When I was a kid during my grade school years I studied at the school near our house. My family used to live in our farm over in Sarangani Province area. I love the place, its quiet and clean. At that time I had a group of classmates that we really were best buddies ever since first grade. After grade school graduation my parents wanted me to study in a private school in General Santos City. It’s an exclusive school for girls only. I was sent there because my other older sisters were graduates there too. Honestly I really wanted to study my secondary years just near the farm so that I could be with my barkada. My parents would not allow me to study there, though, so I followed what they wanted.
One of my best friends was a working student. He worked so that he could finish up high school. During college I was sent to Cebu to study there at a good University. Some of my friends did pursue their studies, some just didn’t have the money and end up marrying someone. While I was in Cebu one of my best friend continue his college degree in General Santos City. He was studying and working at the same time. While I was in Cebu I studied there for 2 years and stopped and went to Manila for a year to help my brother in his textile business. Then I was back to Cebu again to continue my studies. That’s where I met Bob. I was almost graduating when we got married. After graduation I began processing my papers to go to the States. Four months after I was in the USA already.
While in the States, one of my best friend finished up his degree to be a teacher. I was so happy because at least there are a lot of us from that small town in Sarangani that finished up college then. As you know in the farm it is not an easy life to live. Especially at that time when we’re there we don’t even have electricity. So really its a big achievements for us to finish up school.
When Bob and I moved back here for good my best friend found out. He invited me to give speech to the grade school graduates on our school in the farm. He was then the principal at that time. He told me that he wants to inspire the kids with our story and the hardships we took to get what we have now. It was really a great feeling to speak to the youngster and inspire them. They just didn’t believe that a person like me from a poor place like that went to the States and live a better life. I told them if you really want something so bad and work hard on it you can achieve it with the help of God.
To inspire the youngster more Bob and I donated a computer and some other stuff in that school. I really intended to help that school so that the kids will at least have a better life later. I know we can’t change the world, but at least try to make a difference in someone’s life. That would be fulfilling for me. I hope someday one of the kids from that school will have bigger achievements due to our efforts and will inspire more to other kids there.
Hi Feyma, of course we (you) can't change the world, but what you and Bob did was something very great. The kids will indeed have a better life. Kudos to both of you! God bless!
Hi Klaus – Thank you so much I really do hope that those kids from where I'm from would have a better future later.
Hi Feyma- What you said at the end reminds me of what JFK once said 'It's not what your country can do for you it's what you can do for your country'. In your case its your former school, well done for caring.
Feyma it is really humbling the hardships some filipino people go through to make a better life and its people like you and bob that keep that goal something to focus on
Hi Jim – Thank you so much for your comment.
Happy Holidays!!!
Hi Tommy – Thank you. I wish we could help them more. Hopefully later.
Happy Holidays!!!
Hi Feyma,
Your article took me back to my childhood days in Malita. I, too, had to leave the barrio for the city and then for the U.S. to further my education. I will be retiring next year and would like to go back to Davao and return the many blessings which have been given to me. I admire your keeping the memories alive as an inspiration to you and your family and to others.
Malipayong Pasko sa inyong tanan.
Bebot
very nice y like very mouch the philippno people y am froom roumania and i admire this people very mouch
i've heard that theres a shortage of skilled workers to build ships .maybe we can start with this young folks to train in ship building to secure there future.maybe the state university will offer courses in this regard.bohol provnce has started already.im not really familiar in this particular trade.as isaid i just heard about it.