The Dream That Kept Me Going: The Tassel was Worth the Hassle 🎓

 "Education is the key to success." This has been my guiding principle ever since I became aware of how hard life can be for people like us who don’t have much. Growing up, I saw how my family struggled just to make ends meet. That made me realize how important education is—it’s not just about getting good grades, but about having a chance at a better life. There were many times when I felt tired and overwhelmed. I wanted to stop and just work to help my family. But deep down, I knew that if I gave up, I would miss the opportunity to change my future. So I kept going, no matter how hard it got. I reminded myself that all the sacrifices and sleepless nights would be worth it one day. The journey was never easy. Going to school was never easy for me. There were days when I didn’t even have enough money for fare or food. Sometimes, I had to walk just to get to school or borrow things I couldn’t afford. There were even times when I had to balance working at night and studying during the day. Was it difficult? YES. Tiring? VERY. Draining? ABSOLUTELY. But I told myself, “This is part of the journey. Someday, it will all make sense.” I had to balance so many things — studying, doing household chores, and helping my family whenever I could. There were also moments when I doubted myself. I asked, “Can I really do this?” or “Is all of this worth it?” But then I’d think about my dreams, my family, and the life I wanted to build. That gave me strength to keep going. Even in the darkest times, I was never completely alone. My family, even if they didn’t have much, gave me all the love and encouragement I needed. They reminded me why I started.  I also had friends and mentors who believed in me and helped me push through the hardest moments. Their words, actions, and presence meant the world to me.  Through it all, I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, patience, and most of all — faith. I’ve learned that being poor is not a barrier to success if you believe in yourself and work hard for your dreams. Challenges will always be there, but they can’t stop you if you don’t give up. Now, I am living the dream I once had — to finally graduate from college! And, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me along the way.  Reaching the finish line of my college journey, a path that once felt impossible, I can’t help but look back at everything it took to get here. This milestone is not just about the diploma, it’s a testament to every tears shed, every silent scream, every prayer whispered, and every ounce of strength I never knew I had. There were countless sleepless nights — moments when the weight of everything made me break down and cry my heart out. I faced struggles that felt impossible to overcome, challenges that seemed too heavy to bear, and days when giving up felt like the only option. But in the quiet of those battles, I held on to countless silent prayers, whispered between tears and doubts. And by God’s grace, I made it through. Thank You, G, for the strength when I was weak, the peace in the midst of chaos, and the grace that carried me. All glory is Yours! ☝🏻 Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the individuals who stood by me throughout this journey;  To my Mama and Papa, Enteng and Echoy, thank you for your endless love, sacrifices, and unwavering support. You are my greatest inspiration. To Mama Flora and Papa Dito, thank you for everything! For your advice, guidance, and endless support (especially financially). To Lola, Ate Teh, and Ate Feh, your encouragement and prayers have meant more than words can express. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the comfort, strength, and understanding you've given me through it all. To my tangi, my boyfriend, thank you for being my rock, my safe place, and my biggest cheerleader. Your love, patience, and constant encouragement have carried me through more than you’ll ever know. I’m beyond grateful having you by my side every step of the way.  To the organization that became my second home, FSTLP, thank you for the support, guidance, and camaraderie that have shaped my journey. Thank you for giving me the chance to lead, grow, and feel belong. You have left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth. And to all my cousins, aunties, and uncles, thank you for your love, encouragement, presence, and for cheering me on in ways big and small. All of you have been a huge part of this journey! Your presence in my life has been a blessing beyond measure. This achievement is for all of you, too. 🫶🏻 After all the breakdowns, I can finally say that I MADE IT! 👩🏻‍🎓