Growing up in a low-class family has been so hard especially to finish college. Entering college would be like a dream in the hopes that life would be different from what we have been experiencing and a life that would be more comfortable for me and my family.
When high school was about to finish, most of my classmates were preparing for their college entrance exams applications already. I was quite hesitant to prepare for it because I was not sure if my parents could support my entire studies since my father doesn’t have permanent work. Getting into college will be a big move for me but I am determined to finish it. However, I was afraid because my father initially told me that he could not afford to send me to college. I had a negotiation with him and I expressed to him how eager I am to finish school and to help my family in return. I told him I would only apply for one school and that if I passed the college entrance exam, he would pursue to finish my studies if not I would start working even a house helper. I passed the exam.
The university I was in was one of the state universities in the Philippines subsidized by the government and so my tuition fee was only PHP 12.00 (USD .12) per unit. It was just like an expense paid to high school. The only difference is that I would need to take a dormitory because the school was far from my home. I would go back home weekly basis. I remember to bring whatever produce I could bring to save money for food. I would bring kilos of rice, banana, vegetables etc. I always bought a pack of instant noodles and canned goods. These are easy to prepare and less expensive. I would need to save as much as I can because I know my parents don’t have enough source of money for my tuition fees and allowance.
I am leaving our house every Sunday morning to go back to the school. I often overheard my parents’ conversation about where they would take my allowance for another week. I am afraid that I could not go to school for a week due to lack of money but my mother will always hand me my allowance without fail. I don’t know where they are getting or borrowing money but they made sure I will have it that Sunday morning. I always knew how difficult it was for them to send me to school and so I focused on my studies. Four years had passed and my routine would always be like that but I did not hear my parents complain. The only way I can repay all their sacrifices is to finish my studies on time. I am sure that they were so happy when I graduated.
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