Hardwork Pays....

It's the time of year again (in the Philippines) that we will celebrate the most important day of school life....Graduation. I have nephew and niece that gonna graduate high school this March 26, 2008. I'm so happy for their parents, at last after all those hardwork they had made just to have financial means to support their children, they will now enjoy the fruit of their sacrifices by seeing them on the stage.

In our conversation this morning, I can feel how excited they were, I always tell them the value of education that on these days, if you don't have education, the only thing you'll be shown is the door. Don’t let your dreams stay only dreams. Take steps to make them a reality. You can start by having a good education. And don't let any obstacles hinder you, like lack of financial capability. That's the no. 1 reason of the rising number of out of school youth today, no money to support their education. But don't let that reason beats you, if the money is the problem, then find way to make one. I was one of them, unfortunately, I was not lucky enough like some of my batchmates who has capable parents to support their college education. If only those kids know how lucky they are, that there is someone who will be able to finance their education unlike us and the majority.

I still remember after my high school graduation, there were only 4 options that you can choose if u cannot go to college: those days, going to Japan is very popular, you will be trained to dance or sing or play in a band. Second, just get married young, have kids, and stay poor. Third, start working, salesperson if you have personality(this is a must in the dept. store), or any high school graduate jobs like washing dishes, or factory jobs. And fourth, just stay at home being PAL (palamunin), like a parasite.

Geesh, I chose none of the above. I bravely follow what my heart wants...to go enroll in a college, without any assurance that I have enough money for my expenses. Thanks to those fastfoods companies that gives opportunity to students earn money while studying. Jollibee is part of my college life, some competitors accused them of exploiting young students working, still, the fact remains that they help many poor students to survive and finish their college course. It is a good training ground for students to learn the value of hardwork, teamwork, good communications, and time management. I owe one to SM Supermarket too(working as cashier), by giving us, the students the opportunity to work with them. And many other companies who offered part time job to poor students who rely only to their earnings to support their education. Surely, hardwork pays....