A Dream Beyond My Reach?
Growing up in a low-income family in the Philippines, finishing college felt less like a plan and more like an impossible dream. Thinking about college days, I hoped that a degree would lead to a more comfortable life for my family and me. This was a sharp contrast to the constant struggle we faced.
As high school graduation approached, my classmates buzzed with excitement, preparing their applications for college entrance exams. I hesitated, uncertain if my parents could support me through years of study. My father, who lacked permanent work, couldn’t make any promises. The thought of getting into college was a huge, daunting step, but I was determined to see it through.
A High-Stakes Bargain for My Future
My fears were confirmed when my father initially told me he couldn’t afford to send me to college. Refusing to give up, I negotiated with him. I explained how desperately I wanted to finish school so I could, in turn, help our family.
I made him a high-stakes offer: I would apply to only one school. If I passed the entrance exam, he would find a way to support my studies. If I failed, I would give up on my dream and start working immediately, even as a house helper. It was a single shot at a different future involving those long-awaited college days.
I passed the exam.
The Reality of a Dream: A Life of Frugality and Focus
True to my word, I enrolled in a state university where the government subsidized tuition. My fee was only PHP 12.00 (about USD 0.12) per unit, making it as affordable as high school. During these college days, I learned the value of every peso. The biggest change was that the university was far from home, so I had to live in a dormitory. Consequently, I traveled back home on weekends.
To save money, I would bring back whatever food I could from home. I carried kilos of rice, bananas, and vegetables to last me the week. Supplemented this with cheap staples like instant noodles and canned goods that were easy to prepare. I knew I had to save every peso I could. My parents struggled to provide for my tuition and allowance.
Fuel for the Fire: My Parents’ Silent Sacrifices
Every Sunday morning, as I prepared to return to the dormitory, I often overheard my parents’ quiet, worried conversations about where they would get my allowance for the coming week. A wave of fear would wash over me; I was terrified that one day they wouldn’t have enough. This fear was that I’d have to miss a week of school.
Yet, my mother always handed me my allowance without fail. I never knew where she got the money or who she borrowed from, but she made sure I had it that Sunday morning. Their silent struggle during my college days became my greatest motivation. Knowing how difficult it was for them, I focused intensely on my studies.
Crossing the Finish Line: A Promise Kept
For four years, this was my routine. Through it all, I never heard my parents complain. The only way I could repay their immense sacrifices was to finish my studies on time. This was how I honored my end of our bargain.
I am certain their joy overflowed on my graduation day. The crowning moment of my college days came to fruition. Seeing their happiness was the ultimate reward. It was a priceless return on the investment of their unwavering love and support. I had finally kept my promise.
So inspiring story, I am sure that your parents and siblings are so proud of what you have achieved in life.