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Wow! Time flies! It's Monday once again:) Today's word is PRIDE. I'm not really sure what to say because after all the humbling experiences, there's nothing left to be proud about. Oh maybe there's still... hahaha! Okay, I decided to write some flashback instead.
I just graduated high school when I was so depressed and confused. My parents can’t afford to send me to college in the big university. I don’t want to be stuck in the island and live the rest of my life there. Being ambitious that I am, I had been going back and forth to the main town and check every now and then the results of the scholarship in the Department of Education’s office. The government provides scholarship to the poor but deserving students. However, based on my Mom’s job- we are not that poor to grab the opportunity. I have been one of the top 5 students in school and being the top notcher of the NCEE ((National College Entrance Exam) - I was ranked number 1 for yet another category of the scholarship. I have to maintain an average grade of 2.0/B. Okay, I will try my very best and I believe I can do that. But the hardest part was either I’ll take Engineering or Nursing. They have the limited options of courses- based on the needs of human resources. I admit, I had been so weak in Mathematics- I would rather consider it as my most hated subject ever since grade school and I can’t really take Nursing- I always faint every time I see blood.
Okay, I may have passed some other scholarships in 3 different government universities but the closest option I had at that time is to take up Engineering. It was more of a one foot on the ground and another foot up in the air with a squeaky stomach. I was scared all the way. During the first semester, I was so worried and being a “promdi” or a slang word for “from the province”- I was more of a very aloof person. I don’t mingle with anybody after any classes. I got good grades because I really worked hard on it. I spent most of my time in the library- answering all the problems in every exercise on the books, hahaha! Since I only have enough money on my pocket for the transportation- I don’t buy books or any extra accessories not even notebooks. I had only one uniform and a pair of shoes that I have to wash at nights just so I have a clean uniform the next day. Being a working student - I stayed with my cousin’s house; I had to clean the house and help with their business (small restaurant) before and after school. My time is pretty much occupied with a lot of things that I don’t have time to spend with friends in the mall or even dating, lol! I had learned self-discipline and perseverance.
After I got a hang out of it, I was able to pull myself up and managed to associate with few good friends who, like me- doesn’t have enough money for some other comforts. I had a very good time then, trying to figure out everyday the best thing and decision to make. I learned to manage my own time and eventually, I love the joy of being independent. I go back to the island after every semester with my allowance from the scholarship. I had learned to manage and appreciate money the more. I was just so determined that I can be an Engineer in 5 years. Well, graduation comes and there’s no containment of the happiness I felt at that time. It’s not because I graduated but it’s because I had proved something to myself. Poverty is really not a hindrance. And oh, I forgot to mention my best friend who has helped me all the way. I talked to Him every now and then when things get so tougher and the way seemed so dark. You might not believe me but my faith in my God had been tested all throughout my struggle and my little joys of getting good grades. Yes, waiting is always sweeter than the harvest!
