As I started recalling the past, it seems like It just happened yesterday. During my childhood years particularly when I am still studying in grade school, I walked everyday a couple of kilometers away enjoying the heat of the sun before reaching the school I go to. After long hours of walking, I would arrive to school late. I cannot forget the embarrassment when my classmates tease me during recess time since I cannot afford to buy something to eat. I do not have a enough allowance and they were teasing me for that. Yet, I managed to understand my family's situation since I have lots of siblings especially my father was jobless because of his illness. My mother took on the responsibility of earning a living for us to survive. Before my graduation in my grade school the saddest part of life came because my father passed away unexpectedly on 26th of October, year 2002. During my high school years, I still had the same problems walking everyday to school with regarding the heat of the sun. Another sacrifice is to eat only twice a day and sometimes we just eat rice porridge with a little salt. This situation made me realize that I should finish my studies in order for me to help my family get out from poverty.

In addition to, I left my home town to go to Davao City having heard that one of my mother's relative will financially support me with my studies. When I arrived in Davao, they only accepted me as their helper. They took advantage of my Ignorance by not sending me to school. It prompted me to look for another job. I finally got a tutorial job that requires me to teach English to Koreans but they took advantage of me. I still thank God for opening the door for me to find the Minority Care International (MCI). I learned about MCI through one of my friend, May. She invited me to join MCI study forum. I met he president of MCI with whom I opened up my story to him. After some time, he let me become of one of MCI scholars. Life is not that easy yet it is worth living if a person never stops believing In himself or herself. The road to success isn't easy but one should never give up and should stand up to fight hardships to realize dreams and success.

Thank you MCI for believing in me.

Joy