From Garden Roots to College Dreams: A Scholar’s Journey Out of Poverty

“If your father and I had finished college and become professionals, you would never have experienced living in poverty.” My mother used to tell me this when she was still alive. I come from a poor family. My parents are gardeners, and we live in a small house far from the city. Most of our neighbors are also gardeners or farmers, and that is how we all make a living. Poverty is widespread in our community, and many people my age could not go to or finish college due to financial constraints. I feared I might be the same, as we are poor and my father, who is already elderly, is the only one raising me.

My mother passed away two years ago, and so I chose not to enroll in college after graduating from senior high school. I thought I would not have the chance to pursue higher education. I had given up on that dream.

I am now in my second year, studying Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in English. Since I started receiving support from Assisi almost two years ago, I have gained valuable knowledge and developed a strong understanding of the importance of education. I am grateful to be attending one of my dream colleges for free. As a scholar in the ADFI-EAP, I have also gained leadership skills, volunteered in social outreach programs, and enhanced my social and communication abilities.

Being an Assisi scholar is truly a blessing from God. I am determined to take full advantage of this opportunity and take my academic career seriously. Despite my father’s age and limitations, I am committed to finishing college and honoring his sacrifices. I also want to make my late mother proud of my academic achievements, even though she is no longer here. She and my father are my biggest motivators in my pursuit of success.

I give a million thanks to the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. for giving me the opportunity to study. I am also deeply thankful to Almighty God for this blessing. I know that nothing is impossible. Now that I have the opportunity to attend college, all I need to do is study hard and be a dedicated student and scholar.