiny. A good amount of my personal entrepreneurial success reflects the deliberate choices made on this journey, echoing the poem’s call to take control and steer my life’s course. In fact, I truly believe that once we take responsibility of our own lives, is the point in which we truly become adults.

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity:

The second profound lesson gleaned from “Invictus” is the resilience forged in the crucible of hardship. Life, as I believe, is not without its challenges, and it’s through facing these challenges that we can all become stronger. The poem’s insistence on facing the “bludgeoning of chance” is certainly a view I hold that life’s difficulties are not hindrances but opportunities for growth. Each setback becomes a stepping stone, propelling me forward with an unwavering spirit. This can be compared to the stoic saying that the obstacle is the way. Sometimes we tend to avoid obstacles, not realizing that obstacles is part of the our path, and oftentimes IS THE PATH.

3. Making the Most of Today:

The third invaluable lesson that can be gleaned from “Invictus” is the urgency to make the most of each day. Life, as I emphasize, is short, and every moment presents an opportunity to create, connect, and impact. The poem’s declaration that “I am the captain of my soul” reinforces the idea that today’s choices shape tomorrow’s reality. I believe it urges all of us to embrace each day with purpose and passion.

In the symphony of life, “Invictus” serves as more than a poem; it can be a guiding philosophy that echoes through all of our experiences. Personally, I love that I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul, that I have had the ability to navigate the intricate melodies of life with resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of choice.