Balancing Dreams and Motherhood

*You can be a good mother and still follow your dreams. You totally can, if you desire. -Adriana Lopez*  ### Embracing Achievements It's still fresh in my heart and mind, how I achieved everything I've prayed for. I know it's a little bit late to post this, but it's really an honor to share my journey as a student mom. It feels surreal living while slowly achieving, especially the first milestone of my educational dreams. I still can't believe that as a 24-year-old student mother, I achieved this while juggling my studies and motherhood. When class started, my only goal was to finish my studies and proceed to college, pursuing my education, as I was delayed for almost 7 years after a vehicular accident, which made me lose the courage to return to school. But in the year 2022-2023, Ilihan Integrated School gave me the biggest opportunity by accepting me even though I was pregnant while studying.  _{This was the time when I was pregnant attending a 'Meeting de Avance.' Photos taken from the official page of Ilihan Integrated School.} The school environment has a sense of inclusivity that makes every student feel that education is for all, no matter their status, gender, disability, or whether they are pregnant or bringing their child to school while attending classes. The teachers and students made us feel that we have each other's backs, ready to support us even though I am already a mother. With their support, I had the chance to have a comfortable Senior High School life where I could still study and participate in activities during free time, just like other students.  _{I participated in school activities just like any other student.} After all the hard work and dedication, I consistently received the With High Honors award and ended up always being the Top 1 in overall ranking. I feel so happy that every achievement I have is dedicated to my family and to the people who supported me since Day 1 at Ilihan Integrated School. After my Grade 11 journey, I promised myself that I would still strive hard to graduate as an Honor student, not expecting the highest placement because I felt that I couldn't focus on my studies due to the conflict of time management as a mother and a student. My son was growing up and becoming heavy to carry because he was always moving, to the point that I had to watch over him first before continuing to finish my activities and schoolwork. I couldn't always study whenever my teacher announced a quiz for the next day. I could only study and do my projects when my son fell asleep, which was at 2-3 am in the early morning.   ## Facing Challenges Sometimes I didn't have enough sleep, which is why I sometimes went to school late. It has never been easy as a student mother; I faced many challenges while striving to make my family proud. One of my goals was to be an honor student so that when it was my children's turn as students, they would feel no pressure and understand that no matter how hard life gets, they could find strength within themselves and stay motivated to achieve the life they deserve. # Overcoming Obstacles As graduation approached, I felt exhausted and was on the verge of giving up because I encountered problems both in my family and at school. I couldn't even focus on finishing my research, but I always prayed to God for strength to continue what I had started. I promised to accept whatever fate had in store for me. At that time, I felt hopeless in achieving my goal of being an honor student. But miracles happen every time I ask God for guidance. After I successfully defended my research, I prayed repeatedly for a sign. I still remember when ma'am @callmesmile comforted me during my week of breakdowns. She always encouraged me to be strong and never forget to talk to God about the heaviness I felt inside. After that, she congratulated me, told me to sleep early, never to worry again about my problems, and to prepare soon my valedictory address as she told me that I am the Batch Valedictorian during the ranking of honors. I screamed and cried in happiness, as I never expected to make it despite the many hardships I had encountered to build this version of myself.    _{*"Photos taken from the official page of Ilihan Integrated School"*} A strong mother with a dedicated heart as a student. I never expected much because I was afraid of getting hurt by expecting too much.    During the graduation day as I delivered my valedictory address, I couldn't help but cry on the podium, reminiscing how it all started until I stood on that podium, receiving the fruit of my hard work. After the shed tears, sleepless nights, and breakdowns, I'm a proud student mother, a student leader (President of Ilihan Integrated School Supreme Secondary Learner Government), an Editor-in-Chief of The Inked Hands School Publication, and a proud member here in Hive, who unlocked the first step of my journey to achieve my educational dreams.   _{The fruit of hardwork and dedication} Remember, if I can do it, so can you. Don't let life's challenges hold you back. Keep striving, stay determined, and believe in yourself. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are worth it.      _{*"Some of the photos taken from the official page of Ilihan Integrated School"*} Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I hope my story can inspire others who might be facing similar challenges. Stay tuned for my next blog, dear beeluvs! 🐝💕