It is said that being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional. Medeleen Navarra is living proof that you can overcome challenges and come out the other side even stronger.
Medeleen fell in love with dancing when she was in kindergarten. As a child, she had seen her sister sway and move in such a magical way that a young Medeleen instantly fell in love with the art. Soon it turned into a passion as she learnt to dance and perform at several group dancing competitions in school.
“Dancing has always brought joy to my life and a deep sense of satisfaction. Whenever I get the change to perform, I grab the opportunity wholeheartedly,” she says.
However, at a time when she had just begun to learn, a friend told her that she was not good at anything, especially dancing.
“This challenge became my motivation. I worked really hard to prove myself,” Medeleen said.
Here dedication won her accolades. She went on to win several competitions and scholarships that helped her finish her studies.
“I wanted to be a dance instructor and own a dance studio when I was a kid,” the HR assistant at CriticalRiver said.
However, her career aspirations evolved over time and Medeleen was intrigued by the intricacies of Human Resources. She learnt the role HR played in a business’s success, its contribution to professional development through training, and its support for employee interactions with management.
“It is satisfying to know that you’re contributing to the success of an organization and an employee’s growth,” Medeleen says.
She believes that her lifelong involvement in the arts has enriched their ability to connect with people emotionally. This skill allows her to effectively communicate with co-workers and understand their work ethics and behavior in a corporate setting. Mostly, she now understands that life is about accepting the challenges along the way and moving forward while savoring the journey.
“Even if someone does not believe in your skills and abilities, keep going because the world needs your uniqueness,” says Medeleen.
