MEMOIR

Independence

            No fruit could ever be sweeter than one which came from one’s own sweat.

            Ever since a child, I was not gifted with a complete family, a happy life and a wealthy living. I grew up only with my lolo and lola for there was neither father nor mother with me. Mama left papa when I was still in her womb so by the time I see the world, darkness and sorrow awaited before me. They broke up for no definite reason and I never mind knowing why. She left me in my grandparent’s care as soon as she gave birth. As a child, I was so sickly and my grandparents worried about it everytime. I went to a hospital every now and then for operations and medications. My family was not rich at all but they spent every centavo in their pockets just to keep me alive for they believe that my life was more precious than any wealth they had.       

            Seeing the poor condition of my family, I was determined to do everything to succeed in whatever circumstance. To do this, I began empowering my soul by putting in mind that I have to be independent in anything. I knew there was very little support I got from my mother for she never cared about me. I then started taking up scholarship examinations even at elementary level and luckily, I passed the World Vision qualifying examination. It is a non-profit and a non-government organization which helped me in my school needs. I was satisfied at the thought of graduating from elementary but I always dreamt of pursuing high school. It was not possible though because I knew in my heart that my mother would surely prioritize my younger brothers’ and sisters’ education. I never lost hope and I always tried to look for a good chance to be able to study until I met a special friend in Grade 3 and she was Kimberly. We used to eat, play and go home together along with my cousins. One day, she brought me to where she lived and introduced me to Uncle Thomas and Julieta, the couple who took good care of her at that time.

I was then happy of the new friendship I got but little did I know that they would be of big help to me in the future. The couple told me Kimberly’s story and I told them mine too. They found my story very interesting and they wanted to help me in fulfilling my dreams. So, even when I was still in Grade 3, they offered financial support for my secondary and tertiary education. I was surprised and even tamed at the bait at first but I still listened to my inner self and took time to think again of the principle I wanted to stand for the rest of my lifetime. I would be an independent person no matter what happens. So, I accepted the offer midway for I gave them a condition that I would be taking scholarships for my secondary education and if ever I passed one, I would be very sorry to refuse them. I’ve taken the Sisters of Mary School scholarship examination and luckily I passed. There was nobody more joyful than I at the moment I knew it and as agreed, I refused the couple’s offer. I stayed in the Sisters of Mary School for three years and eight months. Yes, there are times when I longed for home but I overcomed it and I was able to survive until the day I graduated. There were many things I had learned there such as skills never known to me, the values one should have and the endurance and zeal I needed to strengthen my sense of independence.

I had firmly stood on my own foot and worked with my own hands even when I was away from home. This realization led me to a conclusion that I would never stop get going because I knew that in the very end, I will have to succeed. Now, I am in the fourth year level of the tertiary education, the very last step to fulfilling one of my dreams. I received many recognition and awards, counting from elementary ‘til now because I have proven much to myself the things that were done which I never thought I would.  I never believe that what is destined is what is really meant for us. Sometimes it is not for it depends upon what journey are you taking and which road are you choosing.

Therefore, everything impossible can be achieved with trust and hardwork. After all, sooner or later, it is still the “I” who would harvest what I had planted.