I went to TRACE College and took up BSCS but didn’t finish. I was a working student. I struggled so hard to work and do my obligation then to help my family and to support my study.
During freshmen, while my classmates were enjoying the college life, I was working as a student assistant in one of the known company in Los Banos. Back then, I feel lucky to be part of the company. I worked so hard and even worked over time so that I can have extra money. While I was in that company, I was certain that I can finish college because I know I have support. But everything turned out differently… the wife of the owner of the company approached me and told me that I should leave the company. The old woman, ang baba ng tingin sa akin. Sabi nya wala daw akong mararating sa buhay. I don’t understand her but I never asked why, I just gather my things and leave the company. My father was surprised that I just leave the company. He knew so well that I love my job but I never told him the real issues because I was so afraid that he might confront the rich old woman. I looked for another job because I know that I can’t go on asking money from my parents.
I applied for a new job as a factory worker and got hired after a day of applying. I felt so lucky at the same time sad because I know that I should stop going to school. I stopped and just focused on my work. Eventually, I got a chance to study again but due to work schedules I never continue and just focus on working and helping my family. I was happy then with what I am earning but there were times that it is not enough and because of that I am always thinking on how to earn more.
So while everyone else was having fun, I was busy working. I was working since I was 17 years old and I never stopped since then. It was not an easy way but I never get tired, I just challenged myself more. I never stop learning. I never stop dreaming.
Now that we got a chance to be together again it was always nice to reminisce those early days of our lives. I also realized that I missed so much about our college days but it’s okay. May mga bagay talaga na hindi mo lahat maexperience because you choose to experienced the other way around.
It is always nice to go back to LB where I started it all. Where I started dreaming and realized that my dreams are not impossible. I am also thankful that I got a chance to meet those “mata pobre” people kasi yon yong nagtulak sa akin na umangat. Of course, I am thankful that I have my college friends and everytime I am with them, I can be “Me” because I know that they knew me so well.
The whole day is not enough for us to talk anything under the sun but we need to cut it short and we are always looking for our next get together.